The novelty coronavirus that is devastating the world, dividing nations and separating families is the same one that is strengthening communities, creating a culture of compassion and human kindness, and building resilience. These times of uncertainty and despair challenge our readiness to respond, but it doesn’t break our collective spirit of hope, empathy and courage.
On the frontlines are first responders and essential workers in healthcare, retail, pharmaceuticals and government agencies who represent bravery, courage and strength. They are the heroes leading this effort to fight this war against the invisible enemy known as Covid-19 and create a united front to help society overcome this viral disease. Not all of us are bold enough to stand shoulder to shoulder on the frontlines. Not all of us are equipped with the right expertise, tools or skill sets. But each of us can do our part to protect people in the community, create a positive impact, and make someone’s life a little easier and a lot less stressful.
While going through this tough patch, there are ways to distribute the weight of the pandemic so that it doesn’t fall so heavily on everyone’s shoulders. It’s what society refers to as social responsibility, a call for each person to step up and do what is ethically and morally right for the health and safety of society.
Social responsibility is an ethical theory, in which individuals are accountable for fulfilling their civic duty; the actions of an individual must benefit the whole of society. In this way, there must be a balance between economic growth and the welfare of society and the environment. If this equilibrium is maintained, then social responsibility is accomplished.
Ingrained in the fabric of the community is an undying spirit to find strength within ourselves and the community to make difficult circumstances more tolerable and bearable. Each of us has a shared responsibility to shoulder the weight of the pandemic and many are finding creative ways to contribute to the happiness and well-being of others within the community.
Acts of kindness come in many forms
Image Source: New York Post — Kansas farmer sent N95 mask to Cuomo after finding his address online
Kansas farmer sends N95 mask to Governor Cuomo: Personal protective equipment (PPE) and gear such as coveralls, gloves, safety goggles and masks have been especially hard to come by for frontline workers and staff. With a shortage of supplies comes hoarding, price gouging and flying elbows. While many continue to stock up, there are few such as Dennis Ruhnke, 72, retired Kansas farmer, who steps up and gives back so generously. With a total of five N95 masks between him and his wife, he looked up the address of Governor Andrew Cuomo and penned a letter asking Governor Cuomo to send this single, unused N95 mask to a doctor or nurse in need. How generous, selfless and thoughtful is that?
Image Source: KRON 4 Heroes — Contactless Coffee: SF resident offers free coffee to community through home window
SF resident offers free, contactless coffee to front-line workers through his window: No, this is not your local Starbucks or Bay Area coffee shop. This is San Francisco resident Ben Ramirez serving free hot coffee to those in his community. With a smile on his face and a coffee cup in his “gorilla hand”, Ben is there with a smile on his face bringing a little bit of happiness to his neighbors. As a business owner, his plan to open up a coffee shop got sidetracked because of the coronavirus, but that didn’t stop him serving his community. When he does come around to opening up his coffee shop, I’ll bet there will be a line around the corner.
Video Source: KRON 4 — Restaurant takes prices off menu letting customers pay for what they can during coronavirus crisis
Restaurant takes prices off menu letting customers pay for what they can during coronavirus crisis: Wisconsin Restaurant owners Clifford and Yvonne Hooks from Cook’s Cafe have seen firsthand how the effects of the coronavirus has impacted families, neighbors and loved ones. With hospital beds full, the devastation on the economy tightening purse strings, non-essential businesses closed and the lucky ones sheltering in place, the struggle to survive is real. While struggling to make ends meet, they rely on take-out orders to sustain their business. But what about the ones who cannot afford to pay for their meal? Do they just starve and go hungry? Not under the Hooks’ watch. The decision to remove prices from the menu and allow customers to pay what they can afford or just pick up a warm meal is a testament of their kindness, generosity and spirit during these trying times.
Image Source: NBC Los Angeles — Thousand Oaks Teen Makes Face Masks Designed for Hearing Impaired
Thousand Oaks Teen Makes Face Masks Designed for Hearing Impaired: We’ve seen many praise-worthy hobbyists and craft enthusiasts offer their unique talents to create masks for workers and community members alike. However, this Thousand Oaks teen Isabella Appell has combined her sewing skills with out-of-the box thinking to construct a mask that serves the hearing impaired. With a clear vinyl center sewn in at the center of the mask, Isabella has found a way for people to read the lips of the person speaking. It’s this creative way of thinking and doing that sustains us and helps us get through this pandemic together. If you’re interested in purchasing one of these masks, all proceeds will go to the Hearing Aid Project, which provides free hearing aids to those who can’t afford them.
Image Source: MSN — Have you seen this unicorn around Pleasanton?
Dancing unicorn spreads joy around Pleasanton: Oftentimes people think they need to have plenty of resources or a hidden talent to contribute in a positive manner. Well, this dancing unicorn will show you otherwise. Gina Woodard, a massage therapist who’s lived in Pleasanton for 11 years, decided to put on a unicorn costume and take to the streets of Pleasanton. With a little song and dance, and some words of inspiration, she brought happiness to herself and others while practicing safe and responsible social distancing. Woodard was later joined by two dinosaurs and a hippo.
No act of kindness is too small
During these challenging times, it shows that just about anyone can make a difference and bring a little comfort and joy into someone’s life. You don’t need to have a plethora of resources or deep pockets to make a positive impact. These are ordinary people, like you and me, trying to help others make it through this global health crisis one day at a time.
For me, I don’t have the skills to be a front-line worker nor do I have the audacity to put on a unicorn suit and dance on the streets (that takes a very unique type of personality), but I do have the ability to expand my volunteer capabilities and serve as a virtual mentor for the Project Management Institute, SF Chapter and American Marketing Association, SF Chapter. By listening, providing support and feedback, and guiding people with your years of experience, you can help them through these tough economic times. Whether you’re conducting mock interviews, helping them prepare for a certification, reviewing resumes, or just acting as a soundboard, you can make a real difference in someone’s life. You can be a coach or a mentor. More importantly, you can be a friend.
What is your guiding light?
Getting through this pandemic requires mental toughness and the ability to draw on strength within ourselves and the community. Knowing that we all have a social responsibility to bear some of the weight of this pandemic on our shoulders may not alleviate the burden, but it will certainly ease some of that stress. Whether your calling is to be there on the frontlines, provide monetary support, share your craftsmanship or talents, lend an ear or a helping hand, or just make someone smile, find that purpose that guides your core set of beliefs and values, and bring it to life.
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