A few times I’ve gone out and picked up litter in a park nearby. It’s a nice way to get fresh air and exercise, feel like you’re making your neighborhood better, and maybe chat with some people from the area. I don’t do it as often as I could - in fact this post was a good reminder that I should do it again soon.

I’ve joined the community council, co-chair of our toy library and co-chair of our community workshop/repair cafe, and I’ve recently helped with starting a new emergency response communications organisation to fill the gap between civil defence and vulnerable communities (people with disabilities, ESL immigrants, migrant workers, the elderly etc). I feel like 2025 I want to get my projects cleaned up and dedicate more time to sharing how to navigate local bureaucracy to start community initiatives so more communities can start their own.

Working in some local community groups mainly focused on urban greening and safe streets. I am a leader in one of them, and more of an active supporter in others. I recently connected with a group focused on native plants and restoration/gardening for biodiversity.

I’d also like to get more involved with groups focusing on climate activism, Palestinian liberation, lgbtq rights, shielding immigrants from the coming violence, and mutual aid. But that’s a lot of topics and it remains aspirational at this point.

Recently met with my local pastor to see how we could include kids/teens in community programs that intersect with the church. One of the major hurdles is that kids have new expectations around how to meet up–especially online–and the few touch points during the week are in person only. Trying to find ways to meet people where they’re at. It was a good first meeting, although she (the pastor) is not tech savvy, so I expect we’ll have a few more conversations before we find a good way forward.