In this episode of Movement Memos, we delve into the essential strategies for fostering community resilience to combat the growing challenges posed by state negligence amid economic and climate crises.
By Kelly Hayes, host of Truthout’s podcast Movement Memos. Cross-posted from Truthout.
Welcome to “Movement Memos”
Kelly Hayes: Thank you for tuning in to “Movement Memos,” a Truthout podcast focused on activism, solidarity, and the path to meaningful change. I’m your host, Kelly Hayes.
Today, we will explore the concept of building resilient communities capable of withstanding disasters—not merely through individual preparation, but by fostering relationships, developing skills, and creating infrastructures that empower individuals to support one another and reclaim control over the systems integral to their lives.
Joining me are Keyante Aytch, Alice Liu, and Brandon Bunt, all involved in the climate resilience initiatives of the Climate Mobilization Project’s National Climate Survival Incubator. Keyante, based in Chicago, is a solar installer creating off-grid energy systems for community gardens and urban farms. Alice works with West Street Recovery in Houston, which operates community hubs focused on disaster preparedness and response. Meanwhile, Brandon leads Kiau Technologies, an ecological tech studio crafting independent tools for farmers, such as solar-powered soil sensors and decentralized communication systems.
Our conversation was recorded prior to the severe storms that struck Northwestern Indiana on August 11, resulting in over 38,000 utility customers in Gary, a predominantly Black city, losing power for nearly two weeks. This extended blackout severely impacted residents’ access to food, medicine, and communication and created perilous situations for those reliant on electricity for medical purposes. While we won’t discuss this disaster in detail, I invite listeners to reflect on its implications as we explore how preparedness and community infrastructure can protect us when essential systems fail.
Keyante, Alice, and Brandon are actively engaged in this vital work. In our discussion today, we will address neighborhood disaster hubs, community-controlled solar energy, food and energy sovereignty, decentralized communication, and the vital shift from viewing resilience as an individual obligation to a collective endeavor. Their efforts also provoke a broader political inquiry: What kind of power can communities cultivate when they gain command over the systems that sustain their daily lives?
Upcoming Event: Before the Storm
All three guests will also be part of an upcoming event hosted by the Climate Mobilization Project on September 17, titled Before the Storm, a free online town hall focused on the anticipated 2026 Super El Niño, grassroots climate resilience, and movement strategy amid escalating climate disruption and authoritarianism. Keyante, Alice, and Brandon will share lessons learned from their resilience projects. I’ll join Daniel Aldana Cohen, co-author of A Planet to Win, to discuss political power, local ownership, and the future evolution of movements.
This event is scheduled for September 17 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Eastern/6 to 7:30 Central. The registration link can be found in the show notes.
Now, I encourage you to reflect on what my guests express about the infrastructures we inherit, those we create, and the connections that enable us to survive while building a better future.
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[musical interlude]
Conversation with Keyante, Alice, and Brandon
Kelly Hayes: Keyante, Alice, Brandon, welcome to “Movement Memos.”
Alice Liu: Thanks so much for having us.
Keyante Aytch: Thank you for the warm welcome.
Brandon Bunt: I appreciate it!
Kelly Hayes: How is everyone today?
Keyante Aytch: I’m doing well! It’s a lovely August day, full of promise.
Brandon Bunt: I’m in Denver where it’s been hot and dry, but I’ve just moved into a new live-work studio, which has been both challenging and exciting.
Alice Liu: I’m in Houston, where it’s a rainy day, a refreshing break from the recent heat.
About Our Guests
Kelly Hayes: I’m thrilled to be in conversation with all of you. Could each of you share a bit about yourself and the work you do?
Keyante Aytch: Certainly! I’m Keyante, a solar installer from Chicago with over six years in the industry. My current project involves installing off-grid energy systems in community gardens and urban farms, and I’m developing an emergency response program to assist nearby residents during power outages.
Alice Liu: I’m Alice, and since 2020, I’ve been part of West Street Recovery in Houston, a grassroots initiative born out of the urgent need for local disaster response post-Hurricane Harvey, which laid bare the government’s shortcomings. Today, we run a hyper-local disaster preparedness and response program that strengthens community power and policy advocacy for climate resilience.
Brandon Bunt: I’m Brandon, the founder of Kiau Technologies, an ecological tech studio. We create solar-powered sensors for moisture and temperature monitoring in diverse small farms, focusing on empowering farmers through autonomy and data sovereignty. Our innovative sensors communicate using a decentralized mesh network.
Understanding Disaster Recovery and Community Power
Kelly Hayes: Alice, West Street Recovery emphasizes disaster recovery as a method for building community power. Can you explain how that looks in practice?
Alice Liu: At West Street Recovery, we implement a dual approach to disaster response. Firstly, we address the material needs that arise before and after disasters, especially in Houston, which often faces government neglect following emergencies. We focus on securing safe housing and access to food, recognizing that economic hardships are often a political strategy hindered by insufficient government action.
Originally a home repair initiative to service low-income families denied federal assistance, our efforts have evolved. We emphasize community ties as we repair homes, fostering social resilience and trust. We mobilize groups of 100–150 residents to advocate for equitable climate resilience funding, ensuring that infrastructure protects all neighborhoods, not just the affluent ones.
Creating Local Disaster Hubs
Kelly Hayes: You treat disaster response as both addressing immediate needs and fostering relationships that enable organizing. Can you elaborate on how West Street Recovery’s hub homes operate and what insights you’ve gained regarding community care during crises?
Alice Liu: Absolutely. Our hub homes serve as local disaster preparedness centers equipped with solar panels, medical supplies, and essential resources. These hubs are crucial not just for physical necessities but also for building social infrastructure, connecting trusted neighborhood leaders with residents who may hesitate to request help during crises. Our hubs adapt to local needs and serve as training centers, instilling survival skills and encouraging proactive community engagement.
The Power of Collaboration
Kelly Hayes: Before we continue, let’s explore how the three of you connected through the National Climate Survival Incubator. What has this experience been like?
Keyante Aytch: It’s been fantastic! The cohort comprises diverse individuals across the country, focusing on resilience and community sustainability. Monthly virtual meetings facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration on various projects, and it’s inspiring to be part of such a supportive community.
Kelly Hayes: Keyante, your focus on community gardens in Chicago stands out. Can you explain why these spaces are central to your work?
Keyante Aytch: Community gardens and urban farms act as foundational hubs for resilience. They highlight themes of land sovereignty and food production while also promoting energy sovereignty. By implementing off-grid energy solutions at these sites, we enable communities to become self-sufficient and decentralized, enhancing their resilience against larger systemic failures.
Community Energy Solutions
Kelly Hayes: During a 2023 power outage in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, one of your off-grid systems provided vital support. Could you recount that experience and its implications for community-controlled energy systems?
Keyante Aytch: During that four-day outage, our community garden became the only source of electricity. Neighbors were able to charge devices and store perishable food, which showed that even community gardens mainly intended for food production can serve critical roles in emergency situations. This realization emphasized the importance of creating more intentional emergency responses through community infrastructure.
Innovative Technologies for Independence
Kelly Hayes: Brandon, Kiau is focused on independent communication and sensing technology. Can you explain how your system works and its relevance for farmers and communities?
Brandon Bunt: Absolutely! We develop sensor nodes that measure soil moisture and temperature, transmitting data wirelessly across distances using an energy-efficient mesh network. This technology allows farmers to actively manage water usage, crucial for sustaining crops, especially amidst increasing climatic unpredictability. Our goal is to support farmers in maintaining complete control over their data and agricultural strategies without relying on expensive external services.
Addressing Data Sovereignty
Kelly Hayes: Data sovereignty is integral to your work at Kiau. Why does it matter who owns and controls the data collected by farmers?
Brandon Bunt: It’s about practicality and trust. Many farmers face challenges when relying on proprietary technology that hinders them from effectively managing essential resources like irrigation. By offering open-source solutions, we empower farmers to adapt and maintain their systems independently, fostering autonomy over their agricultural practices while safeguarding them against failures of external companies.
Collaborative Learning and Growth
Kelly Hayes: As part of this diverse cohort, what insights have you gained about climate survival, and how has it influenced your projects?
Keyante Aytch: Being around innovative individuals has sparked new ideas for my work. Collaborating with experts like Alice and Brandon has provided invaluable lessons on emergency responses and mesh network communication, enhancing my approach to community resilience.
Alice Liu: The experience has deepened my understanding of food systems and challenges that farmers confront. Learning from these different perspectives has informed my approach to building community resilience in urban environments.
Brandon Bunt: I initially undervalued the interest of others in understanding technology details. Now, I see the importance of educating our cohort in decentralized systems. It has shaped how I perceive our mission at Kiau and the kind of technology we want to create.
Event: Before the Storm
Kelly Hayes: As we gear up for the September 17 event, what do you hope attendees will take away about building community capacities in the face of climate disruptions and growing political issues?
Keyante Aytch: I want audience members to grasp the value of decentralized infrastructures across every aspect of life—from food sources to energy and communication—which are essential in navigating climate and political challenges.
Alice Liu: I hope people feel a sense of urgency to act now in whatever capacity they can, emphasizing that even small actions contribute significantly to community resilience and foster relationships necessary for effective political resistance.
Brandon Bunt: I want attendees to leave empowered by the idea of agency in crafting their systems and acting collectively, breaking free from the confines of consumerism to become active members of resilient communities.
Closing Thoughts
Kelly Hayes: Thank you all for sharing your inspiring work and perspectives on resilience, autonomy, and community care. I’m eager to continue the dialogue about building supportive infrastructures for the road ahead. Thank you for participating today!
Brandon Bunt: Thanks, Kelly!
Alice Liu: Thank you, Kelly, and thank you, Keyante and Brandon!
Keyante Aytch: Thank you all and take care!
[musical transition]
Reflections on Preparedness
Kelly Hayes: Before we conclude, I’d like to share my thoughts on the importance of preparedness.
Alongside my friend Dean Spade, I’m crafting disaster preparedness resources for community organizing. My view of preparedness is rooted in the necessity of community defense. Much of our existing infrastructure was designed for past circumstances that are no longer relevant. Our homes, electrical grids, and transportation systems were built for a different world. Meanwhile, elected officials have largely failed to offer sufficient solutions to safeguard people as these systems deteriorate.
Political leaders, regardless of party, have often prioritized short-sighted strategies that only exacerbate the ongoing crises. Thus, beyond advocating for public investments in robust infrastructure and more sustainable living methods, we must develop the skills and relationships that will make us resilient in these challenging times.
I believe that preparing our communities can function as a starting point for conversations about the impacts of climate chaos. In these uncertain times, fostering connections with our neighbors and devising strategies for mutual support is vital. By working together, we enhance our collective capacity to address a wide range of threats.
This is why I’m so inspired by the initiatives discussed today, and I hope you’ll join us on September 17 for the Before the Storm town hall. Keyante, Alice, and Brandon will be there, along with Daniel Aldana Cohen and myself, offering resilience toolkits and actionable models for grassroots preparedness. You can find the registration link in the show notes.
Dean and I also have more preparedness resources on the horizon, and I look forward to sharing them soon.
I’m grateful to everyone working tirelessly to support communities affected by climate disasters, from Nepal to those recovering from the recent outages in Gary. My thoughts are with all who are grappling with grief, displacement, and exhaustion in the wake of these challenges. I hope we can build the capacities necessary for effective mobilization in the face of ongoing disasters.
As always, I want to extend my gratitude to our listeners. Remember, our best defense against cynicism lies in our actions and the knowledge that what we do matters. Until next time, I’ll see you in the streets.
Show Notes
- Sign up for the Climate Mobilization’s virtual town hall on the 2026 Super El Niño here.
- Learn more about Daze of Autonomy here.
- Explore West Street Recovery here.
- Find out more about Kiau Technologies here.
