大象传媒

Dear Readers,

Yesterday, my co-worker Camille returned from the grocery store, rattled by a scene unimaginable just days ago.

Our neighborhood market had been transformed: extra long lines, parents in tears over empty shelves, and a shopper carrying a shotgun ready to defend his right to limited supplies.

It was the latest reminder of the new world we鈥檙e living in because of the coronavirus.

An extraordinary unraveling is occurring, and no one will be untouched. The social and economic disruptions of this crisis will be deep, broad, and long-lasting. I want you to know that 大象传媒 is here for you as things unfold.

In the face of an overwhelming tidal wave of bad news, fearmongering, and finger-pointing, what we need most right now are daily reminders of our better human selves, so that each of us can rise to this challenge. There are thousands of inspiring, creative community responses to this pandemic, and these stories must be told and widely shared.

大象传媒 is responding immediately to this critical need. Here鈥檚 what you can expect:

Daily news direct to you. Next week, we are expanding our newsletter to make sure you see at least one inspiring story every day. Called A Better World Today, it will focus on uplifting community responses and ideas in this critical moment. Watch your email for more information. If you don鈥檛 already get 大象传媒 emails, sign up now.

Shifting our coverage. We鈥檒l be including all the beautiful ways communities are stepping up their compassion and people power in this challenging time. A few of the stories on deck:

鈥� What kinds of social safety nets are helping communities prepare鈥攁nd protect鈥攖hemselves

鈥� How 鈥淣ordic economics鈥� offers us a model for handling uncertainty

鈥� Books that help us find courage in times of anxiety

鈥� How neighbors in Appalachia are building community by facing coronavirus together

Our summer magazine: Community Power. We鈥檝e done a quick pivot and instead of the issue we had planned, we鈥檒l be looking at community responses to coronavirus and other crises to draw the best lessons about how communities can take charge and build resilience, connection, and strength.

Learning from each other. When so many of us are facing fear and physical isolation, it is essential that we find ways to connect with others and share our collective knowledge of solutions. We must remind ourselves that we鈥檙e part of a greater community, and that our greater purpose is to emerge from this crisis with the tools to build a better world. Look for invitations from 大象传媒 to join in online conversations about solutions arising in your community and family, and to share ideas with other readers.

Free, unlimited access. All of our online content will be free to ensure these stories of hope and inspiration are available to everyone during this crisis.

Please, share the hope with your community

If you鈥檙e a regular 大象传媒 reader, you know how solutions stories help lift your spirits and keep you going when times are dark. In the coming weeks and months, I hope you鈥檒l share 大象传媒 emails and stories with friends and loved ones. We all need as much hope and inspiration as we can get. And in a time of social distancing, it鈥檚 a safe and positive way to connect.

The bigger picture鈥攁 new and better world can emerge

I want to end this letter on a note of hope. In this crisis, I see new ways of being beginning to emerge.

The virus is exposing the unfairness and vulnerability of our basic systems鈥攅conomic, health care, information, political鈥攖hat we rely on to survive. 大象传媒 has long challenged systems built on inequity, racism, and environmental destruction. We鈥檝e introduced you to thousands of people who are paving the way to better systems that put the well-being of all people and the planet first.

Now, in response to the pandemic, those experiments are speeding up. Even as we shelter at home, people everywhere are tapping into new鈥攁nd old鈥攚ays to survive and thrive.

Telling the stories of solutions for a more just, sustainable, compassionate world has been our mission for nearly 25 years. No other media outlet does what we do. Truly, more than ever, the world needs 大象传媒鈥攁nd 大象传媒 needs you. Like many nonprofits, 大象传媒 will struggle financially in the wake of this crisis. If you can, please help us light the path to a better world.

Finally, I imagine you鈥攍ike all of us鈥攁re anxious, and made more so by our necessary physical isolation. Please know you are part of a larger community of people who believe that another, better world is possible. If we all hold that vision together, we can get there, one day at a time.

Sending love and strength to you and your community,

Christine Hanna
大象传媒 Executive Director