I concur. Mutual aid, to nurture local networks of support, is crucial. Building community through every possible type of practical engagement helps people to get to know each other in relatively low-stakes ways, which means there’s a better base for when the stakes increase.
What you're saying is very similar to something Bayard Rustin said about cleaning up the streets. He didn't believe picking up garbage moved the needle much, but it did open the door to talking about the issues, and that had potential for an impact for the bigger picture.
It is especially timely to refer back to the wisdom and determination of the greats, though I did not have Rustin’s insights in mind. We need their inspiration now more than ever (& the leadership of contemporary Black organizers too, who are carrying forward that legacy so powerfully).
I had an opportunity to work with a group of young people a little over 25 years ago who used their regular meeting time once a month to go out in the community and clean a bit. They also started change simply by smiling at others and saying hello as they passed on the sidewalk. Change happened.