As we are still in the midst of dealing with the unknown consequences of this unprecedented Covid19 pandemic, the latest alarming news emerging globally is that black communities are disproportionately being affected by it.
Unfortunately, during prior health crisis such as crack-cocaine addiction and HIV/AIDS, underserved, marginalized and underrepresented communities have historically been overlooked. How? By the lack of resources and access to information made available due to their socio-economic situation. The 2020 Covid19 pandemic is no different.
It’s time for black organizations to get political. Well, sort of! Now is the time for black organizations to globally initiate a unified action plan.
First, black charitable organizations should advocate for their constituents in front of their government officials. How? By making sure the communities affected the most are receiving the adequate assistance they need.
Government resources for closed businesses and unemployed individuals have been well documented on the news. These resources don’t explicitly include countless other individuals and circumstances indirectly affected financially, physically or mentally. For example, kids no longer have access to outreach programs, homeless shelters are closed, seniors assistance cancelled, etc. While some governments around the world have mobilized resources for the underrepresented and underserved communities that they serve, others have not.
Whether your organization’s beneficiaries and constituents are seniors, children, troubled youth, homeless, people with disabilities & health conditions, abused victims, incarcerated, entrepreneurs, artists, young professionals, students, etc., your advocacy work can help ensure they are recognized and accounted for.
Second, the main mission of any charitable organization is to assist, contribute or support a cause or a group of specific individuals or circumstances. Crisis intervention often triggers the creation of charitable organizations in the first place.
This presents a renewed call to action with a sense of urgency. Organizations should temporarily customize, refocus or readjust their initiatives and services to align with their target clients’ needs throughout this pandemic. How? By going virtual and transferring their services online to increase accessibility and reach. This is a good start to support the growing number of people currently looking for assistance financially, physically or mentally during lockdown conditions.
This is the time to promote your expanded and usual services to the community. Support Black Charities is here to help you do that. Please visit our website for details or contact us to find out how we can help your organization.
Finally, as individuals and organizations serving the black community, we have a unique opportunity right now to change the narrative. How? By focusing, mobilizing and offering targeted support to black people during this pandemic. With so much at stakes, we can’t afford not to!