PRESS RELEASE: COVID-19 & Community Resiliency

Dearest Earth Guardian Crews, Supporters & Allies Worldwide,

We are living in unique and precarious times, times that we have never before seen or experienced as a global community. The coronavirus pandemic is impacting everyone —from our families to businesses, to our youth crews who have bravely been on the front lines of our climate crisis. Right now, we are reminded just how truly connected we all are.

We are being called to stop business as usual, to listen and to act. This act of listening and moving in solidarity is part of finding our way forward.

We want to send our prayers and solidarity to those feeling the impacts of this crisis, whether it be medical, financial, or emotional. While everyone can be affected by the virus and the uncertainty of things, it is imperative to acknowledge that not all of us are experiencing the impacts in the same way. Black, brown, indigenous and low-income communities are disproportionately impacted by disruptions in our economy, healthcare and education systems from generations of exploitation and institutionalized oppression. Remember: this virus isn’t just a cause for extra hand washing and stockpiling resources. It deeply connects many larger systemic issues that are pushing our world to the edge of collapse.

The massive mobilization effort we are seeing worldwide that is combatting COVID-19 is exactly the level of urgency we need to tackle the greatest public health and social justice threat of our time —the climate crisis. In a matter of weeks many governments, individuals and private sectors have come together to tackle the global pandemic. This proves how possible it is for a worldwide transition off of fossil fuels over the next ten years. We can do this!

Earth Guardians youth crews across the globe are usually organizing actions, educating their communities, planting trees, cleaning up eco-systems, taking governments to court, having in-person meetings and creating powerful public demonstrations. We understand that current times call for a shift in activity. We invite all of our crews and supporters to use this time as a deep in-breath. We encourage you to check in with your local crews and communities via Skype, Zoom or email and to offer support to those who need it. The youth climate movement, made up of a coalition of many youth organizations, had plans for massive Earth Day demonstrations this April. Although our big gatherings are postponed in physical space, we will continue to build this movement through our online strikes. Stay tuned for more information regarding this.

At the core, Earth Guardians is continuing to develop our powerful curriculum for our three land-based leadership trainings this summer while optimizing online resources that will support our youth crews globally. We are also continuing to build our Get Out The Vote and Global Divestment Campaigns with partners, adapting as needed to follow proper health protocols. 

We feel great gratitude to all of the medical staff and health practitioners around the planet who are working exhausting hours and risking themselves to help those who have contracted COVID-19. We are also truly appreciative of the community of workers in grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations and more, who are putting themselves at risk so the rest of us may feel supported. 

Now more than ever we need to go out of our way to show up for those who need us. Consider donating to mutual relief efforts, keep calling and checking in on your friends and family, and be sure to take all the proper health precautions to protect yourself. We must act with a great level of understanding that everything is interconnected. Our actions can especially affect our elders and those in our communities with preexisting conditions. 

We are watching, acting and listening closely to information and guidance published by healthcare authorities around the globe. We are not taking this pandemic lightly. Please take the necessary steps to protect yourself, your family and your communities by physically distancing and staying isolated as much as possible. We are in this together!

All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting
All over the world people are looking at their neighbors in a new way
All over the world, people are waking up to a new reality
To how big we really are
To how little control we really have
To what really matters
To love

~passage from Fr. Richard Hendrick, OFM March 13th, 2020

For Our Collective Future,
Xiuhtezcatl and Tamara