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 called harm reduction, which includes reducing the damage in our communities for the most vulnerable, from making sure everyone has food to eat, to raising our children as a village. Because we are only as strong as our most vulnerable neighbors.

If this is a 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.

1. Use Spring cleaning as an excuse to donate books. How many books are collecting dust on your shelves? Pull out a few that you're not likely to read anymore, and pass them along. Books Through Bars collects soft cover books in a myriad of topics – especially college text books, books in a series and religious texts – to distribute to people behind bars. Here, in Philly, you can either drop them off in West Philly, or you can stop in for a volunteer orientation. Don't forget to ask your neighbors if they have any books to add to your pile. You'll be surprised how many people will be thrilled to participate.
2. Speaking of Spring cleaning, have a neighbor you can assist with yard care? while you're outside wiping down your own porch or cleaning branches out of your own yard, check on a neighbor who may need a hand with their own. If you don't know your neighbors that well, this is a good will exercise in getting to know them and being a part of community beautification. If you become inspired, the Horticultural Society has a Tree Tenders program where you can request or distribute trees across the city.
   

Finally, if you need to distribute Narcan, Plan B, condoms or hygiene items in your neighborhood (or even a private training) The Platia has resources for you. reply and I can set you up.

Happy Spring,
Annemarie