Action, News and Events

COVID-19 Community & Political Resources

 , ,

The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant community needs. At our April 1 meeting, we heard from several members who are involved in service initiatives, as well as members offering wellness support. We also heard from members about how to stay engaged in the political process in the age of social distancing.

Community Service Resources

Support for Local Businesses & Frontline Workers

Michelle James is leading a groundswell of community action to help support our front-line responders while also providing much-needed revenue to small, local businesses.  You can learn more about her amazing work in this recent Long Island Herald article.   

Want to get involved?

Michelle’s Facebook group provides updates and direct ways that you can help. Because of social distancing, the primary way to support these efforts is by making a financial donation, but there is also a need for colorful thank you cards that are delivered to our frontline workers. 

Food Drives

Anti-Racism Project Food Drive

Those who have the ability to drop off food in Rockville Centre can contribute to this food drive.

Want to get involved?

Food donations will be accepted at the MLK Center in RVC every Friday from 9-1. The center is located at 150 N Centre Avenue in RVC. 
This effort is being coordinated by our friends at the Anti-Racism Project.
Coordinated by Todd Kaminsky’s Office
EAC Network Meals on Wheels is here for seniors 60 yrs. age or older living in Long Beach and surrounding communities who have difficulty obtaining food due to COVID-19. We will deliver nutritious Kosher meals to Nassau County residents,60+ who live in Long Beach, Island Park, Atlantic Beach, Point Lookout, Oceanside, Hewlett, East Rockaway, Woodmere, Inwood, Cedarhurst & Lawrence. For immediate service call EAC Network -516-992-0081, press 6 to leave a message. Our dedicated staff are working remotely, & the call volume is high- leave your name and phone number at the voicemail prompt, all calls will be returned the same day. 

Want to get involved?

Contact Sarah Felson
516.766.8383
Sewing/Making Masks

As we know, supplies are at critical levels. The recent CDC guidelines around cloth masks may further deplete the supply. Masks are essential for front-line workers, which is why many people have been sewing and making masks to donate. 

Want to get involved?

This face mask pattern has been most highly recommended for sewers. Other notes:

    • Cotton fabric is preferred – quilting cotton is great for this and a lot of sewers will likely have some on hand, but t-shirts can be used in a pinch if they’re new. Be sure to wash your fabric before sewing!
    • If you do need to buy materials, we recommend supporting independent businesses or online storefronts like Spoonflower orFabric Wholesale Direct (which is based in Farmingdale) if possible – avoid the big box stores (Joann Fabrics, Hobby Lobby) which are not taking adequate care of their employees or customers during this crisis.
    • We’re hearing that versions with elastic or ties that go behind the head rather than behind the ears are preferable to minimize irritation. Alternatively, some makers are also sewing headbands with buttons to loop elastic over.

NY-area medical care providers that are accepting donations of fabric masks (info courtesy of the Cosplay Saves Lives project):

  • Maimonides Donation Center
    1025 48th St
    Brooklyn, NY 11219
    Before sending a donation to Maimonides, please email COVID-RESOURCES@maimonidesmed.org. You will receive a donation tracking number to include on the package.
  • Masks4Medicine
    C/O Nicole Seminara, MD
    240 East 38th St
    11th Floor
    New York, NY 100169
  • NYU Langone
    NYU COVID-19 Donations
    Attention: Bulk Warehouse
    250 Fulton Ave
    New Hyde Park, NY 11040

 Ways to support/fund 3D-printed masks and plastic face shields

  • Shapeways (based in NYC) – sponsor a mask/face shield or purchase printed PPE from the marketplace to donate
  • MakerspaceNYC is producing face shields and looking for donations to help cover the cost of materials

Heart Art Project

Jaime Jordan, inspired by her work in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, is helping to create positive, uplifting art that expresses gratitude to our front-line workers. You can display this art in your window or on your front yard.

Want to get involved?

All you need are art supplies and a dose of creativity. Check out what Jamie’s created so far for some inspiration.

 

 

Political Advocacy Resources

With so much uncertainty around when social distancing guidelines will be lifted, it’s vital that we protect our 2020 elections. 

2020 Census

Make sure you really do count — fill out your census as soon as possible. 

Fill out your 2020 Census online now.

Demand a People’s Bailout

Make sure Congress passes a COVID-19 bailout that puts people ahead of corporate profits.

Want to get involved?

Visit A People’s Bailout to find out how you can advocate for a people-first bailout.

Preserve our 2020 Elections

With so much uncertainty surrounding the next election, it’s vital to stay engaged with any proposed changes to voting procedures. Our friends at Indivisble have outlined a platform on this issue:

  1. States must expand vote by mail, extend voting deadlines, increase early voting days, and communicate extensively with voters about date changes, polling closures, or other critical election information
  2. States must expand online and/or automatic voter registration
  3. The federal government can assist by funding election infrastructure, requiring no-excuse absentee voting in federal elections, and provide additional drop-boxes for ballots in federal buildings and post offices
  4. All in-person voting locations must be provided with sanitization equipment and guidelines for keeping voters at a safe distance from each other and poll workers
  5. Congress must approve at least $2 billion in funding to implement these changes
  6. Take action now to ensure that the November election can happen safely as planned and without disenfranchising any voter, even under pandemic conditions.

Want to get involved? 

Visit Vote.org’s COVID-19 page where you can keep updated on any changes to the voting process. Be sure to visit their New York State page.

Virtual Letter-Writing Campaign

Indivisible is partnering with VoteFWD on a virtual voting initiative to reach voters in key states before the 2020 election to maximize impact and increase turnout.

Want to get involved?

  1. Sign up to write letters by clicking here.
  2. Then, VoteFWD provides you with names, addresses, and a template to write letters to voters in important states.
  3. Save your letters and send them right before the election so that voters receive them at the perfect, most-strategic moment.
  4. You can even host a virtual letter-writing party. Check out some other letter-writing tips by clicking here.

Wellness Resources

Social distancing also means the loss of vital wellness resources, and several members shared virtual resources that can help fill the gap.

Addiction Support

Shelly’s Support Line

Domestic/Intimate Partner Violence Resources

Mental Health Resources

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: Mental Health and COVID-19 website

New York State COVID-19 Emotional Support Helpline: A new, confidential helpline for people who are experiencing anxiety, stress and depression during the coronavirus emergency. #1 844 863-9314

Parenting Resources

Adelphi University Institute for Parenting Warmline: Call 516.515.1948 with questions regarding babies’ and young children’s development and wellbeing, especially in times of heightened stress. Calls are returned twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays.

Want to add a resource to this page? 

Email info@raisingvoicesusa.org to suggest a resource. Please be sure to include as much specific information as possible.