On November 15, the GW Innovation Center (GWIC) transformed Tompkins Hall M06 into a marketplace for student designers, artists, and creatives at the annual Ward 2 Mutual Aid Flea Market. From handmade clothes to baked goods, a plethora of unique creations were on sale, with 50% of each student’s profits donated to Ward 2 Mutual Aid (W2MA), a community-led effort that supports our unhoused neighbors in Washington, D.C.
W2MA volunteers carry out mutual aid, defined as cooperation for the sake of the common good, by giving every dollar they raise to community members in need. Whether that money is given directly or indirectly through the purchase and delivery of groceries and hygiene materials, neighbors are taking care of neighbors in D.C. through W2MA. GWIC Coordinator Bella Kumar connected the center with W2MA in 2021.
“W2MA is one of the most effective ways to support the livelihoods of our immediate neighbors, and so we decided that a way for us to raise money to support them was by engaging our maker community,” Kumar said.
This year, nine students from a range of schools and programs sold handmade items at the market, most of which were made in M06, from original photo prints, block prints, and small paintings to sewn patches, tote bags, jewelry, and henna.
GWIC’s mission closely aligns with that of W2MA because at its core is the idea that making is and can be mutual aid. While housed in GW Engineering, GWIC is part of the broader innovation ecosystem at GW, teaching students across the university to use design and making to solve problems. Its programs encourage students to rely on one another and explore challenges creatively.
"We slow the rush to solve by taking time to deeply understand problems from lived experience and multiple perspectives, and work to make things that improve our community’s material conditions,” said Kumar. “Supporting W2MA gives us an opportunity to really meditate on how the GWIC can support mutual aid amongst students and our non-student community members.”