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Given the impact of Coronavirus/COVID-19 in our community and the world, we have been brainstorming about our role as a community-based organization in an environmental justice community. We understand that the care of our families is critical right now. DRCC can’t lose sight of our continued efforts to place the health of the Duwamish Valley community at the forefront of our mission.
As you know, our work has always been about deep connection and relationships with our stakeholders, especially those that are most impacted by all environmental threats. At DRCC we care deeply about those we serve. We take very seriously our role as stewards of our water, air, and climate, but also as a responsible employer and community member. As part of our commitment to protect the wellbeing of staff and community we wanted to share the precautions we are taking in response to the COVID-19 outbreak as well as other actions.
The health and safety of our staff, volunteers, partners, and larger community is our top priority. As an organization, we are following the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Workplace Recommendations for the next 30 days of Mitigation Strategies for Seattle-King County. In accordance with these recommendations, our staff is working remotely to ensure the safety of our team and external collaborators.
Out of an abundance of caution, we are also postponing all our events, boats tours, kayak tours, volunteer events, special events, and all other outreach events for the next 30 days. Should conditions change, we will provide updated information via email, on our website and all our social media outlets including FaceBook. How can we respond quickly enough to these urgent times and be relevant to the current conditions and also be true to our mission and community? We would love to hear from you!
Also, we realize these are stressful times, and our thoughts are with those who have already been impacted by the Coronavirus. Here are some of the immediate actions we are taking to support: DRCC/TAG has been very active responding to needs, gathering resources and planning with our closest partners to create a sustainable infrastructure (informational videos, food supplies, etc) DRCC/TAG will be thinking of ways to safely support youth/ children activities with the Duwamish Valley Youth Corps (for example: small groups/outside only, etc.) We will be supporting small businesses to get access to resources they need to thrive in this difficult time. Filling out applications, etc. We will be offering online River/ environmental justice learning about the Duwamish River and community history in coordination with local schools. We will be coordinating efforts to match local talents with local needs- Formal and informal sales and support of local business. We are working on creation of a Resilient Fund to support the community's most urgent needs. If you want to donate please click here:Donate
Our Duwamish Valley is a vulnerable community with many health and environmental injustices. We will continue to build strong, sustainable infrastructure to work together and be strong and resilient! Stay safe and healthy. We hope to see you around the neighborhood soon!
Your DRCC STAFF
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