July 19:  Mutual Aid for Climate Justice and Healing
During this time of social change, we are seeing a blossoming of solidarity networks, alternative economies and cooperative ways to directly respond to needs in the community.
In this Building Bridges, we will focus on the grassroots activity called Mutual Aid and how it helps promote more equitable and just ways of responding to climate change driven disasters. Perhaps even laying the groundwork for new systems in this time of transition.
We will be in conversation with longtime Mutual Aid organizers and their direct experience with how MA works, how it helps serve those in marginalized communities.
We will also be asking how we can better support MA work with self-care practices, so that those who are involved can avoid burnout and this vital service can be done regeneratively.
Our speakers:
Raven Dodson with Open World Relief
Jimmy Dunson with Mutual Aid Disaster Relief
Hosted by Jul Bystrova and Galen Meyers

Jimmy Dunson is a writer, activist, and co-founder of Mutual Aid Disaster Relief. Jimmy has responded to disasters in Louisiana, North Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, and Puerto Rico distributing supplies, assisting with solar infrastructure, clearing debris, listening, and building a lot of friendships along the way. Jimmy’s passion is building mutual aid survival programs.

Raven Dodson is an Mutual Aid activist for both Indigenous and environmental causes and for disaster relief. She has been a "keyboard warrior" on many frontlines, including her latest project--coordinating the sewing of thousands of masks to go to the Dine' nation and other tribes

Healing Justice with Special Guest Scott Brown
Hosted by Jul Bystrova with Galen Myers, Ayako Nagano
This month's Building Bridges series will recap what we have done so far, and keep the conversation going! This work is vital for the healing and shifting of that which has divided and damaged us. After a short recap by team members and deeper reflections, we will harvest the questions that are most alive for us today. 

We may explore such questions as: "In what ways have I contributed to harm?" and "how can I contribute to the restoration of wholeness where harm has been done?"

After our intro and recap, Scott Brown will introduce us to a restorative justice process where we will hold a deeper dialogue--a place that we can continue to look at our implicit and deeply rooted assumptions and perspectives on racial divides, as well as engage the inner process and seek the actions we can do to become more actively anti-racist.

Historical Trauma
and Intercultural Healing

With Pat McCabe, Bayo Akomolafe and Aleisa Myles
Hosted by Jul Bystrova

To better understand our work on the front lines of dismantling systems of oppression and colonization, it is vital we talk about the nature of historical trauma and how that shapes a community and the individuals in a community over time. In order to connect across cultures, healing and reconciliation must be part of the process. Join host Jul Bystrova as we welcome guests Pat McCabe, who speaks on Indigenous and intercultural issues, author and speaker on cultural change Bayo Akolomolafe and Aleisa Myles, who works on issues of trauma, racism, and diversity.

Unpacking Privilege 
In a Time of Crisis

With Pat McCabe, Bayo Akomolafe and Aleisa Myles
Hosted by Jul Bystrova

Privilege often allows those who enjoy it to choose whether or not to understand the real and deep connection between climate change, environmental and economic destruction and social justice. In this talk, we will shine a light on the nature of privilege and some of the obvious and not so obvious ways it shows up in our lives. We will especially shine a light on how it shows up in times of disaster or crisis. This is a very important aspect of our collective healing.​

Being an Ally

With Pat McCabe and Nicole Wires
Hosted by Jul Bystrova

What does it mean to be an ally for those of other cultures, especially those who have experienced more marginalization?  What specifically does it look like to serve in 'allyship' with someone who is treated differently by the system we live in? How do we identify and express that identity as we cultivate environments that are cross-cultural and collaborative? Our guest panelists have a rich history of working cross culturally and this promises to be a lively and informative discussion.