Community Partnership in the Time of COVID-19
As the COVID-19 crisis continues to evolve, I am constantly reminded of the positives in my life. There’s a roof over my head, food to feed my family, and a network of friends, family, and colleagues from which I can receive (and give) support.
While I am thankful for everything I have, especially in times like these, I know neighbors and other community members who do not have these basic necessities. So what does this mean for my servant leader identity and my work as the leader of a capacity-building firm that is rooted in the community? How do we engage and support our community from a distance--or without contact?
The answer is made of several parts, some simple and others more complex and strategic.
So often in our busy lives, we get sucked into the needs of the day and can lose sight of our long term visions. I am no different. However, the slowdown caused by COVID-19 can be viewed as an opportunity to pause, identify what really matters in our work and personal lives, and reprioritize.
Finding The “New Normal”
For me, this process began with thinking about what this “new normal” means for Strategic Community Partners: who we are, what we do, and how we serve and lead during these uncertain and different times. In order to figure this out, I asked myself a simple question: What is SCP?
Several declarations came to mind:
We believe those facing marginalization must continue to lead and create solutions in their communities.
We are strategic planners.
We are equity drivers.
We are resourceful, innovative and, quite simply, HUSTLERS.
We are community engagers and conveners.
We are community engagers.
We are unapologetic advocates and keepers of our youth, elders, and community
These characteristics have been the backbone of our organization and fueled our work over the last four years. We are an organization that thrives on community connection, voices, and presence. Unfortunately, COVID-19 makes this level of connection difficult, or so it seems.
We believe those facing marginalization must continue to lead and bring solutions in their communities. Our team has not changed. We will continue to serve and lead (many of us as members of marginalized communities) and ensure that community members are leading the decision making that impacts their lives.
We are strategic planners. We will keep working with organizations to envision, design, and plan, albeit virtually.
We are equity drivers. The COVID-19 crisis continues to remind us of the inequity that exists across our communities. Something as simple as toilet paper has suddenly become a battle between those who have privilege and access, and those who do not. We will continue to drive towards equity during this crisis and far beyond.
We are resourceful, innovative and, quite simply, HUSTLERS. While it may be easy to accept defeat during COVID-19, our team and our partners are pivoting in order to keep our work moving forward.
We are community engagers and conveners. Though we are working from a distance, we are using this moment as an opportunity to plan, develop and implement new strategies--pivoting some plans to a virtual space immediately and also planning for our community coworking program so we can hit the ground running later this year.
Continuing Our Service to Community
To meet the needs of our community during this time, our team is developing several new opportunities to engage, learn and grow with leaders across the city.
So the question becomes: “How can we, and our partners, continue to do this work in a virtual world?” For SCP, the answer does not lie in completely changing our strategy. Instead, we choose to take a slightly different approach to our work. With this in mind, I revisited our earlier declarations, wanting to drill down on how we continue to live these out:
Culture For Change Conference
Perhaps you’ve heard about the Culture for Change Conference we were planning to host later this summer. Well, we’re going virtual. Now more than ever, leaders need connectivity and we are determined to deliver an impactful experience for all.
To help kick-off the conference, we’re hosting a free Preview Series of webinars over the next several weeks. Check out the first installment, Finding Balance: Mental & Physical Health in Quarantine and Beyond, on April 15!
Community Conversations Series
Our Community Conversations series will also be going virtual along with some additional virtual spaces for members of our community to discuss the issues that matter to them. Be on the lookout for our next conversation--details coming soon!
Cowork with Us (Post-COVID-19)
We’d also love to have you join us in our community coworking space (once the world returns to “normal”). We are now offering 50% off of your first-month of co-working with us. Click here to learn more and sign-up; and we’ll follow-up when we have a better idea of when “normal” is insight.
Thought Partnership
As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 crisis together, we are also here to help you think through what your own community engagement looks like during this new and uncertain time.
Taking time to reflect (and share this reflection) further reminded me of the blessing I’ve been afforded to lead SCP for nearly five years--and I’m eager for the next five to come. Please also share your ideas, plans, and resources you’re finding helpful. We’re stronger as a village!