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Black history isn’t just something we commemorate; it’s something we actively build. As we recognize Black History Month, I’m taking time to reflect on why  Planning Ahead exists and how  our work is shaped by lived experience. Planning Ahead is a Black-led organization rooted in environmental justice, preparedness, and community-driven solutions. Our work in climate resilience, environmental education, and neighborhood-level planning is informed by the realities many Black c

Climate change is no longer a distant threat - it is a reality that communities face every day. From rising temperatures and extreme weather events to flooding and droughts, the impacts are felt most acutely by those already vulnerable. That is why planning ahead and adopting effective climate resilience strategies is essential. These strategies empower communities to adapt, recover, and thrive despite the challenges ahead. In this post, I will share practical, community-cen

I’m honored that Planning Ahead  will be sharing a story at a World Water Day  storytelling event hosted by Flame Tree Story. The theme is Water & Renewal, and if water has ever shaped your life, challenged you, or changed how you see the world, your story belongs here. Curious about telling your story? Sign up here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSecKYOkv6eTR9C1gy8PovrOpPsFEhyyL6DCylYJmnGeYJgyjQ/viewform Even if you don’t share, come listen. That’s part of the mag

We’re proud to share that Planning Ahead  will be presenting during the AED in Ed Spring Webinar Series , a powerful, community-centered virtual series created to uplift disabled students and the families who love and advocate for them. Join us on Monday, April 13, 2026 | 6–7 PM Nature-Based Healing: Environmental Education as a Tool for Mental Wellness, Led by Planning Ahead This free, virtual series brings together trusted community partners and local experts who truly unde

A Winter Reminder: Preparedness Is Built Before the Storm Over the past few days, the Triangle experienced freezing rain, sleet, and snow , a mix that reminded many of us that winter weather risks aren’t just about how much snow falls. Even when heavier snowfall doesn’t materialize, sleet and ice can create hazardous road conditions, disrupt travel, and linger well after precipitation stops . This moment offers an important opportunity for shared learning. A few preparedness

Extreme heat. Flooding. Power outages. They’re no longer rare —they’re becoming part of everyday life. That’s why we’re hosting Ready Together , a FREE community workshop  in Durham focused on simple, free, and low-cost ways to stay safe  during extreme weather. ✔ Learn how to protect your health during heat waves ✔ Understand flood risks in your neighborhood ✔ Know what to do when the power goes out ✔ Walk away with a FREE resilience toolkit Location: 2423 Cheek Road, Durham

Climate change is no longer a distant threat. It is a reality that communities across the globe face every day. From rising temperatures and extreme weather events to flooding and droughts, the impacts are widespread and often hit the most vulnerable the hardest. That is why planning ahead is essential. A well-crafted resilience planning guide can empower communities to prepare, adapt, and thrive despite these challenges. In this post, I will walk you through the essentials

Why Planning Ahead Exists What if communities had the tools, knowledge, and power to prepare before  crisis strikes? That question is at the heart of Planning Ahead , a nonprofit organization dedicated to environmental education, climate preparedness, and community-driven resilience. Planning Ahead was founded from lived experience, years of listening to community members, and a deep belief that preparedness and adaptation must be rooted in equity, trust, and local leadership

A Conversation Between Keshi Satterwhite and JSpeaks At Planning Ahead, we know that real progress doesn’t begin with policy alone; it starts with people , honest dialogue, and leadership rooted in lived experience. That’s why we’re proud to share a recent conversation between Keshi Satterwhite , Executive Director of Planning Ahead , and JSpeaks . The newly released trailer offers a powerful preview of a dialogue that explores leadership, environmental education, and what it

Climate change is no longer a distant threat; it is a reality that communities around the globe are facing today. From rising sea levels to extreme weather events, the impacts of climate change are profound and far-reaching. One of the most effective ways to combat these challenges is through community education . By empowering individuals with knowledge and skills, communities can build resilience against climate-related adversities. This blog post explores the importance of

Extreme weather events are becoming increasingly common, and their impact can be devastating. From hurricanes and tornadoes to floods and wildfires, these natural disasters can disrupt lives, destroy property, and pose serious risks to safety. As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, the need for effective disaster preparedness training has never been more critical. This blog post will explore the importance of training for extreme weather events, practical

Understanding Climate Adaptation Climate adaptation refers to the process of adjusting to the current or expected effects of climate change. This can include a variety of strategies, such as: Infrastructure improvements : Upgrading roads, bridges, and buildings to withstand extreme weather. Ecosystem restoration : Rehabilitating natural habitats to enhance resilience against climate impacts. Community engagement : Involving local populations in decision-making processes to en