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This is a new normal.
And while it is exposing the systems that continue to fail us - lack of care infrastructure, deep inequities in access, the cost of self reliance and rugged individualism, a culture that puts profits over people - it is also revealing a path forward, one that is mutual and responsive.
This virus is reminding us of our interdependence. When anyone lacks access to testing and treatment, all of us are vulnerable. And #AllOfUs are needed to do our part to protect our communities and fight for policies of care that take care of everyone.
Rebecca Solnit spoke of the profound power of these moments. She said “​an emergency is separation from the familiar, a sudden emergence into a new atmosphere, one that often demands that we ourselves rise to the occasion”.
It’s time for us to rise to the occasion.
Kerri (she/her)
Individual actions can make a difference. Here’s an example of how just one case of coronavirus could lead to thousands more [[link removed]] if we all don’t limit social contact. Lesson: Don’t be patient 31. [click to tweet] [[link removed]-]
Settle in. Social distancing is here to stay [[link removed]] for much more than a few weeks. And it will radically change almost everything we do. Winter has come. [click to tweet] [[link removed]]
We cling to rugged individualism at our at our peril. But this contagion is revealing our interdependence and the shift Americans must make to fight the Coronavirus [[link removed]]. [click to tweet] [[link removed]]
Social distancing is teaching us how to be together apar [[link removed]]t. Coronavirus is forcing us to get creative and subversive in how we gather and play. [click to tweet [[link removed]]]
There are times in history when sudden events — natural disasters, economic collapses, pandemics, wars, famines — change everything. This is one such time. And we need a movement to respond. [[link removed]] [click to tweet] [[link removed]]
GIVE: Coronavirus is exposing our inequities [[link removed]]. Reformation Ventures is responding by building a fund to provide immediate relief and recovery to displaced wellness workers. Apply or donate here [[link removed]].
MUTUAL AID: Help us build care through the distribution of resources and material justice. Here’s an exhaustive list of mutual aid networks [[link removed]] and needs around the country.
ORGANIZE: We’re circling up for community care. Check out our Community Care Resource Guide [[link removed]] for up to date information and action.
Self care and social distancing is not enough. While it is a part of collective care, it does not address the systemic issues people face that holds them back from being well. Calls to stockpile, isolate and perform self care only reinforces the individualistic, capitalist forces that got us into this mess. Community care is our subversive response. It is a mutual commitment to the wellbeing of the whole that looks like small and big acts of compassionate action like buying groceries, non-violent resistance, childcare, running errands, advocating for social welfare and more. Collective care is how we survive this crisis. It is how we ensure that the most vulnerable people don’t fall through the cracks. And it’s how we invent new and innovative ways of taking care of everyone. Check out our Community Care Resource Guide [[link removed]] and stay tuned for more on how to get organized.
229 days until the 2020 election. And while it seems like in some ways reality has endorsed Sanders, exposing the vital need for progressive policies like #MedicareForAll, workers protections and rights and social services, Biden continues to lead in delegates (1180). But it’s no longer business as usual for the election. Even while the DNC (recklessly) insists on moving forward with the primaries, five states have already postponed their [[link removed]] elections due to Coronavirus. It’s essential that Congress act now by demanding universal mail-in ballot to protect the election. #NoStimulusWithoutElectionProtection [[link removed]].
In a time of physical distancing and collective crisis, it is more important than ever that we hold each other tight. We are all we’ve got. Understanding and embracing this truth - that we are interconnected, interdependent, inter-everything - is how we survive together. Be safe y’all. Art by @dandrawnwords
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