Solidarity not Charity

Charity alleviates the symptoms caused by an unjust system but doesn't challenge the root problems, and it often puts those providing the charity in a position of power OVER those who it 'helps' with benevolence or feeling good for helping out.

Solidarity, on the other hand, implies that our struggles are intertwined. I support you because we all benefit from it and I hope that you will support me also. Solidarity can challenge the current systems while still providing essential service work.

So for example: we can feed the homeless (which is important) or we challenge the economic, political, and social systems that cause homelessness through real education, real jobs or real job training, and decent housing, or we can do both at the same time.

Charity and solidarity are NOT mutually exclusive concepts. It really comes down to the analysis and how you administer the programs. In the 1960's churches had fed people for years, but when the Black Panther Party, the Young Lords, or the Brown Berets began similar programs combined with their analysis and actions that challenged the systems, the service work became deeper in solidarity with those who were historically marginalized in our society.

Charity alone is a relief valve for guilt from not having to challenge oppression. Solidarity says we must challenge this system and provide for people so we can make the world a better place for all.