Category: Policy

Pod Mapping for Disaster Mutual Aid

Pod Mapping for Disaster Mutual Aid

Pod Mapping for Disaster Mutual Aid

01/08/25

“How can we visualize who we can rely on for mutual aid?”

When disaster strikes, whether it’s wildfires in Los Angeles or genocidal invasions in Gaza/Ukraine, people will need mutual aid. However, organizing whom you can rely on can be quite daunting. This is where Pod Mapping for Disaster Mutual Aid comes in. Pod mapping starts with drawing a circle representing yourself. Around this circle will be more circles representing people you trust you can rely on for essential services. You will then communicate with these people what services you can provide and how you will all work together. From here, you will make plans and draw out more potential contacts and larger mutual aid groups you can rely on. 

For more information regarding pod mapping, you can visit Rebel Sidney Black’s guide here.

Image credit: blogger.googleusercontent.com

Why American Gerontocracy is Statistically Intertwined With White Supremacy

Why American Gerontocracy is Statistically Intertwined With White Supremacy

Why American Gerontocracy is Statistically Intertwined With White Supremacy

12/28/24

“Why is American gerontocracy statistically intertwined with white supremacy?”

The US is commonly described as a gerontocracy, a political system structured to privilege people older than the median age over those who are younger. While the median age in the US is 39, only 6% of congress members (as of writing) are under 40, and the incoming President is 78 years old. The housing system is set up to benefit old-time homeowners who bought property when prices were low at the expense of young, first-time homeowners who are locked out of purchasing any properties viable for a strong quality of life. Meanwhile, younger generations are much more diverse than their older counterparts, with non-white people composing over half of Gen Z  but only around a quarter of senior citizens. Given these privileging factors, it’s clear to see Why American Gerontocracy is Statistically Intertwined With White Supremacy.

Appropriate Technology

Appropriate Technology

Appropriate Technology

12/26/24

“How do we create technology that’s appropriate for a local society and environment?”

When people talk about modern technology, many picture items using the latest advances in electronics and sensors. However, that may not be appropriate for communities that live in remote areas or don’t have access to consistent electricity or high-tech supply chains. People may need access to Appropriate Technologies built with the local community and environment in mind. An example of appropriate technology is a machine that washes clothes without electricity using locally repairable parts for off-grid, remote communities.

Image credit: https://lifewater.org/

Ex Situ Bioremediation

Ex Situ Bioremediation

Ex Situ Bioremediation

11/24/24

“How can we evacuate contaminated areas to a bioremediation treatment facility?”

Bioremediation is a powerful way to decontaminate pollution on the planet. While bioremediation techniques can be directly applied to the contaminated area, they can also be removed to a controlled environment for treatment. These are called Ex Situ Bioremediation techniques.

Citizen Advisory Committees

Citizen Advisory Committees

Citizen Advisory Committees

11/21/24

“How can governments work with committees of residents?”

Governments may want to work with their residents on hot-button topics. One way to accomplish this is to form a Citizen Advisory Committee to take in recommendations from community members and local experts on key issues. 

Activist Mediation

Activist Mediation

Activist Mediation

11/20/24

“How can mediators address a power imbalance between parties?”

Most mediation training strives for mediators to be “neutral” between parties. This neutrality can exacerbate any power differentials between two sides since there’s already not a level playing field. Professionals can use Activist Mediation techniques that strive to correct the power imbalance. This creates a non-neutral setting, which may be necessary to arrive at a more equitable outcome.

Environmental Impact Assessments

Environmental Impact Assessments

Environmental Impact Assessments

11/04/24

“How can we evaluate the environmental impacts of projects?”

Governments and institutions carry out construction projects. These are bound to have environmental impacts. The scale of these impacts can be measured through Environmental Impact Assessments, where professionals review the impacts of all possible projects compared to doing nothing at all.

How to Daylight a Stream

How to Daylight a Stream

How to Daylight a Stream

10/28/24

“How do we restore a buried stream?”

People bury streams for a variety of reasons. This can cause flooding issues and habitat destruction. Later, people may want to restore the stream. Restoring, or daylighting a stream can be accomplished by removing artificial impediments like pavements and culverts, recreating the former ecosystem, and applying maintenance techniques. This is How to Daylight a Stream.

Ecosystem Improvement Compensation

Ecosystem Improvement Compensation

Ecosystem Improvement Compensation

10/27/24

“How can we compensate people for improving ecosystems?”

Ecosystem services monetarily quantify the value an ecosystem provides. If someone improves an ecosystem, then under this framework they theoretically raise the ecosystem value. Some governments may want to implement Ecosystem Improvement Compensation by paying people who make ecosystems better.