2020 has been a challenging year, between COVID-19, America’s reckoning with race, and a Presidential election – it’s been a year of big challenges, frayed nerves, and raw emotions. And for many women, it’s been particularly difficult. Huge numbers of women forced to leave the workforce are struggling to deal with extraordinary burdens of care. As the New York Times put it, ‘Other countries have social safety nets; the U.S. has women.’
The pandemic has also left more women and families in poverty, struggling to afford items like food. Against this background, it’s never been a better time to support women and families in your community and beyond.
This #TakeActionTuesday, support women and families who are struggling in your community.
- Donate – According to Feeding America, Due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, more than 50 million people may experience food insecurityin 2020, including a potential 17 million children. To find and donate to your local pantry check here.
- Volunteer – As more people turn to food banks for assistance, there is a higher need for assistance. Currently, 2/3 of America’s food banks are accepting volunteers. These organizations need help with things like sorting and packing, delivering meals, and more. Check out these resources to find out how you can volunteer in your community.
- Call on your elected leaders to help – In December extended unemployment benefit are set to expire. Take a minute to send an email or call your representative in Congress and tell them to pass a Covid relief bill so the millions of struggling Americans can get the help they need. You can find the contacts to reach your member of Congress through our website.
- Celebrate the Good – As families celebrate separately to stop the spread of COVID19, now may be the perfect time for a new tradition with a zoom trivia or collectively plan ahead to support a local charity for Giving Tuesday.
Have you volunteered at a local food bank during the pandemic, what was your experience like during that outing? We want to share your stories, email info@aitogether.org.
Very Best,
The AITeam
