This transformative justice tool enables you to build a solid support system to help your wellbeing. Here's how it works...
The systems that are supposed to help us are changing, and not always for the better. Whether that’s welfare cuts, lengthy NHS waiting lists, or soaring living costs making essential care inaccessible, many of us lack the support we need. In times like these, we can’t always rely on institutions to catch us when we fall – but we can turn to each other. Pod mapping is a way to build intentional support networks, ensuring that no one has to navigate hardship alone.
What is pod mapping?
Pod mapping is about harnessing the power of community knowledge and resources for the greater good. Initiated by the Bay Area Transformative Justice Collective (BATJC), with victims of violence in mind, creator Mia Mingus designed pod mapping as a way to visually document the people that you would call on if violence, harm, or abuse happened to you or someone you know, or was perpetrated by you. It has since been adopted by various activist communities, such as LGBTQIA+ groups, mental health peer support networks, and climate justice movements, to fulfil the unique needs of each individual.
It’s not just about writing down a list of all your friends and their phone numbers – it’s a practical map that you can rely on in specific situations. When speaking about the purpose of pods in the context of their work, BATJC notes: “Most people don’t call the police or seek counselling, or even call anonymous hotlines. If they tell anyone at all, they turn to a trusted friend, family member, neighbour, or coworker. We wanted a way to name those currently in your life that you would rely on (or are relying on) to respond to violence, harm, and abuse.”
We may not all turn to our pod as a result of violence, yet it can help us heal from the systems that may have failed us, offering an alternative care route based in compassion. That’s why it’s important to include people who you can trust – and to tailor your pod to your specific needs.
Why you should make a pod map
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Mapping out your pod can reveal unexpected connections, giving you a deeper sense of feeling supported, easing anxiety about worst-case scenarios.
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Preparing ahead of time gives you a plan, which can make dealing with a crisis (when emotions tend to be heightened) far easier.
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You can be proactive and start communicating regularly with your pod now, which builds a sense of connection and shifts the responsibility of resilience to the group at large, instead of bearing the full weight on your own shoulders.
How to get started
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Write your own name in the blue hexagon.
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In the surrounding green hexagons, write down different people you feel connected to, even if you don’t rely on them often. This could be neighbours, colleagues, friends, or family members.
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Label support roles by asking yourself: who do I turn to for specific kinds of support? E.g. Jane does body-doubling with me, which helps me stay productive; John can accompany me to medical appointments; and Sarah helps me find joy in hard times.
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The yellow hexagons are for people who could potentially be part of your pod, but might require some work to make this happen. For example, perhaps you need to spend more time with them to build trust, or have a conversation about boundaries in order to feel comfortable.
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The orange hexagons are for networks, communities, or groups that could be helpful. This could be anything from your local foodbank to a domestic abuse helpline.
Pod mapping as a practice
Once you’ve developed your pod, remember that it isn’t set in stone. Relationships and needs will inevitably shift over time, and that’s OK. People can have multiple pods, too – the person you call on when you’ve experienced medical gaslighting might not be the same person you reach out to when you need financial support. Above all, remember that pods are a space of mutual support, so check-in with your pod family regularly – the more you give, the more you get in return.
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