anarchist institution

Anarchist institutions are public services organized by people, without hierarchy and sometimes in competition with the State. They aim to provide people with pratical alternatives to the often oppressive State institution, increasing the society's economical and psychological independence.

Anarchist institutions can exist thanks to the dedication of many volunteers. The concept is included in the theory of anarchist dual power.

Examples:

• free education: providing free schooling, free access to culture, free professional training
• free health: providing free medical assistance

In the real world today:

• Food not Bombs: one of the largest anarchist movements, distributing free food as a form of direct action.
• Anarchist Black Cross: supporting victim of the prison system
• hospitality exchange: supporting travellers with free temporary housing
• regiving networks: alternative, money-free distribution of goods

Related concepts:

• anarcho-pacifism
• voluntarism
• anarchist social organization
• anarchist economic organization