ROOT + BRANCH SELFCARE OUTREACH is an umbrella organization fostering mutual aid relief across Arizona. We currently umbrella multiple projects, including Tucson Mutual Aid, Tucson Food Share, and Black Mesa Coronavirus Relief Effort. As an official nonprofit, we use our status to help organizations working on-the-ground connect resources with unmet need. If you are interested in donating, volunteering, or learning more please reach out to us at selfcareoutreach@gmail.com.
Be safe out there <3
BLACK MESA (CORONAVIRUS) RELIEF EFFORT
Supporting Diné elders who are exponentially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The BMRE was borne out of 15 years of collective health outreach work done by the members of the Stone Cabin Collective, which was quickly halted in the spring of 2020 to limit viral spread on the Navajo and Hopi Nations.
Our current focus is in infrastructural support at home sites, including bolstering sustaining access to both water and power. While the Navajo Nation has significant water rights, the majority of that water is diverted to LA, Phoenix, Tucson and Albuquerque
interested in volunteering?
our biannual Elder Wellness Weeks are on-hold through the COVID-19 pandemic, but we are still supporting the cause from home! we are currently open to volunteers who are skilled in the way of web/design, fundraising and/or grant-writing. must be active in social justice, have good communication + problem-solving skills. experience with indigenous communities a plus.
Our current project, the Black Mesa Coronavirus Relief Effort, is aimed at supporting Dine (Navajo) elders who have limited access to resources and support in general, and who are exponentially affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
click here to apply
click here to donate
TUCSON MUTUAL AID
Tucson Mutual Aid is a hub for mutual aid organizations across Tucson to connect, network and share resources in the COVID-19 pandemic. These projects include addressing food insecurity, access to healthcare + sanitization supplies, advocacy around housing and more. Email tucsonmutualaid@gmail.com for more.
TUCSON FOOD SHARE
Just bring yourself – No need to prove income or provide any kind of documentation. Food is available to anyone who asks. TFS is now located at 2500 N Stone Ave with the following hours for distribution:
Monday 6pm–8pm
Thursday 6pm–8pm
Saturday 8am–10am
Deliveries available upon request.
TUCSON MEDIC INITIATIVE
Providing free high-grade locally-made hand sanitizer for distribution to those in need. DONATE HERE.
OUR STORY
Root + Branch is a volunteer group of bodyworkers, herbalists, nutritionists and support staff who offer free health services to onsite underserved communities. Born from the work of Stone Cabin Collective, Root + Branch carries its decolonization and advocacy work from the Diné (Navajo) Nation and expands it into Southern Arizona. We work in conjunction with similar organizations in order to deliver support where the most unmet need exists.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, Root + Branch has become an umbrella for additional mutual aid projects including the Tucson Medic Initiative, which made sanitizer at the height of the first wave for houseless folks and those in need, and the Tucson Food Share, which as an offshoot of Food Not Bombs provides no-cost food staples to those across Tucson regardless of income (and they deliver!)
VOLUNTEER
During non-pandemic times, we welcome a variety of practitioners + support staff:
bodyworkers including: massage therapists, rolfers, acupuncturists (for acupressure/cupping), physical therapists, yoga therapists, energy workers, etc
herbalists, nutritionists
counselors, social workers
nurses and physicians (consulting only)
However, because we are unable to physically be on-site we are limited in our scope of support at this time. Our presence since March has been limited to delivery runs & shipments, and virtual support. Currently we are open to volunteers with experience in:
graphic & web design
accounting & bookkeeping
administrative assistance
fundraising & grant-writing
DONATE
YOUR CASH DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE! Please message us if you would like a receipt. We are also gladly accepting a variety of new and gently-used material donations. Drop us a brief line explaining what you’ve got and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.