In this class, we will work together to plan and execute mutual aid events and initiatives for our broader PSCS community. We will plan the logistics of ongoing community drives and regular food and supply distribution, learning skills in conducting a community based needs assessment to directly support the needs of those in our community. We will also explore various examples of mutual aid in Seattle to inform our own operations and expand our mutual aid engagement.

In this class, we will explore examples of mutual aid and the use of zines in activism, utilizing knowledge gained in the creation of a mutual aid zine. This term’s zine will center around sharing the stories of our unhoused neighbors.

We will begin by understanding our positionality as housed students and writers, and the power that comes with telling someone else’s story. We will also explore the history and context of zines and art and design through a decolonial lens. We will then learn interviewing skills such as how to ask thoughtful questions, how to navigate sensitive topics, and how language choice may shape meaning.

We will then translate these stories into a zine, learning the basics of communication design, such as layout and audience awareness. Working closely with Simon, who creates zines for Eggrolls, we will explore various design and zine-making tools such as Affinity Designer and Spectrolight, choosing materials and platforms based on student interest. Final pieces will be shared with the wider CID community!