What is 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!

 What is mutual aid?

"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. 

Learn more about mutual aid:

• What we love about mutual aid (Solid Ground) 

• Community Fridges: An Accessible and Scalable Form of Mutual Aid (YouTube)

• What Is Mutual Aid, And How Can It Transform Our World? (GlobalGiving)