Need Help from the RRL?

GET HELP FROM the RAPID RESPONSE LIST

Please note the change to our process: 

• If you are a member of the public, we regret that we are not accepting new requests at this time, unless they are through a community partner. Here is a list of other possible mutual aid resources to explore.

For any questions or concerns, please reach out.

What is the Rapid Response List?

Resource Movement's (www.resourcemovement.org) Rapid Response List responds to time-sensitive requests from social justice movements and individuals seeking survival support.

What types of requests can be shared through this list?

Requests for support need to meet the following criteria (adapted from Resource Generation’s Giving Guide & their Social Justice Philanthropy Principles):

• Focus on systemic change, addressing root causes of colonial, racial, social, economic and environmental injustice.

• Centre the leadership of people impacted by the injustices they are fighting.

• Build power within marginalized communities.

• Be based in Canada or have a connection with Canada.

• Funds will not be used for any illegal activities.

Survival requests come from individuals or families seeking support with the basic costs of living: rent, groceries, medications, etc. Individuals seeking survival support may also be organizers/part of movements, but need not be.

At this time we do not have the ability to raise support for large capital projects as our focus is on urgent requests for support.

Is this list only for supporting protests, actions, or other typical “organizing” activities?

No! We recognize that, for individuals and communities directly impacted by injustice, addressing root causes and building power can look many different ways, such as supporting artistic activism or the basic needs of activists. If you’re not sure whether your request fits the criteria above, we encourage you to reach out to us.

How can I submit a request?

Only trusted partners can submit request to the Rapid Response List. We will accept referrals from individuals or organizations that are one to two degrees of separation from RRL members.

Example 1: an RM member can recommend a funding drive that a partner or organization is hosting or for an individual who they know through community.

Example 2: community partners and organizations can recommend an individual in need of survival support who they have a connection with, which also ensures that person is connected to wider supports.

New partnerships with RRL/RM can be identified at any time, and will be approached through conversation with the partner and RRL volunteers. Please get in touch at rapidresponse@resourcemovement.org. 

How much support can I expect?

In 2023, the Rapid Response List had a yes-response of 78% (166 of 213 requests) for asks ranging from $150 to $1805, with an average of $665 funded per request. Since launching this list in early 2018, the most a request has raised has been $8,950, and the least has been $50.

Please note: The majority of requests are now fulfilled through a pooled funding source, the Rapid Response Survival Fund, rather than individual donors, which helps provide certainty to those urgently needing funds and helps RRL fund more of the requests at 100%.

What kinds of requests have raised more money?

From what we’ve observed, requests that share a sense of urgency (a deadline with real consequences) and a clear connection to grassroots social justice movements (ex: Idle No More, Black Lives Matter, No One is Illegal) have raised more money.

What can I expect after writing to this list?

We aim to respond within 48 hours, although with limited capacity it can take up to one week to receive funds. Your emailed request will be shared internally with the members of the coordinating team. Someone from our team will follow up with you either with approval of your request, or with questions (if we have any). We will fund the request depending on need and on availability of funds, and we will publicly share a summary of fund distribution with our list members. Normally, only a first name or pseudonym is visible in the Request Tracker.

Who manages the Rapid Response email list?

Currently, the List  is managed by a small group of RM members, all of whom are white and class-privileged. We want to expand and diversify this group - if you’re interested in joining, please get in touch at rapidresponse@resourcemovement.org. 

Can I share this resource with other people in my network?

Yes! Anyone can feel free to let movement groups know that this resource exists.

Where can I find other sources of support?

Here is a link to a growing list of mutual aid resources and support networks you can check out.

This list is an ongoing and evolving experiment and we welcome feedback from anyone who has been involved with this list in any way! 

To submit a request, for further questions, or to share feedback, please reach out to us at rapidresponse@resourcemovement.org.