The RNA is providing organization and resources for emergency preparedness "pods" to form on every block of Ridgecrest. If you are interested in creating a hyperlocal network for support and mutual aid in the event of a disaster (and every day), please join us as we build this new neighborhood resource.
Sign up for the RNA email list to get resources and support.
Host a block party on August 5 and talk to your neighbors about emergency preparedness and mutual aid.
Visit the Ridgecrest Neighbor Network booth at Outdoor Movie Night on September 6.
Attend our fall coordination meeting on Tuesday, October 14 to get information and resources to form a pod.
We are still developing this concept, but generally it's a group of 8-12 households on a block that have a contact list and emergency preparedness plan. There are lots of ways this can be useful, both in major disasters and personal emergencies. We are preparing a suite of resources and planning materials to support anyone who wants to coordinate a pod on their block. We are planning a meeting in the fall (date TBD) for anyone who wants to start a pod. Stay tuned as we firm up these plans, and let us know if you want to get involved!
We recommend hosting a block party for Shoreline's Night Out for Community on August 5 as a way to get to know your neighbors and gauge interest in starting a pod. 🙂 Deadline to register is July 10!
"Emergency preparedness" is a widely understood concept, but the term "mutual aid" may be new to some. Mutual aid is a voluntary exchange of resources and services for mutual benefit. It's a system where people cooperate to meet each other's needs, often in the absence of, or as a supplement to, formal support systems like government aid or charities. Mutual aid emphasizes solidarity and community self-reliance, rather than traditional charity or top-down assistance.Â
Learn more about mutual aid:
What we love about mutual aid (Solid Ground)Â
Community Fridges: An Accessible and Scalable Form of Mutual Aid (YouTube)
What Is Mutual Aid, And How Can It Transform Our World? (GlobalGiving)