Our Connection to the Greater Community During a Time of Global Crisis Through Mutual Aid Work

Abstract

This paper describes our internship experiences with Newton Neighbors, a mutual aid group based in the greater Boston area. Throughout our time with Newton Neighbors, we have gained in experience in community and public health work. This involved completing tasks such as conducting a community needs assessment, distributing health information, and evaluating the impact of the mutual aid work. We have reflected on our experience and learned a variety of lessons such as community mobilizing efforts are able to support public health efforts, increasing accessibility to public health information is essential, diversity in privilege exists in wealthy communities, and diverse women role models in leadership are significant for inspiring and leading young female public health professionals.