Coming together as a community during a time of crisis

The coronavirus is causing disruptions in our lives here on the Vineyard and around the world that are unprecedented.  It is a time of challenge on many levels, and we hope you are staying safe and healthy.

As we weather this storm, there is much we can do to support our community and build connection and resilience to get us through this crisis and others that will come our way in the future. 

If you are able, volunteer your time to help serve those in the need on the island.  Islanders are calling their neighbors to make sure they have what they need and to just offer a friendly voice; helping deliver groceries or medications to the doorsteps of the home-bound; and mailing letters of gratitude to health care workers.  


This month also marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and the theme this year is Climate Action.  While we won't be able to gather in large groups to commemorate this important occasion, there are still lots of things you can do from home.  The Massachusetts Climate Action Network is hosting a webinar on Tuesday April 7th at 7pm on how to stay active on climate while staying at home.  Register here.  And check out these ideas from 350.org.  


The Vineyard Conservation Society hosts an annual Earth Day beach clean-up every year.  In place of the usual group event, they are encouraging us all to go to a place that we love on the island any day this month, and clean it up.  More info here.  

Are your school-aged children learning from home these days?  If so, the Alliance for Climate Education's website Our Climate, Our Future has amazing free resources--accessible videos, articles, and more--to help your kids learn about climate change.  Check it out here.


Stand and be counted.  The 2020 US Census has begun, and it is critical for everyone to participate, for the future of our democracy, environment, and more.  Please make sure you fill out the census for your own household, and encourage others to do the same.  Here is information on the census, the on-line form to complete the census for your household, and
materials to encourage others to do the same.

Project Drawdown is encouraging everyone to sign up to join their EcoChallenge, to share progress on advocating for climate action and to track our individual and collective impact.  Students in the MVRHS Protect Your Environment Club are participating, and you can too!  Check it out here. 


And please take care of yourself.  If you can, plant something and watch it grow--we know of few things more healing.  Here are some new resources from Island Grown Initiative that can help you grow food at home, get to know delicious edible "weeds" that are probably in your yard already, and observe the spring world around us that is so full of beauty. 

Poems might help too.  Here is one we love from the great farmer and writer and thinker Wendell Berry.

Stay tuned from more climate-related action opportunities that will come our way as town meeting plans get more defined.  In the meanwhile, please take good care.

Your friends at the Island Climate Action Network