Chatham Climate Action Network
Mutual Aid in a Time of Climate Crisis and Social Vulnerability
On April 29, 2026 ChathamCAN brought together community members to explore the idea of mutual aid, how it has worked in Chatham County and Durham, and why we consider it an important organizing model and climate intervention.
Mutual aid is a system where people work together to meet each other's needs, rather than relying on governments or large institutions. It is one of the oldest ways that humans have organized themselves. It is still abundant in indigenous communities around the world in which our interconnectedness with each other and the natural world is deeply valued and understood. There is a rich history of mutual aid in marginalized and immigrant communities too. Abandoned or ignored by prevailing social systems, people have always found creative ways to help each other - often building cooperative systems to address basic needs such as education, health care, employment, transportation, food access, protection, and childcare.
Our three panelists shared stories of mutual aid projects they've organized giving us plenty to consider about how to build strong, climate resilient communities.
Panelists
Sara Martin
Sara Martin is a public health and community engagement professional with over 15 years of experience designing and implementing community-centered programs across the United States and internationally. Her work spans public health, community development, and nonprofit leadership, with a consistent focus on building strong partnerships and creating sustainable, locally driven solutions that are informed by the voices and lived experiences of the communities they serve. Sara developed the mobile community resource hub with the Chatham Health Alliance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over many months, she became increasingly successful in bringing food, medical information, educational opportunities, and eventually vaccines to neighborhoods. She shared ideas about how to connect, build trust and get information and resources to the people who need them during crisis times and in general.
Laura Paye
Laura Paye is a primary care physician in Durham and mother of two young children. She is the impetus behind Building Blocks, a neighborhood organizing initiative in Durham, NC. In 2020 Laura and others in the Watts-Hillandale neighborhood started a text group for their block to offer each other help and support during the pandemic. Over time this simple action led to increased connection, sharing and community. This past winter Laura took steps to encourage the formation of group chats on every block in her neighborhood. And then to create a network of “block coordinators” from each block to connect at a higher level. At the time of this event 45 blocks or 38% of Laura's neighborhood had designated block coordinators and block text groups. This simple act of organizing has created countless opportunities to share resources, skills, knowledge, and fun throughout the community. And to empower neighbors to speak up for each other and important needs.
Aylin Sotelo
Aylin Sotelo is the Advocacy Program Manager at the Hispanic Liaison in Siler City, where she supports immigrant families through the organization’s Advocacy and Civic Engagement program. In her role, she assists with DACA and green card renewals, provides guidance on immigration concerns, and connects community members to trusted legal resources. She also leads community outreach efforts, including “Know Your Rights” education, rapid response support, and leadership development, helping empower residents to stay informed, safe, and engaged.