RESOURCE LIST BELOW
Our community is frontline workers, cooperative businesses facing extreme and particular challenges right now, and others who have long been in the struggle for racial and economic justice. Our community is engaged in the serious and essential work of caring for neighbors, shoppers, children, parents, employees, co-workers, and others beyond our neighborhoods. For this, we thank and celebrate you.
It is evident now and again that in times like these, people turn (knowingly or not) to cooperative values. As cooperators, we have long felt and known that our role as individuals includes being responsible to the wellbeing of the collective. And while the cause of the current uptick in cooperation is saddening and even overwhelming, we are heartened to see the many and varied mutual aid networks popping up all over the country and in our region. The values of solidarity and concern for the community are showing up in so many ways, big and small — from advocacy around supporting frontline workers to neighbors getting groceries for the elderly, homeless, poor, and immunocompromised.
We find hope in this, while simultaneously holding the very real, immediate, and harmful impacts of this crisis that will keep unfolding for some time.
As cooperators, we are all constantly striving to center humanity over productivity and profit under a capitalist system that makes it extremely difficult to do so. As such, GV and TAF members are taking time to deliberately slow down and reflect critically on how to support those engaged in our region’s cooperative economy while tending to our roles as caregivers of family members and neighbors during this crisis. We are deeply fortunate to have the ability to do this.
We are still absolutely available to you. Our members and worker/owners already working remotely and will continue to do so. For now, our energies are focused on keeping this resource list updated, sending regular communications to our community, and continuing to provide assistance to our co-ops, and community who are now navigating unprecedented challenges.
Apart from those things, though, other aspects of our programming are on pause or postponed. We are in the early stages of figuring out how to continue our strategic planning process (which was just getting started!) in this new world, and will be keeping you all updated on that.
We wish you wellness, groundedness, and sparks of laughter and joy each day. Know that we are in this with you.
In solidarity and care,
Global Village and Tuck Away Farm members, Board, worker/owners and residents
Video Message from Global Village Board Co-Chair, Chief Sequan Pijakì
COVID-19 RESOURCES
FOOD / FARM RESOURCES:
NOFA Mass: https://www.nofamass.org/resources/covid19-updates-and-resources
Farmers of Color Specific Resources, contact NEFOC: https://nefoclandtrust.org/contact
Climate Justice Alliance Mutual Aid & Resources List: Foodshed Response List
CO-OP RESOURCES:
Worker Co-op Resources from US Federation of Worker Co-ops: https://www.usworker.coop/covid-19/
Loans for Co-ops: https://www.cooperativefund.org/content/emergency-cooperative-enterprise-relief-loan-program
Stimulus Relief Guide from CDI: https://cdi.coop/covid-19-stimulus-relief-guide/
FUNDS FOR ORGANIZATIONS:
New England Grassroots Environment Fund: https://grassrootsfund.org/
Haymarket Peoples’ Fund: https://www.haymarket.org/
Resist Rapid Response Grants: https://resist.org/
BASIC NEEDS / MUTUAL AID NETWORKS:
Mutual Aid Worcester: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MutualAidWorcester/
Western Massachusetts Community Mutual Aid: Welcome packet
Greater Boston: https://www.facebook.com/groups/591650621562523/
COVID-19 INFO SHEET:
The following is from Irene Ken physician, whose daughter is an Asst. Prof in infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins University, quite informative.
* The virus is not a living organism, but a protein molecule (DNA) covered by a protective layer of lipid (fat), which, when absorbed by the cells of the ocular, nasal or buccal mucosa, changes their genetic code. (mutation) and convert them into aggressor and multiplier cells.
* Since the virus is not a living organism but a protein molecule, it is not killed, but decays on its own. The disintegration time depends on the temperature, humidity and type of material where it lies.
* The virus is very fragile; the only thing that protects it is a thin outer layer of fat. That is why any soap or detergent is the best remedy, because the foam CUTS the FAT (that is why you have to rub so much: for 20 seconds or more, to make a lot of foam).By dissolving the fat layer, the protein molecule disperses and breaks down on its own.
* HEAT melts fat; this is why it is so good to use water above 77 degrees Fahrenheit for washing hands, clothes and everything. In addition, hot water makes more foam and that makes it even more useful.
* Alcohol or any mixture with alcohol over 65% DISSOLVES ANY FAT, especially the external lipid layer of the virus.
* Any mix with 1 part bleach and 5 parts water directly dissolves the protein, breaks it down from the inside.
* Oxygenated water helps long after soap, alcohol and chlorine, because peroxide dissolves the virus protein, but you have to use it pure and it hurts your skin.
* NO BACTERICIDE OR ANTIBIOTIC SERVES. The virus is not a living organism like bacteria; antibodies cannot kill what is not alive.
* NEVER shake used or unused clothing, sheets or cloth. While it is glued to a porous surface, it is very inert and disintegrates only
-between 3 hours (fabric and porous),
-4 hours (copper and wood)
-24 hours (cardboard),
-42 hours (metal) and
-72 hours (plastic).
But if you shake it or use a feather duster, the virus molecules float in the air for up to 3 hours, and can lodge in your nose.
* The virus molecules remain very stable in external cold, or artificial as air conditioners in houses and cars.
They also need moisture to stay stable, and especially darkness. Therefore, dehumidified, dry, warm and bright environments will degrade it faster.
* UV LIGHT on any object that may contain it breaks down the virus protein. For example, to disinfect and reuse a mask is perfect. Be careful, it also breaks down collagen (which is protein) in the skin.
* The virus CANNOT go through healthy skin.
* Vinegar is NOT useful because it does not break down the protective layer of fat.
* NO SPIRITS, NOR VODKA, serve. The strongest vodka is 40% alcohol, and you need 65%.
* LISTERINE IF IT SERVES! It is 65% alcohol.
* The more confined the space, the more concentration of the virus there can be. The more open or naturally ventilated, the less.
* You have to wash your hands before and after touching mucosa, food, locks, knobs, switches, remote control, cell phone, watches, computers, desks, TV, etc. And when using the bathroom.
* You have to Moisturize dry hands from so much washing them, because the molecules can hide in the micro cracks. The thicker the moisturizer, the better.
* Also keep your NAILS SHORT so that the virus does not hide there.