Pop-Ups #1

For many Americans, communities of faith are the stabilizing force for good in times of crisis. But in this unusual crisis, the familiar practice of coming together for support has been made nearly impossible.

As such, faith-based organizations and congregations that are often closest to those in need – like under-resourced individuals and families, especially in communities of color – are themselves struggling to survive, let alone serve. We’ll explore urgent frontline stories from diverse faith-based institutions and leaders and consider the connection between service and citizenship for advancing justice for their communities in the context of COVID-19.

David Brooks says the pandemic provides an x-ray of America, seemingly revealing our kindness and grit. Essential workers risk their safety daily. Neighbors collaborate to sew masks, raise money, and deliver supplies. We let others know we care — we’ll get through this together.

But this national x-ray also reveals our disconnected and unequal culture. Millions of kids go hungry. Officials put image before honesty and service. Many must choose between work and risking infection, caring for kids, and paying rent. Our health system didn’t serve all people before the pandemic, and is now overwhelmed.

The pain seems to grow as the virus spreads, impacting more family, friends, and colleagues. It can break us and our communities – or break us open – strengthen us, and turn us into Weavers.

The benefits of a five-minute break are immeasurable — if you use those minutes well. Take this time to grab a cup of coffee, do some stretches, take some deep breaths – whatever works for you! You’ll find yourself surprisingly refreshed and ready the next part of the Pop-Up.

One of the most revealing aspects of the COVID-19 crisis is that society is interconnected in ways we might not have previously appreciated. Or, to put it another way, a sudden closing of an institution can set off a catastrophic chain reaction. In March, the YMCA of Metro Chicago – which serves more than 200,000 individuals annually – made the necessary decision to temporarily cease operations. That decision might have had a dangerous ripple effect in people’s lives across Chicagoland. Instead, the Y figured out how to quickly and creatively pivot to support the members of its community who are most vulnerable.

But this isn’t just about exploring a success story for the Y. It’s about learning actionable strategies that you can use at your organization and in your community to ensure that disruption – even a seemingly critical one — doesn’t lead to devastation.

A Purposeful Practice in a Pandemic (3:05-3:25)

In this short talk, LaKeisha Wolf will talk about how her organizational pivot during the coronavirus pandemic was really just a deeper dive into Ujamaa Collective’s mission to act as a catalyst to advance Africana Women by providing a fair trade marketplace for cultural, artistic and entrepreneurial exchange through cooperative economics in Pittsburgh’s Historic Hill District and beyond. She’s using this time to continue to align her practices to a long-standing African principle of ujamaa: cooperative economics. LaKeisha will share how pressure can serve us all, in both purpose and passion.

The EAT Initiative’s Response to COVID-19: The Third Meal Project (3:25-4:00)

Chef Claudy will be discussing his nonprofit organization’s rapid response to COVID-19 and how to prepare healthy and easy meals at home amidst the shutdown.