We’ve had a busy month… “we” as a nation, not to mention “we” as the Hampton Roads Mutual Aid Network. Our nation is truly in unprecedented waters, and the only thing that’s truly in most of our power is to lean into our hyper-local community and mutual aid efforts.

Hampton Roads Mutual Aid Network is here to unite many grassroots organizations and efforts in order to raise awareness, foster solidarity, and cultivate community ties.

At January’s meeting, we covered a lot of ground. Here are some of the highlights (meeting minutes courtesy of Jessica D.):

Today’s meeting was a hybrid Hampton Roads Mutual Aid Network (@hr_mutualaid on IG) meeting/TDSA organizing fair.Various individuals and groups spoke this evening to share their current projects. Those efforts are listed below alongside contact information. Additionally, the names of other local mutual aid groups and their IG handles are listed underneath the notes for those that are new to Slack/HRMN. DM/email the organizations below:

• @Nick Dumas is working on creating a 757 food resources map and making steps towards more established food distribution efforts. People are needed to check on specific community fridges, find out what’s in them, clean them, make sure they are accessible, etc. If you are interested in this at all, please DM Nick via Slack or reply in thread.

• @Leighanne Reitz, MSW is part of 757 Progressive Moms (on FB) and recently addressed the general assembly in regards to restoring voting rights for felons, changing language in constitution around marriage equality, etc. If you are interested in supporting these bills (via writing or speaking) and/or obtaining more info about them, DM Leighanne on Slack or email her at for more information on specific bills/committees at [email protected]

• Steve is with Catholic Workers. Volunteers are needed for the soup line on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings. Also, if you are interested in nuclear disarmament, (protests, advocacy, education), please contact Steve at [email protected]

• @Ella Maher is with Students Act Now at ODU and is leading a project involving banned books. He is currently curating banned book lists and actively looking for donations of banned books. For more info or to donate, please DM Ella on Slack or email [email protected].

• Brendan Baylor is a local artist currently selling select prints with proceeds going to Hampton Roads Reproductive Justice League (HRRJL). Has an upcoming print-making event. For more info, please contact via email [email protected].

• Abigail is working with others to create an organizing day for those that are interested in making their workplace more democratic and/or changing their work environment. Email Abigail for more info or if you want to collaborate: [email protected]

• Adi is a VB high school student who is interested in mutual aid within a school space and protecting students at school. DM Adi on Slack to collaborate or get more info.

• Hampton Roads Reproductive Justice League (HRRJL): HRRJL is the local abortion fund and always needs volunteers. DM @Erin, Eleanor's Nfk or @Sara B. - HRRJL on slack for more info. Also follow @hrrjlva on IG.

• Calos Coalition: The next Trans Family Dinner is January 19th from 5-8 PM at the LGBT Life Center in Hampton. RSVP required here. Follow on IG: @caloscoalition or ask @Gray Lyden for more info.

• Veterans For Peace: Actively recruiting mayors for Mayors For Peace. Actively helping to map license plate readers. For more info or questions about how to get involved email [email protected] and also follow on IG: @vfp757

• Tidewater Solidarity Bail Fund: Always needs volunteers, specifically for answering the phones for those who need bail. Email [email protected] for more info or DM @757bailfund on IG

• Hampton Roads Harm Reduction: Planning to distribute free Narcan to certain restaurants in VB and Norfolk within the next month or so, will need volunteers to drop off. Also working with a local musician to create an open mic night/panel discussion event at Utopia Feni in VB. Will likely happen in March. If you are an artist or creative with material related to mental health and/or harm reduction, please consider sharing at the open mic event. Date not confirmed yet, look for updates on IG or DM with questions @hamptonroadsharmreduction

• Tidewater DSA: Trying to “put the social is socialism” right now with monthly socials on Mondays at 6:30 at Elation Brewing to meet, discuss, and share ideas. There’s pizza too. Email [email protected] for more info, follow on IG @tidewaterdsa, or reach out to @Adam Morrow via slack for opportunities to get involved. Gabriel from TDSA is also interested in starting a conversation around unifying various leftists perspectives to work together to achieve common goals. If you’re interested in this conversation, please email [email protected].

• Our Angels Clothing Closet: @our.angelscloset

• Free Mask Bloc 757: @757masks

• 757CommunityFridges: @757communityfridges

• KUSP: @wearekusp

• CoalDustKills: @coaldustkills

• Humanities Behind Bars: @humanitiesbehindbars

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