A Letter from Blythe Concerning COVID-19
Dear Dressember Community,
These are strange times we’re suddenly finding ourselves in. This likely isn’t the first letter you’ve read that begins this way. The future remains uncertain for many of us as news of COVID-19 has spread and prompted unprecedented action over the last few days. Within the course of a week, schools and churches have closed their doors, followed by gyms, restaurants, bars, and theatres. Gatherings have been limited and we’ve plunged into what feels like war time with an invisible enemy. What I know for certain is that this pandemic is influencing us all in some way or another. No one is exempt.
I want to start by saying that we’re in this together. Over the last few days I’ve watched videos of Italians singing from their isolated balconies, shopped at stores with empty aisles, and watched the city of Los Angeles shut many of its doors. Even though we may be quarantined to our homes, we need community now perhaps more than ever. Though we all face different challenges, the invitation to come together persists.
As much as the media portrays grocery aisle fist fights for the last package of toilet paper, what I’ve seen to be true is the majority of people are approaching things calmly and with respect—generosity, even. Now, as always, we must avoid the fear and anxiety that a scarcity mindset would tempt us toward having. I ventured to my local grocery store today and waited in line while the store limited the number of people inside. Outside, there was palpable nervousness as we all were surely wondering what would be available; but, once inside, the shelves were fully stocked (apart from a few items you’d expect to be missing at this point—paper goods, beans, pasta), the employees were calm and smiling, and you could almost forget the chaotic state of affairs for a few minutes. I made a point to thank as many store employees as I could for working, since they are putting themselves on the proverbial front lines to make sure the rest of us have the food and supplies we need.
Like many of you, the Dressember team has begun working exclusively remotely as of last week; fortunately, we have the ability and the technology to do this. I keep thinking of the members of our society and the world at large who aren’t able to work from home; they have to continue going to work or else not receive a paycheck. I then think of the world’s most vulnerable populations—the ones for whom we advocate at Dressember—the poor, refugee populations, people trafficked as agricultural and domestic workers. Who will they turn to in this crisis?
In the days ahead, we will need to be creative, kind, and perhaps most importantly, generous, especially to the vulnerable in our midst. Our team is working to best support our partners across the world during this time as we care for those who may not have the privilege of staying home, working virtually, or stocking up on supplies. It’s important we remember this. It’s a privilege to stay home.
So how can we help? In the next few days you can expect to receive communication from us with ways to support those in trafficking or at risk of being trafficked during this crisis. We also plan to post some resources with how to spend your time intentionally and generously - even from home. I love seeing stories of neighbors loving neighbors on my newsfeed and in my inbox. I’m inspired by this community and I look forward to hearing even more stories of people choosing to be creative, kind, and generous in these uncertain times.
With Gratitude,
Blythe