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Lessons in Community Recovery from Backpacking Preteens
This past month, I moved between two grounding practices: unplugging on mountain trails with my daughter and a group of pre-teen backpackers, and diving into policy research and community data. Surprisingly, both experiences revealed the same truths about resilience. Whether managing trail logistics or rebuilding post-Hurricane Helene, the work calls for pacing, shared leadership, and real connection.
On our five-day trek, three lessons stuck out:
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Take breaks before you need them. One girl suggested stopping for water before we felt thirsty—wise advice. Strong recoveries build in time for reflection and care along the way.
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Leadership looks different for everyone. I watched quiet, unsure girls step into gentle, effective leadership—offering help, listening closely, showing someone how to fix gear. In our city, recovery leadership is showing up everywhere: business owners rebuilding with neighbors in mind, city workers restoring infrastructure, nonprofit staff making space for unheard voices.
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Time outside reshapes connection. By day three—no phones, no distractions—the girls were telling stories, cheering each other on, singing in the rain. I see that same spirit at local events, mutual aid efforts, and recovery meetings.
Recovery isn’t a straight path—it’s full of switchbacks and heavy packs. But like those hikers, we’re making our way, together.
What I’ve Been Reading This Summer
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Mid-Year Recovery & Infrastructure Progress – City of Asheville Details how disaster funds and GO bonds are rebuilding roads, water systems, parks, and more. 🔗 Mid-year update
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2025 Local Business Impact Survey – Mountain BizWorks A clear snapshot of small business recovery after Helene: financial losses, reopening stats, and what’s still needed. 🔗 Read the report
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2024 Point-in-Time Homelessness Count – Asheville & Buncombe County Local and national trends in homelessness—essential context for housing and service providers. 🔗 City overview | 🔗 News summary
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Asheville Housing Needs Analysis A detailed analysis of our need for all types of housing—policy change is urgent. 🔗 City overview |🔗 Blue Ridge Public Radio report
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Resilience Hubs Report – US Conference of Mayors Highlights how cities are advancing climate resilience and equity by developing resilience hubs and microgrids that serve communities year-round and during climate emergencies. 🔗 January 2025 report
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Non-Fiction: Pros & Cons Review of Abundance – Ezra Klein & Derek Thompson Sharp takes on the book’s visionary policies—and its limits. 🔗 New Yorker 🔗 LA Review of Books
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Fiction: The Four Winds – Kristin Hannah A gripping Dust Bowl saga about survival, motherhood, female strength, and resilience.
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