Project Description

Objective:
To create a system of mutual aid where parents can receive childcare support, home help, and co-working opportunities without financial exchange by building trust-based, long-term relationships.

My Role:
Founder, Lead Organizer, Facilitator

• Initiated and named the project

• Coordinated events, communications, and outreach

• Matched families based on needs and availability

• Facilitated meetings and connection-building exercises

• Filmed, directed and acted in videos

Process:

• Started with small, trust-building meetups

• Made funny and informative videos

• Hosted a community potluck and music jam to bring larger groups together

• Created an info collection system to match families

• Collaborated with other parents and care providers to sustain momentum

• Eventually passed leadership to a trusted team member

Challenges Faced:

• Rapid growth outpaced our support capacity

• Emotional and energetic toll of supporting many without receiving equal support

• Finding consistent participation and reciprocity

Outcomes:

• Dozens of families connected and built long-lasting friendships

• Inspired interest from a local nonprofit interested in incubating the model

• Modeled an alternative system of childcare and community care that can be replicated

• Learned how to facilitate groups, organize and market events, and work with teams and organizations
  
  

Parent Hive Videos

Reflection

Creating the Humboldt Parent Hive was deeply personal. As a single mother, I felt firsthand how isolating and unsustainable parenting can be when you're doing it alone. I created this project not just for others, but for myself. I needed a village, and I tried to build one.

Through this project, I learned the power and limits of leadership. I learned that no system of support can exist without being reciprocal—and when it’s not, burnout is inevitable. I also experienced how much energy it takes to hold space for others while not being equally held.

This project contributed significantly to my growth as a community organizer, and laid the foundation for my larger work with Tending Reciprocity. I now know how important it is to establish boundaries, build sustainable systems, and not sacrifice oneself in the name of service. This experience shaped my perspective on mutual aid, parenting, facilitation, and the emotional labor of organizing.

Professional & Extracurricular Notes

•  Demonstrates applied skills in event planning, communications, facilitation, mutual aid coordination, and community organizing.

•  Led while attending college and parenting full-time.

•  Formed a lasting impact in the local Humboldt community through peer support and family networking.

•  Invited into conversations with local nonprofits and support programs.