Caring in Covid-19 Crisis
Dear friends,
As we settle into a new rhythm caring for our loved ones and ourselves, we are thinking about all of you and the important conversations we’ve been building together the past few years.
Here in the US, where our team lives, we are under various “social distancing” and “shelter in place” protocols as confirmed cases of COVID-19 increase. In Cuba, 10 cases of the virus have been confirmed, including several tourists as well as a Cubans who recently returned from travel abroad. The country has not yet cancelled work or classes, but large public events are suspended and citizens have been instructed to take extra hygiene precautions, including sewing their own face masks. One Cuban drug, Interferon B, has reportedly been used in China to treat COVID-patients.
This is a strange and frightening time, but it is also a time that provokes us to think about the hopeful practices, narratives, and visions that we want to put in place now and in the future. In particular, we are thinking about:
Care – how can we build societies, economies, and public infrastructures that value care above profit? Bev Skeggs, Saida Ali, Daybel Pañellas and Sarah Stephens discuss
Belonging – how can we remember that all of us belong, even when crisis prompts fear, anxiety, and prejudice? john powell, Olivia Araiza, and Ben McBride’s work offers possibilities
Compassion + empathy – what practices can we cultivate to remain compassionate and empathetic? Tania Singer has taught us about the scientific evidence for collective mindfulness practices
Food sovereignty – how can we create sustainability, resiliency, and security? Fernando Funes Monzote is putting a model into practice
Although we do not yet know when it will be possible to resume our convening work, the Cuba Platform will continue during this time to develop our research and writing on these themes, and to assess possibilities for convening over digital platforms.
We remain available by zoom, phone, and email – especially to those looking for ways to stay connected and engaged during this time.
With love, care, and solidarity,
Sarah, Justine, Mariakarla
Economies of Care: A Conversation About Cuba, Equity and the Future with reflections on the importance of CONNECTION, INTERDEPENDENCE, and SOLIDARITY