How a Broadway star, mental health professionals, and solar energy experts are lifting up local communities amid the COVID-19 pandemic
From expanding support for artists to addressing mental health needs, see how the Clinton Foundation community is supporting the immediate response and recovery of those affected by COVID-19
By Tyler Scott, Communications Associate, Clinton Foundation
Since its first convening, the CGI Action Network has fostered a cooperative spirit amongst network partners and their communities. Whether it’s continuing partnerships that are addressing the ongoing recovery needs across the Caribbean, or identifying creative solutions to tackle the complex challenges that have risen due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CGI members have collaborated to strengthen response, recovery, and resilience efforts throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.
Keep reading to learn about some of the commitment makers who found ways to support their communities amidst the pandemic.
Expanding support for Puerto Rico’s artists and artisans
In Puerto Rico, artists and artisans are an essential part of the economy. As entrepreneurs, they are also particularly vulnerable to the economic downturns that follow natural disasters and public health crises. In February 2020, CERF+ and the Flamboyan Foundation made a Commitment to Action to provide support for artists across Puerto Rico recovering from the effects of Hurricane Maria and other emergencies. Then, in response to the pandemic, CERF+ established an emergency relief fund for artists who are suffering severe health impacts from COVID-19.
Through these two funds, CERF+ and their partners provided $208,000 in grants for 139 different artists in 2020. These funds are crucial for artists to protect themselves, their businesses, and their careers. Additionally, CERF+ and their partners worked together to disseminate public health guidance, resources for the transition to remote work, and self-care workshops for artists.
Supporting mental health and wellbeing throughout 2020
The Center for Mind-Body Medicine (CMBM) deploys evidence-based programs for healing population-wide psychological trauma and stress for communities coping with all types of disasters and emergencies. This year, CMBM committed to supporting communities in Puerto Rico in the wake of the January earthquakes through training on trauma coping strategies. To adjust to the challenges posed by COVID-19, they moved their trauma healing work online to make their programs easily accessible. CMBM also has provided informational video exercises on their self-care website, which guides participants through effective and easy-to-use ways to mitigate the impacts of trauma, including drawing, writing, movement and dancing, and different types of meditations. The center also hosted a series of free webinars to help their community establish effective self-care and group support techniques in this time of enforced social distancing.
Distributing care packages to support Jamaican students and their families
The LASCO Chin Foundation made a commitment through the CGI Action Network to offer violence intervention programs aimed at reducing the occurrence of gang-related behaviors among students. The programs provide support for students and their caregivers, focusing on skills-based training and opportunities for mentorship. In an effort to continue supporting students and their families through school closures caused by the pandemic, the foundation distributed care packages filled with locally grown produce and other essential items. The foundation also delivered care packages to seniors and small business owners who faced restricted hours or closure. As of June 2020, the foundation distributed over 14,000 care packages.
Fighting for a green and resilient recovery in Latin American and the Caribbean
The COVID-19 crisis has had a devastating impact on communities in the Latin American and Caribbean region. Already susceptible to natural and socioeconomic threats, the pandemic has further restricted access to basic needs and sometimes forced people to adopt responses that were ultimately harmful to their long-term security and resilience.
To address this, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) worked to fight for a green and resilient recovery. IFRC is working to promote sustainable economic activity and build resilience for public health challenges and natural disasters through national Red Cross societies throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.
Expanding virtual learning programs to help individuals in the solar industry advance their careers
In February of this year, leaders from four organizations came together in an effort to improve career pathways for individuals working in the Puerto Rican solar industry. During a meeting of the CGI Action Network in San Juan, AZ Engineering, the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), Solar Energy International, and Solar One, announced a new commitment to increase safety standards, safeguard the quality of projects, and expand accessibility for people entering the industry.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis this year, each of these organizations has remained committed to this effort, as they’ve pivoted to provide virtual learning programs across Puerto Rico and around the world. Offerings have included courses with topic experts, virtual workforce training, and guidance for the solar industry community in adapting and responding to the pandemic.
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