Good afternoon,
Gamaliel has been watching with concern the impact of the spread of the coronavirus in this country and around the globe. The effects thus far have been monumental—schools have been closed, community events have been cancelled or postponed, many workers have been asked to work from home, cities and states have declared states of emergency with some enforcing a complete lockdown of specific geographies—and experts tell us there are more restrictions and impacts to come. For the most vulnerable people in our communities, effects like food insecurity, lost wages, and inadequate healthcare could be devastating.
This is the time to remember that WE ARE GAMALIEL . . . that while we PRAY, we also ACT POWERFULLY so that those who seek to benefit from this pandemic CANNOT PREY upon the marginalized and the vulnerable in this country!
Last night our state directors and the national staff came together via Zoom to describe what we were experiencing on the ground; how we, as organizers, were adapting to a changed reality; and how we might act collectively to continue to live into our mission. The conversation was powerful. I listened with hope as Gamaliel organizers shared the creative ways in which they were continuing to train leaders and to move critical issue campaigns. I was encouraged to hear the innovative strategies they were planning to ensure that hard-to-count populations are included in the 2020 census. And they are doing all of this while practicing social distancing . . . .
This pandemic, while frightening and destructive, can also be an opportunity to move the long-term social, economic, and political transformations that are necessary to secure the “beloved community.” Over the next few weeks, you will hear more from me and the Gamaliel team about the steps we are taking to protect vulnerable populations from “bad actors,” to move critical issue campaigns, and to keep our communities safe and healthy.
WE ARE GAMALIEL and while we PRAY, we also ACT POWERFULLY so that those who seek to benefit from this pandemic CANNOT PREY upon the marginalized and the vulnerable in this country!
Ana Garcia-Ashley