Mutual Aid
What we can learn from a 16-year-old autonomous community in Athens
Prosfygika sits in Athens near stadiums, hospitals and municipal buildings. While other areas sprout hotels and condos, this corner has fought to resist gentrification.
Learning about drug testing strips
I’ll be giving out free drug testing strips at the Dark Side Burlesque show on April 19th at 8pm at Franky Bradleys. The show is bird-themed and features some of the most fun burlesque and drag performers in Philly. Get tickets here and come and find me for
Civics
Block parties can reduce fear. Here's how to throw one in Philly
Knowing your neighbors is proven to reduce fear by turning unknown people into known demographic communities. One way to engage with those neighbors is to work together to host a block party.
One thing you can do today to help
There are so many people who can benefit from community that it sometimes feels disorienting to know where to begin. Instead of waiting for a grand plan, you can do a small action today to make a connection with a neighbor. This is why The Platia revolves around a concept
Arts
The arts make you a better person
Writing the Eater guide to Philly’s best cheesesteaks, I have had dozens. So I wanted to spend National Cheesesteak Day with artist Doomed Future talking about his grandfather and Jim's West
How food waste can become clothing
Food waste is a major concern for me, as someone who eats a lot for a living. After an article last year where I explored all the kinds of waste that are created in kitchens and catering, I became fascinated with the ways that ingredients can be reused. For example,
How you can file a Right-To-Know request
With a few No Kings events coming up, I want to remind people about a right you can exercise any day. Citizens of Pennsylvania have the right to request access to state and local government records as part of the Right-To-Know Law. Active since 2009, this law makes
A visit to the Penn's Landing encampment and what you can do to help
Update April 2: The city records office has requested an extension to process documents related to the removal of the encampment. I have also added more links in context in the story below. Update: As of March 19, at noon Eastern, Mayor Parker's office has not replied to
One thing you can do today
If mutual aid is new concept to you and you're overwhelmed with how to create mutual aid in your community, here's two small things you can do now.
Looking to donate clothing? Use this checklist
We've been talking a lot about Spring cleaning, and decluttering, and the ways to circulate resources through your community that you might be finished with. Going through your closet is a great way to start, identifying items you may have worn last year that don't fit,
You can volunteer at the Philadelphia Flower Show
It's a hidden fact (more popular by the day) that you can volunteer at the Philadelphia Flower Show and get free admission. I've volunteered at three separate shows, and saw drastically different exhibits each time. It's become something I look forward to and even
Overdose prevention training this week
Join The Platia on March 3, to learn what to do when you see someone possibly overdosing on the street. You can sign up at this link, but keep reading too! We'll go over the signs to identify if someone needs help, how to use Narcan, CPR sheets,