We are reaching out because we are organizing a series about the FCAB Network’s response to the pandemic to post on the Grand Challenges COVID-19 Resource page. Our goal is to post short stories and articles with ideas, recommendations, solutions, and implications for micro, mezzo, and macro practice. In other words, the focus will be on what social workers can do, instead of solely on the damage inflicted. We would like to send out a first round of responses in April so will appreciate an initial contribution by April 17.
Here are some possible topics, but we also welcome your ideas:
· Does your current work have possible implications for policy, programs and/or practice during a time of pandemic?
· What are the likely effects of the pandemic on household financial stability and security? What measures could improve the situation in the short run, especially for vulnerable families?
· What policy changes could prevent such financial damage in future pandemics (or similar catastrophes)?
· How are different social groups being affected by the pandemic? What can we do to help?
· What are the implications for financial and economic justice during (and after) the pandemic?
· Who is able to shelter in place, who is not? What can be done to improve the situation for those who must work to survive, or must work in “essential” jobs?What can households do to protect their assets and achieve their financial security?
· What is being done to protect the housed from being homeless due to the pandemic, and what can we do to improve the outlook for the marginally housed?
· What opportunities does the pandemic offer for us to influence social policy. What are the goals and possible next steps?
· What state and/or federal policies offer income and asset protection? What is happening in your part of the country? What is not happening? What can we recommend that would better protect the most financially vulnerable?
· How will most people use the promised $1,200 from the CARES Act stimulus package, and what will be the effect? What guidance could you offer to families? Advice to policymakers about future aid to families?
· If you were designing the next stimulus package, what else would you recommend?
· How can social service and non-profit agencies respond most effectively to clients?
· Are there policy and practice ideas that are “sitting on the shelf” that could be useful for this and/or future pandemics (or crises)?
· How can communities work together to protect its small businesses and the workers and clients dependent on them?
You will think of many other possibilities.
Our goal is to have a collection of blog-like submissions, no more than 1 or 2 pages (can be written in first person). We want to get ideas and information quickly out in the public sphere in a relatively easy way. Let us know the implications or actions of your work related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
For examples of social work responses, see the Grand Challenges COVID-19 Resource page. Below are examples from other fields and other resources that might be helpful ((although they are a little more formal).
Send your post by email to Lissa Johnson (ejohnson@wustl.edu). We will provide feedback for consideration before posting on the Grand Challenges webpage. Because timing is critical in this fast moving crisis, we will appreciate your responses by April 17.
Other COVID 19 Resources related to FCAB:
Tips on writing a blog post:
Thank you in advance!
Julie Birkenmaier, St. Louis University
Christine Callahan, University of Maryland-Baltimore
Jodi Frey, University of Maryland-Baltimore
Jin Huang, St. Louis University
Lissa Johnson, Washington University in St. Louis
Gena McClendon, Washington University in St. Louis
David Rothwell, Oregon State University
Margaret Sherraden, Washington University in St. Louis