Donate to support our work.
Who We Are
Imagine Water Works is reimagining the future through art, science, and connection. Our core focus areas are climate justice, land stewardship, and disaster readiness and response / mutual aid.
Since our founding we’ve worked at the intersections of reducing risk from flooding, pollution, and natural hazards, prioritizing those who are systemically forgotten or pushed to the margins. We also knew that the best solutions were multidisciplinary — so we've consistently integrated science, history, identity, and art into our work.
In 2019, we launched the Mutual Aid Response Network (Imagine Mutual Aid) to practice reciprocal and collective care. At the frontlines of our shared climate crisis and systemic oppression, we are reimagining the future together. In 2023 we officially launched the Imagination Farm: a permanent physical space to reconnect, organize, and practice collective care for years to come.
NOTE: Checks can be made out to "Imagine Water Works" and mailed to 2718 Painters St., New Orleans, LA 70122. For questions, email [email protected].
What We Do
We create resources, learning opportunities, and mutual aid networks to survive and thrive both today and in the future. In all of our work, we honor the fact that people who have been pushed to the margins are the exact same people who know how to build a better future for themselves and their communities, even when the future feels uncertain. As such, we're holding space for who are too often pushed out: Indigenous people, Black and Brown folks, LGBTQ and nonbinary people, two-spirits, farmers and artists, immigrants, young people and the elderly, disabled people, writers and filmmakers, poor people, those with less formal education, and everyone living at the intersections of these identities.
Some of our current projects and resources include:
Mutual Aid Response Network
The Imagination Farm
Imagine Mutual Aid
New Orleans Community Resource Guide
Community Power Map
Hurricane Season Checklist
COVID Guide to Hurricane Season
Queer/Trans Guide to Hurricane Season
Storm Zine Project
Anonymous Storm Prep Q&A
July Supply 2023: Barrier-Free Groceries and Storm Prep Supplies
Saltwater Intrusion Response
More about us:
We're a small team of women and non-binary folks who do this simply because we believe in our communities and in a better future. We are Creole Indigenous, native, and trans-led. We are multi-generational Louisianans, and all of us have our own unique relationship to water, climate, and community. Our full time staff are born and raised in New Orleans. Learn more about our team: https://www.imaginewaterworks.org/who-we-are/
Learn more about our projects on our website: www.imaginewaterworks.org
Donor Wall271
Erin | $104.42
Thank you for the important work you do to prepare us, our neighbors and especially LGBTQ+ and people of color for the hurricane season. I have learned a lot about mutual aid from you and I’m proud we have an organization like you in Louisiana
Thomas Q Sims | $104.42
Thank you for all that you do for the Queer & Trans community. —Daydream (TQ & KP)
Karissa Chao
thank you for the hurricane guide!
Yotam Tubul | $52.23
Jennifer
In memory of Brandon
Whitney
In memory of my husband who loved New Orleans
Lily | $299.03
Register round-up at The New Orleans Food Co-op.
Toren Hardee | $1,200
From Mid-City's krewe of Endymi-US in recognition of the start of hurricane season. Thank you for what you do!
Michele Garval | $26.27
Megan | $150
Thank you for the important work you do!
Kelly Rodrigue | $25
James Rodrigue sent me, too!
Melika | $26.41
Blessings & love. For Ella's Mutual Aid Quilting Bee!
Anonymous | $200.73
The Tigermen Den | $259.55
We had a party, played some music and raised some $$ for those effected by the tornado that hit the lower 9
Peggy Chen | $650
From the Cast & Crew of Interview with the Vampire filming in Chalmette. Thank you for all that you're doing in the Arabi and surrounding communities. You inspire us to be better everyday.
Ko Bragg | $2,530
proceeds from the donations match for Ginny Hanusik's print sale
Kendelle
Kimberly Davi
James Rodrigue sent me 🙂
Louisa Lichtman | $39
39th Birthday donation
T. Cole Newton | $345
From fundraiser at Twelve Mile Limit on Friday 3/25
Ryan Scully | $1,629.44
This is money was raised at a Tornado Relief fundraiser in the Bay at BJs Lounge on March 27. It was spearheaded by Julie Odell who contributed her talents along with Sam Doores and the band Pope. It was a beautiful day and a good time was had by all. We hope that this brings some much needed relief to those in need.
Louisa Sargent | $415.68
Tip fundraiser at the Black Penny this weekend! Thank y'all for all yer incredible work!!
Daniel | $21.08
via twitch stream fundraiser by @FawkesandBull
Lillian Stephens | $10.70
FawkesandBull did a Charity stream for you guys, so that's what prompted me to give. Best <3
jalisa williams | $21.08
Anonymous
From the queen at OZ
Nicolette Pawlowski
Support from Los Sabrosos Dance Co. fundraiser.
Anonymous
Tammy Kern | $104.15
Mary Knoepfler | $26.27
Prayers for Arabi Tornado victims