The Speed of Dreams’ Resonance
Our weeks, like our hearts, have been so full lately. [...]
Living Autonomy: Anarchists Organize Relief Efforts in Florida
Recently we spoke with Dezeray about her organizing with Mutual [...]
A sense of things: Houston 09/10 – 09/15 2017
I first want to express my gratitude and love for [...]
Disaster Elitism vs. Communal Solidarity
Navigating forth, there are many communities that are still in [...]
Mutual Aid Disaster Relief as Antidote to Corporate Colonialism
But there are alternatives, and there are real solutions. Those solutions come from below. They come from the power of the people, which is incredibly vast, if only we have the vision and the courage to recognize it. We need radical responses to natural and unnatural disasters. We need communities that are eager to build power, eager to adapt, and eager to serve those who are neglected by a system which empowers only those who already have the most power. I saw, in post-Katrina New Orleans, the power that We The People have when we work together. I saw the efforts of ordinary people, organized, dedicated, and listening compassionately, able to rescue schools and entire neighborhoods from the gentrifying bulldozers. And I saw groups led by poor people of color rise to challenge the legitimacy of city and state government, FEMA, and the Red Cross. In disasters or other chaotic scenarios we can often make great strides in short time by filling vacancies left by “power vaccuums” (when the government and other established authorities temporarily disappear). In more stable times, we can still steadily gain power by organizing, struggling, fighting, utilizing our strengths (moral, relational, artistic); by acting strategically, creatively, bravely, diversely; and by never giving up. ...
Autonomy in Tampa – Solidarity in Immokalee: A Love Letter to the Future
The Mutual Aid Disaster Relief convergence center in Tampa is growing by the hour. The first aid station has grown into a wellness center, including acupuncture, trauma counseling, peer support, herbal medics, and other alternative medicine modalities. Local community members know to drop off hurricane supplies that they didn’t need. Community members also know to come here if supplies are needed. And that these supplies can be received with dignity. Here, there are no powerful givers of aid and powerless receivers of aid. We are undermining that dynamic in a process that contributes to the liberation and consciousness-raising of everybody involved. Mobile distros base out of the space, channel their inner Robin Hood, and reach across Florida with supplies, especially to historically marginalized communities. We have funneled over 10 tons of food, water, diapers, and other supplies to hard-hit Immokalee, FL. a migrant farmworker town...
Harvey, Irma, and Power from Below
We know starting somewhere with disasters of this magnitude can be overwhelming, so we want to remind you that resilience isn't found in what we can purchase, but in what we can share - in the relationships of support that connect us with each other. Reach out to your neighbors. Invite someone to stay at your home if you live in a safer area. Invite someone without access to transportation to evacuate with you if you choose to evacuate. Give rides to shelters for people who are experiencing homelessness or a physical disability. Prepare to engage in rescue efforts, send in supplies, or volunteer in other ways if it becomes needed. Act without waiting for permission...
Harvey: echoes of the past and future
Howling in my ears like a hurricane wind are the echoes of another historic storm season. In 2005 Hurricane Katrina ruptured the levees of New Orleans and killed more than 1200 throughout the region, and Mumbai was drowned by 37 inches of rain in only 24 hours, killing more than 1000 in the city alone. When history repeats itself, it is telling us that we have failed to learn our lesson. I am bursting with feelings from that historic 2005 hurricane season, when I feared for old friends in India and wept with new friends in New Orleans – I spent over a year in NOLA, working with the incredible Common Ground Collective. It was a transformative experience for me, I learned much during that time. And now I am hearing many echoes… may we all listen, and learn...
Solidarity and Cracks in History
At Standing Rock, it was commonplace to overhear people talking about prophecies culminating in the present moment. We were reminded of this Hopi prophecy that we continue to reflect on: "You have been telling the people that this is the Eleventh Hour, now you must go back and tell the people that this is the Hour. And there are things to be considered . . . Where are you living? What are you doing? What are your relationships? Are you in right relation? Where is your water? Know your garden. It is time to speak your Truth. Create your community. Be good to each other. And do not look outside yourself for the leader." ...
Coming Together to Survive Climate Catastrophe
Although some people have lost everything in the U.S. southeast, this pales in comparison to the effects of Hurricane Matthew on the people of Haiti. Already over 1,000 people in Haiti have been killed by the Category 4 storm, making it the deadliest Atlantic Hurricane in over a decade. Our hearts are with everyone who lost loved ones, especially those in Haiti who are continuing to bear the brunt of climate change induced extreme weather caused by the industrialized, developed, fossil-fuel addicted nations like the U.S. If you are able, in lieu of sending Mutual Aid Disaster Relief monetary donations at this time, consider supporting one of these Haitian-led development-oriented organizations that are responding to Hurricane Matthew: ...