Seeking Change: Resources for Helpers Artwork

Finding the Helpers

In Season 1 of Finding the helpers, we are bringing personal stories of front line staff and families impacted by COVID-19. Our diverse guests will be invited to share their story of being on the front line, and in combination to their story, two expressive art therapists will provide art and creative activities that will support the challenges the individual and their family is facing. These could include ideas for short relaxation techniques to be done on the front line, creative ways to explain in kid friendly terms what is happening, ways to stay connected to family and children during long periods of isolation, etc.Throughout the podcast, conversation will include mental health insight related to the pandemic, anxiety and stress, grief and loss, resiliency, coping skills, and understanding the pandemic. Presented by the nonprofit Playing to Live's, whose history began in 2014 as a grassroots program focused on bringing play and creativity in the midst of the Ebola deadly viruses. Following our work in Ebola, we have continued our work as advocates and creators for play and expression across the globe in refugee settings, post war countries, and in the United States of America.

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Finding the Helpers

Seeking Change: Resources for Helpers

June 02, 2020 • Alexis Decosimo and Kristin Ramsey • Season 1 • Episode 8

This week we have been reminded, again, that there are many vital battles to fight. The United States and the world have witnessed more brutal killings of innocent people, and communities are standing up to fight for justice. In light of what is currently happening in our country, outside of COVID-19, we have decided to take a moment and pause from releasing a new interview this week. The injustices and traumas are so pervasive that we must stop what we are doing and take action. This pandemic is far from over, however, in alignment with our mission of supporting those on the front lines, we have decided that there are many front lines and right now we want to support those standing up against social and racial injustice.

To honor the fight for justice and the many people who are experiencing persistent and systemic racial inequities each day, we are offering resources which provide information on how to help either through donation or action. Some strong organizations to start with are Black Lives Matter, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and Color of Change. Additionally, there is a viral google spreadsheet providing information about bail out funds listed specifically by location, so that you can find your local affiliates. Campaign Zero is working on reforming law enforcement policies from the ground up, you can donate to the George Floyd and ‘I run with Maud’ GoFundMe sites, and sign this petition for justice for Breonna Taylor.

Lastly, for those of you who want to act in person, here is an article from Vice on how to join a protest, during a pandemic, as safely as possible. These protests and this cause are vital, and the call to action to show up for your community is valid; and there is still a virus spreading through our states at the same time, so it’s important to answer that call to action as informed as possible.

Please go to our blog for additional resources and suggestions. We know our list is not exhaustive, so please reach out to us at info@playingtolive.org if you have additions and we will continue to update it.

A special thanks to Laura Fuchs for her photography. Thanks to Josh Carter for the theme music, find more at https://prettylittlegoat.com, and to Lindsay Bingaman for writing our blog.