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Mutual aid groups rushed to the rescue during COVID-19

Elizabeth M. Miller

September 28, 2020 |

New Mexico In Depth |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New Mexico

Mutual aid groups in New Mexico are packing and delivering groceries and other staples to New Mexicans in need during the pandemic who have not been adequately served by existing social safety nets. Groups like Albuquerque Mutual Aid, McKinley Mutual Aid, and Santa Fe Mutual Aid Network accept cash donations and donated goods. Volunteers then distribute the goods to people whose immigration status, health risks, or lack of transportation block them from receiving traditional government aid. The groups are planning to coordinate their work to be more efficient so they can continue after the immediate crisis.

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Harvard medical student knocks down a big barrier to COVID-19 info

Julia Sklar

September 26, 2020 |

The Boston Globe |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Boston, Massachusetts

A volunteer organization is helping to address a language barrier as it pertains to COVID-19 by translating and distributing public health information in the native languages of tribes. Although this is not as simple as translating word-for-word since some of the words do not exist in the local dialects and because some of the guidelines are not practical for the communities, the organization has translated the health sheets into 45 different languages and has worked with "schoolchildren in the tribe to act as conduits for the information."

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Old school still rules: Lee-Harvard's high census response rate could teach other neighborhoods a few tricks

Lee Chilcote Conor Morris

September 22, 2020 |

The Land |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Cleveland, Ohio

The high census completion rate in Lee-Harvard, as high as 70%, compared to Cleveland’s 50% as a whole, is the result of regular meetings, pre-pandemic, to educate residents of the benefits of the census and dispel common myths. After the pandemic, volunteers at the community center’s monthly food distribution provided census-related information. A group of retired women, called the Ward 1 Volunteer Navigators, also went door-to-door to make sure everyone got counted. Because many of the residents are long time homeowners, neighbor-to-neighbor relationships also led more residents to complete the census.

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How the Lebanese Diaspora Is Mobilizing Against Food Insecurity at Home

Marianne Dhenin

September 08, 2020 |

Yes! Magazine |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: Lebanon, Beirut

Volunteer-run organizations are helping those facing food insecurity throughout Beirut by preparing and delivery food on a daily basis. Although the food system in the country remains heavily strained, the grassroots network of organizations are relying on one another for support which has resulted in diverting aid and strategically funneling resources where they're most needed.

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When Boston's public schools closed in March, their gardens went untended. Then a volunteer effort grew.

Lisa Zwirn

September 08, 2020 |

The Boston Globe |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Boston, Massachusetts

After Boston Public Schools closed in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic, about 70 volunteers tended schoolyard gardens at 14 schools to grow food for local families experiencing economic hardship. While students were not able to participate because of COVID restrictions, residents during the summer months cleaned garden beds and planted vegetables like eggplants, cucumbers, and peppers. Organizers expect to harvest about 300 pounds of vegetables by the end of September.

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Telemedicine and Montana's digital divide

Amanda Eggert

September 03, 2020 |

Montana Free Press |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Orlando, Florida

What started as a small group of young adults wanting to help their aging parents navigate telehealth during the coronavirus pandemic, is now a multi-state program that provides devices to seniors and low-income people as a way to close the digital divide. The group has grown to over 300 volunteers and partners with local health care providers, who in turn help their patients set up their new devices provided by the organization.

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Young People Are Fighting Hunger and Finding Purpose

Richard Schiffman

September 01, 2020 |

The New York Times |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Culver City, California

High school and college-age volunteers in Culver City, California are playing a significant role in the creation of a food-distribution system that aims to help their neighbors who have been financially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. While the project is having a positive impact on the community, it is also having a positive effect on the young voluteers by providing a sense of connection during this time of social isolation.

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Mexico Is Saving Its Coral Reef From Hurricanes With A One-Of-A-Kind Plan

Alexandra Kirkman

August 24, 2020 |

The Huffington Post |

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1500-3000 Words

Response Location: Mexico, Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo

To protect the Mesoamerican Reef from the effects of climate change, key stakeholders in Mexico created the world’s first insurance policy to protect a natural asset. The policy provides an immediate infusion of cash in the event of a damaging storm, allowing hotel owners and local governments to quickly repair the reef and prevent further degradation. A volunteer corps of people called the Guardians of the Reef make those repairs. While the insurance policy doesn’t cover pollution or overfishing, this mechanism could work for reefs in other countries to restore and protect threatened ecosystems.

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Law Firms Step Up To Help Small Businesses Navigate COVID-19 Crisis

Amanda Peacher

July 15, 2020 |

Boise State Public Radio (KBSX) |

Radio |

Under 3 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Idaho

Lawyers are providing free legal consultations to business owners and health care workers whose lives and livelihoods have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Pro bono legal aid in Idaho is helping businesses navigate problems with vendor contracts, loan assistance programs and HR issues. In New York, Lawyers for Good Government is a nonprofit providing wills for health care workers on the front lines of COVID-19. The legal consultations have proved effective 9 out of 10 times but the volunteer lawyers are unable to meet the high demand for legal assistance.

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Minnesota 'crisis mode chaplains' seek to heal trauma of George Floyd's death

Jean Hopfensperger

July 06, 2020 |

Minnesota Star Tribune |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Minneapolis, Minnesota

In Minnesota, volunteer chaplains are attending community events at the request of the participants to provide counsel and support to anyone who may be experiencing symptoms of trauma. Before attending any event to lend help, the volunteer "clergy, spiritual leaders and mental health leaders" first undergo a virtual cultural sensitivity and trauma training. During the events, the interfaith chaplains often perform volunteer duties, but also wear orange shirts to be easily identifiable for those who would like to share.

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