At the USDAC we stand against xenophobia, ableism, hyper-individualism, and all forms of injustice. We affirm the values of belonging, access, hospitality, community care, and systemic change in the service of collective liberation. Let us come together, firmly and creatively, to commit to these values amidst uncertain times.
As COVID-19 spreads in the U.S many of us are asking: How do we connect, organize, and deepen community amidst the necessary public health practice of physical distancing? How do we combat the spread of isolation, othering, and fear? How do we learn from BIPOC, queer, and disabled communities on surviving pandemics and caring for each other? How do we stand in solidarity, mutuality, and community care, at this time of social emergency, and use what we learn toward making systemic change?
This is a moment for us to recognize our collective interdependence and to strengthen our practices of collective care.
In addition to taking health precautions advised by the CDC, we invite you to take this moment to envision, build, and contribute to a more resilient society by:
Advocating for social supports that help us to care for the vulnerable in our society in a time of pandemic—such as paid sick leave, a moratorium on evictions, universal healthcare, universal basic income, housing for the unhoused, ending cash bail, ending detention, paying freelancers for cancelled events, and more.
Strengthening our existing mutual aid support networks. Are you able-bodied? Can you work from home? Offer to run errands for those who are chronically ill/immunocompromised. Check in on your elderly neighbor to make sure they're OK. Support independent businesses. Buy only what you need at the grocery store so that there is food left for people who don’t make enough money to stock up.
Tapping into your creativity. In this moment, art can help us connect to each other across distances, and tell the story of our fears and our resilience. Check out videos of neighbors joining together in chorus from their balconies in China and Italy, this facebook group for art instructors teaching remotely, and submissions to The Social Distancing Festival. What rituals, practices, invitations might you create and offer at this moment for healing and connection? (If you have ideas for how the USDAC might be of service at this moment, we’d love to hear. Write to us at: hello@usdac.us.)
There are so many resources being circulated. Here are a few we’ve found helpful in orienting to how to care for ourselves and our communities during these times.
Resources
Coronavirus: Wisdom from a Social Justice Lens podcast episode and resource list by Healing Justice podcast
Caring Across Distance: Some Things to Consider Before Movement Gatherings During COVID-19 by Maryse Mitchell-Brody (via www.healingjustice.org)
Social Justice at a Time of Social Distancing by Kenneth Bailey and Lori Lobenstine
Compassionate Curation in the TIme of Coronavirus by Divya Victor
Treating Yellow Peril: Resources to Address Coronavirus Racism by Jason Oliver Chang
Half Assed Disabled Prepper Tips for Preparing for a Coronavirus Quarantine by Leah Piepzna-Samarasinha
COVID-19 Freelance Artist Resources by Nicole Brewer, Ann Marie Lonsdale, Quanice Floyd, Tiffany Wilhelm, Brian Herrera, Hannah Fenlon, & Clementine Bordeaux
Wash Your Hands poem by Dori Midnight
Flattening the Curve: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update and Thorough Guidance Compiled by Julie McMurry, MPH
Demands From Grassroots Organizers Regarding COVID-19 Compiled by Kelly Hayes
COVID-19 Resources for Artists Compiled by Springboard for the Arts
Decolonizing Community Care in Response to COVID-19 by Jade Begay, NDN Collective
In Love and Solidarity,
USDAC
Images: What Are We Doing During COVID-19? by Laura Chow Reeve of Radical Roadmaps. We advise that all letters to incarcerated folks be sent digitally, and for more resources to support incarcerated folks, check out recommendations compiled by The Justice Collaborative.