As the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to unfold, we at the Chesapeake Climate Action Network and CCAN Action Fund are working hard to adjust our plans to continue fighting global warming. We know now, more than ever, how important it is to prevent a massive crisis before it arrives. 

So here’s what we’re doing to take care of ourselves and the planet:

First, the health of our staff and surrounding communities is our main priority. We all have the responsibility to carry out “social distancing” as much as possible to reduce the spread of COVID-19. To that end, we are requiring staff to work from home if possible for the next several weeks at least, and we are suspending all CCAN planned in-person events during this time. 

Second, we are shifting our focus to digital campaigns. How can we make large-scale systemic change happen in a world of “social distancing”? Here’s how: by getting “closer” on social media. Deepening our investments in social media will be a key part of our near-term organizing even as we continue to reach out to legislators through the conventional means of email and phone calls. We’ll be in touch soon with more on all that. But here are some things you can do right now: 

• Sign this petition urging your US Senators to pass a coronavirus relief package. 
• Follow our main organization, CCAN, on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram for your daily dose of inspiration, reliable information, and activism. For regular updates on our legislative campaigns, please follow our sister organization, CCAN Action Fund, on Facebook and Twitter. 

Third, we want to make sure YOU are taking care of yourself in these trying times. We’ve included a list of resources at the bottom of this email with advice about social distancing, mental health resources, and more. 

And finally, let’s remember why we fight: We love and care about our neighbors and we want to ensure a basic quality of life for all. Climate change will not only impact the way disease spreads, it will impact every sector of society. So rest assured that we will not stop fighting the fossil fuel polluters. We will not back down. We will keep pushing to bring smart and clean energy policies to our region and nationwide. 

We know that navigating COVID-19 together will be challenging, but we also strongly believe in the power of the people. The need for progressive movements is apparent now more than ever. We are proud to be a part of this movement.  

Below are additional resources that might help you navigate COVID-19:

• The World Health Organization has advice for the public here.
• Resources for COVID-19 – A list of crowd sourced links covering a variety of COVID-19 preparedness materials, including information, tips for handwashing and social distancing, tips for how to help yourself and others, prioritize your mental health as well as physical, and how to organize in this environment.
• How canceled events and self-quarantines save lives, in one chart – Why it’s necessary to practice social distancing to protect those most vulnerable and prevent a strain on our healthcare system.
• Transformative Spaces: Demands from Grassroots Organizers Concerning COVID-19 – Written by Kelly Hayes, this is a list of demands for dealing with the crisis. Kelly is a queer Native writer, organizer and movement photographer. 
• Treating Yellow Peril: Resources to Address Coronavirus Racism  – A resource written by Associate Professor of History and Asian American Studies Jason Oliver Chang from the University of Connecticut.
• Resources from adrienne maree brown – Links to the author’s books and podcasts that are relevant: “here are some resources that might help you think about where to be, how to be, and how to see the possibilities even in this moment, how to move towards life.”
• Toolkit: Plan Now to Adapt to Coronavirus Safety – A resource created by David Solnit.
• Finding Steady Ground – A resource to remind us about behaviors to keep us grounded amidst turbulent times.