As updates about coronavirus
continue to develop, we are keeping a close eye on the situation and
how it will impact Pursuing Justice 2020, our upcoming national
conference.
Dear Friend,
We are reaching out about the current situation with
coronavirus and our upcoming Pursuing
Justice 2020 conference. We know that the rapidly evolving
realities of the coronavirus are creating an uncertain situation for
all of us in our daily lives, and for the planning of a large-scale
event in May.
Our top priority remains the safety of our
community and movement family. We are actively monitoring the
situation and we want to share the steps we’re taking in response to
the information we have right now.
We are thinking of all those
already directly impacted or at risk. We pray for a refuah
shlema, a speedy and full recovery, for all who are sick. We also
recognize the way that this crisis disproportionately impacts
communities, from exacerbating economic insecurity, to unequal access
to health care, to increased stigma, racism, xenophobia, and hate
crimes. And, we know that everyone has different relationships to risk
tolerance around health-related concerns, whether for themselves or a
loved one. Our society’s response must be judged by how we care for
the most vulnerable among us.
At Bend the Arc, we are
committed to ensuring our response to this crisis will be guided by
our values of justice, equity, and
compassion.
As of now, and given the
information we currently have, we are moving forward with planning the
conference and are hopeful we will be able to gather together in
Washington DC on May 3-5, 2020. We will continue to monitor
the situation, explore contingencies, reassess as needed, and
communicate updates with you.
We and our partners at
the Marriott are taking the following steps, in response to
what is currently understood about the virus, to prioritize the health
and safety of our community and make it easier for you to choose your
level of participation:
-
We are removing the deadline for our cancellation
policy. If you need to cancel your participation at Pursuing
Justice at any time, you will be able to receive a full refund.
(Note: this applies to your
conference registration fee. Please be sure to check company
cancellation policies for your hotel room reservation — you are able
to cancel a reservation in our room block up to seven days before the
beginning of your reservation — and travel reservations. We urge you
to consider booking refundable travel, or checking to see if your
airline or travel company’s policies have changed.)
-
If Pursuing Justice is canceled or postponed, you
will be able to receive a full refund of your registration fee.
(Please see note above about travel
and hotel cancellation policies.)
-
Marriott staff are implementing additional hygiene
practices to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in their hotel.
We are happy to share this detailed list with anyone who is
interested.
With the situation evolving rapidly, we also encourage you to
consult these sources:
In this moment of uncertainty, we know it could be a
difficult decision to register for the conference. We are
committed to keeping you updated and informed. If you have any
questions or concerns, please reach out to us at [email protected].
We are hopeful that Pursuing Justice 2020 will take
place as planned, and that we will be able to gather safely
to learn, grow, and take action together to address the urgent crises
of white nationalism, antisemitism, and inequality in this election
year. In the meantime, we will continue to monitor the developments
closely and keep you updated as best we can.
Earlier this week, we celebrated Purim, the Jewish holiday that
celebrates Queen Esther saving the Jewish people from destruction.
In many ways, this holiday is about the resilience of the
Jewish people. We come from a people with incredible
ancestral strength, and we carry that strength in us and with us as we
work to address the challenges and injustices in the world today.
We are grateful to be with you in this moment as we
navigate the risks and impacts of coronavirus and work to keep
ourselves and our communities safe.
With love and care,
The Bend the Arc team
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