As Americans alter their daily lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a whole host of societal problems are exposed. From inequities in health care to struggles in faith communities. From difficult working conditions to the challenges of families now working at home. We all see how our neighbors and our nation face this disaster—and we are eager to plan for the future.

A Pandemic Reveals Our Broken Safety Net

As the coronavirus pandemic ravages our society and economy, it’s clear that the US isn’t merely short of life-saving medical supplies. Millions of Americans experience a work life without sick leave, job protections, or access to affordable health care. Those individual problems are existential threats to our society. It’s not too late to set things right.

Seeking Safety without Sacrificing Security

Aspen Digital

As millions work remotely to help stop the physical spread of COVID-19, they may be opening up their employers to digital danger. Unsecured home networks and personal devices leave employees (and their bosses) free to wander to dangerous sites. They introduce insecure software and make phishing attacks more likely to succeed. Our experts share important steps to keep workers’ data safe.

In a Crisis, Good Information is Hard to Find

Health Innovators Fellowship

When a disaster occurs—as fast as a flood or as creeping as an epidemic—the thing that medical and policy responders need quickly is a picture of the facts on the ground. But while we struggle to count victims and damaged resources, we often overlook the other side of the question: How well equipped are we to handle the problem? These toolkits help health care systems and business leaders evaluate.

For New Obstacles, Some Old Solutions

Aspen Global Innovators Group

As communities are challenged by pandemic and the instability it brings, the outlook seems gloomy — but there is hope in the experience of health practitioners who serve historically disadvantaged communities. Several of the 2020 Aspen Healthy Community Fellows draw on their expertise to provide guidance as the world faces COVID-19.

Keeping Community in a Time of Social Distancing

Inclusive America Project

It can be challenging to tend to a congregation when congregating is discouraged. The Inclusive America Project, an Aspen Institute program dedicated to promoting religious pluralism, has compiled a list of virtual communities, religious literacy tools for adults and children, and a variety of service organizations to keep believers together, even when they are apart.

Podcast: Motherhood, with Madam Ambassador

Aspen Global Innovators Group

In her long list of achievements and recognitions, Madeline Albright includes being the mother of three very accomplished women. In this episode of the Aspen Institute’s The Bridge podcast, Albright and her daughter Alice Albright talk about how they balance careers with motherhood, and how things have changed (and not changed) between generations.

Video: Stopping the Spread of Viral Misinformation

Aspen Digital

As the world faces pandemic, both citizens and front-line fighters are desperate for information. But like the virus itself, misinformation moves fast. It creates uncertainty at best and havoc at worst. Join three media experts as they discuss “Infodemic: Half Truths, Lies, and Critical Information in a Time of Pandemic.”

UPCOMING EVENTS

Job Quality in the Age of COVID-19: Strengthening Frontline Management and Supporting Workers

Economic Opportunities Program

Tuesday March 31, 2:00 – 3:00 pm ET

Webinar

Times are uncertain, especially for those who deal directly with customers. Register

Coronavirus and Youth Sports: What the Future Holds

Sports & Society

Wednesday April 1, 12:00 – 1:00 pm ET

Webinar

How can we keep our children safe and active during a pandemic? Register

Featured Op-ed: Why (and How) We Need to Rebuild American Society

The wide-ranging uncertainty of COVID-19 has exposed the millions of ways that Americans have been facing uncertainty in their daily lives. From job insecurity to housing precarity. From unaffordable childcare to inconsistent health care. As we rebuild our systems post-pandemic, we must work to reduce the uncertainty that’s currently undermining our prosperity. Anne Mosle, executive director of Ascend at the Aspen Institute, writes in The Hill.

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