Poku-poku
Poku-poku means “little by little” in Kriolu. That is the ethos of this space: big change from small steps.
Each month, a thoughtful selection of funding needs will be highlighted to raise awareness and support. Your generous contribution to any of these initiatives goes further than you might realize! Each cause will center around mutual aid or boots-on-the-ground organizations that are actively delivering essential care directly to those in need. It is through the strength of our community that we can collectively make the world a better place for everyone. As a Kabuverdianu space, are committed to ensuring that at least one cause each month will focus on addressing the needs of people and organizations throughout Cabo Verde, emphasizing the importance of solidariadadi, komunidadi, y midjoria di these communities.
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February 2025
Little Miss Flint Clean Water Fund
This is a personal favorite: Mari Copeny, also known as Little Miss Flint, has been doing amazing work in her community to help the residents of Flint Michigan access lead-free water. As a predominately Black community, this crisis has negatively affected the health of over 12,000 people by exposing them to unsafe levels of lead. Donate directly to her water filter fund to support the continued efforts to bring water equality to communities affected by high lead levels!
Youth Justice Coalition LA
From their site: “The Youth Justice Coalition (YJC) is working to build a youth, family, and formerly and currently incarcerated people’s movement to challenge America’s addiction to incarceration and race, gender and class discrimination in Los Angeles County’s, California’s and the nation’s juvenile and criminal injustice systems. “
Trying to summarise this was difficult so copy + paste it is! Check out their action page to see how you can donate your time as well as funds.
Sudan Solidarity Collective
Finding resources to support Sudan and DRC through actions has been difficult, but we must all KEEP EYES ON SUDAN. Whether it’s boycotting the UAE, calling/emailing your representative, signing a petition, or donating to relief efforts at refugee camps we must all continue to keep eyes on Sudan and call for an end to this genocide. I recommend following pages via social media /blogs such as Sudan Solidarity Collective in order to keep up to date on any developments being overlooked by larger media outlets..
National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network
OR NQTTCN for short, this network of therapists centers healing justice for, per their site, “Black, Indigenous and People of Color, poor people, disabled people, women, femmes, and queer, trans and intersex people.” I love any initiative that puts the mental health of marginalized people first, so go check them out and consider donating as well! Trans people CANNOT be erased! Get the hell over it!
Displaced Black Families GoFundMe Directory
Like the title says! This is a master list of displaced families from the LA Wildfires. Altadena is a historic Black city where climate racism/injustice has displaced thousands. Pick a name or a few and give what you can! Consider donating your time, skills, and services as well as families await the green light to go back home and try to rebuild.
ALL EYES ON CONGO
Much like Sudan, it is difficult to learn more about the ongoing genocide in DRC due to the lack of internet access/phone access for those immediately affected by the genocide. Cobalt mining, much like diamond mining or açai picking, is riddled with controversial practices. Following organizations such as Friends of Congo is a great way to educate yourself on how the genocide in Congo affects all of us from cobalt to women's safety issues. Stay informed and KEEP EYES ON CONGO.
NZ: Support Lewa’s Battle Against Cancer
Lewa is 36 and fighting stage 3 cancer. Her sister has created a fundraising campaign through GiveALittle to help raise the $65,000 funds needed for Lewa’s treatment in Christchurch. If donating from the US please remember the currency difference and donate generously.
January 2025
L.A. GoFundMe Master List
This is a working list of several mutual aid requests for people rebuilding after the wildfires in LA. Consider choosing a few to donate to and share as well to help spread the word!
AmericaHatesUS
“Brewed to be equal parts informative, comedic & revolutionary, AHUS offers a tangible medium for those to communicate views we hold dear through the use of symbolic expression”. AHUS offers a monthly bookclub, Patreon, creates/boosts mutual aid requests, and donates 20% of the sale of their merch to designated organizations.
Healthcare + Chronic Illness
Black femme navigating disability, chronic illness, single parenthood, and the US healthscare system.
CLIMATE ACTION:
MALAN Fire & Wind Storm Resources
Mutual Aid LA Network (MALAN) has put together a google sheet with multiple fire and evacuation resources. Please consider keeping up with programs such as this as communities rebuild
Maryland2Palestine Actions
Are you looking for ways to continue support for the people of Palestine beyond monetary donations? Donate your time! Maryland 2 Palestine organizes protests, educational events, and calls to action. I suggest following their social media to keep updated. but read their mission first to educate yourself about the group.
Ward 8 Woods Conservancy
Ward 8 Woods Conservancy is a grassroots nonprofit organization that works to increase the health, beauty, and public enjoyment of urban forests East of the Anacostia River in Washington, DC.
December 2024
As December is the “season of giving” and I encourage everyone to donate to as many mutual aid requests, food drives, coat drives, and grassroots organizations as you can afford.
November 2024
Saving AlGeneina
Support efforts to provide aid to those fleeing war in Darfur, Sudan
The Saving AlGeneina initiative has been working on providing safe refuge for those displaced by the ongoing genocide in Sudan.
Justice for Odair Moniz
Content Warning: Police Brutality
On October 21st Cape Verdean native, Odair Moniz, was shot by the Police in Lisbon while unarmed. His family is seeking mutual aid to support the costs of seeking justice as well as laying a loved one to rest.
Immigration + Healthcare
Family seeking aid for emergency evacuation and surgical needs
Help a family flee unsafe conditions and reunite with their son in the US. Funding will go towards immigration legal assistance, hernia surgery for the mother, and a used car. L.A. based? Want to donate a car?
Ele Elna Elak
The funds go directly to purchasing goods and covering distribution costs on the ground.
Ele Elna Elak is a volunteer-led initiative providing direct aid and shelter to the people of Gaza. If you wish to donate to the organization directly click here
October 2024
BeLoved Asheville
Beloved Asheville is responding urgently to Hurricane Helene!
BeLoved Asheville is deeply committed to supporting our community during this time of crisis. In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, we are dedicating all our resources to providing essential aid to those affected.
Support a Family Fleeing Domestic Violence
Content Warning: Domestic Abuse
They are not safe returning to their own home and need help! Please consider donating as she navigates employment, child care, groceries, and legal fees.