This week we continue delving into community-rooted disaster relief in California, from wildfires to the pandemic. From building mutual aid networks, to translating emergency messages in common local languages, we see in action the incredible difference language justice can make in our communities.

  In Sonoma County, organizers hit the field with information on where to get food, shelter, and support.

  In San Francisco, they set up a much needed support response to COVID-19 in the city’s Mission District.

  Tune in and hear how these leaders act collectively to confront those in power, work for justice, and together answer one vital question: how can next time be different?

Special thanks to Sonya Green.

Thank you to the But Next Time team. To listen to all of the But Next Time episodes and access video versions with Spanish subtitles visit www.butnexttime.com. You can also learn more about the organizations featured in the podcast and access resources like a listening and discussion guide.

Learn more about the story and find the transcript on radioproject.org.  Like this story? Support independent journalism, NewsMatch will double your donation up to $1,000! Making Contact is an award-winning, nationally syndicated radio show and podcast featuring narrative storytelling and thought-provoking interviews. We cover the most urgent issues of our time and the people on the ground building a more just world. 

But Next Time was created as part of Rise-Home Stories, a project in which multimedia storytellers and housing, land, and racial justice advocates came together to reimagine the past, present, and future of our communities by transforming the stories we tell about them. The Rise-Home Stories Project includes five pieces of media (a video game, children’s book, animated short, and online storytelling site, and the But Next Time Podcast) that help us rethink our relationships to land and home. For more info visit www.risehomestories.com

FEATURING: Alma Bowen, Founder / Executive Director of Nuestra Comunidad, Maribel Merino, Host, Radio Autóctona Indigenista on KBBF, Xulio Soriano, California Rural Legal Assistance, Mariano Alvarez, California Rural Legal Assistance, Gervacion Peña Lopez, Host, Radio Autóctona Indigenista on KBBF, Beatrice Camacho, ERAP manager of North Bay Organizing Project, Valerie Tulier-Laiwa, Coordinator of the Latino Task Force 

BUT NEXT TIME: This episode is hosted by Chrishelle Palay and Rose Arrieta, and produced by Leah Mahan. MAKING CONTACT: This episode is hosted by Anita Johnson and produced by Anita Johnson, Lucy Kang, Salima Hamirani, and Amy Gastelum. Our executive director is Jina Chung. MUSIC: All original compositions by Fernando Arruda including “But Next Time,” “Going Back,” and “Rumors of Hope.” 

Learn More: 

But Next Time Podcast Rise Home Stories Working Films