We recognize the many ways Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) has disrupted our lives and has left us trying to adapt and adjust. We are inspired by the ways in which individuals and communities continue to come together to support one another during this challenging time. This is our strength and resilience in action. This issue of our newsletter focuses on the Principle of the Month Resilience and Recovery to support you in your work and wellbeing. We invite you to explore the resources in this issue and share those you find useful with others.
Trauma-Informed Systems (TIS)was created to humanize bureaucracy and center equity - tasks that are especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. We invite you to explore this newsletter with resources on how to applyTIS principlesto this moment of COVID-19.
Implement a buddy system. Pair colleagues together to get to know and support each other’s well-being through checking in with each other regularly, monitoring stress levels and workloads, encouraging the use of wellness practices and breaks, and promoting safety. Learn more about the buddy system (PDF)
Make sure staff are aware of and know how to access supportive resources available to them, such as the Employee Assistance Program and important Human Resource contacts.
Balancing Virtual Connection
If you are working from home, you may find yourself adjusting to more and more meetings on virtual platforms such as Zoom, GoToMeeting, or Skype. Sometimes this may be a great way to connect, allowing us to see colleagues, friends, and loved ones. At other times it may leave us feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. You are not alone in this feeling. During video meetings our brains are working hard -- read more here.It is important to provide our brains a rest by taking breaks, turning off video, or simply connecting by phone for some meetings.
Additional tips and resources for the Zoom platform:
This free e-book helps young children and families talk about their experiences and feelings related to COVID19. Download here(PDF). Also available,a companion story, offering parents help with answering any tough questions children may have.
Author and illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi has a variety of remote learning resources for kids on her Debbieohi.com/homelearn.
Perform a play: the Kennedy Center has 5-10 minute joyful plays you can perform at home. Learn morehere
Storytime:
Michelle Obama reads a story each Monday on PBS Kids, Read along “Mondays with Michelle Obama”. Previous read-alongs are also available on YouTube.
Rachel Cargle (@rachel.cargle) reads children’s stories on Instagram everyday at 12pm PST / 3pm EST that feature social justice themes and children of color as main characters.
