In the center circle, write your name.
The dark circles are your pod. It’s important to write specific names, as well as what supports they can provide. Is it a neighbor who has a generator that will charge your wheelchair when the electricity is out? Is it someone who can buy and drop off groceries? What about a friend who will take care of you when you’re sick? Talk to your people and ask what they feel able to provide. Then ask them what they need from you to be in their pod, or let them know what you can offer. (Mutual aid is mutual.)
The dotted lines are people who are movable—they could become part of your pod if you have some conversations and build relationships.
The larger circles on the outside are bigger community groups, networks, organizations, etc that could be resources for you.
Here’s my pod map as an example. I don’t have everyone’s skills written down because I still need to have those conversations. But as I have more information, I can continue to fill it in. Like, “Do you want to be part of my disaster survival mutual aid pod? OK cool, what do you feel like you can contribute? I can bring meals and groceries, provide emotional support, and have a couple extra inhalers. We have a safe place where you can come and stay in our guest room if you need it.”
(Image description: whiteboard with circles in four different colors and names in each circle. My name in the middle pink circle. My pod in purple circles. Moveable people in teal dotted circles around the pod. Groups where I can get support in red circles at the outside.)
Use this tool in the way that works for you. And don’t forget where it came from—this is a resource created by BATJC to designate who could be a support in being accountable for harm, holding someone else accountable for harm, or who could help you if you witnessed harm. Honor where it came from and who created it.
Lots of love,
Rebel Sidney Black
Rebel Sidney Black
facebook.com/rebelblack007
rebelsidneyblack@gmail.com
(Click HERE to find a printable pod mapping worksheet, as well as Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha’s Half Assed Disabled Prepper Tips for Preparing for a Coronavirus Quarantine.)
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