March 17, 2020
Dear LearnServe Fellows, Families, and Advisors,
I hope this finds you in good health and good-as-can be spirits given the new normal that we are now living in.
I wanted to let you know that the LearnServe Board and leadership team have taken the decision to move the LearnServe Fellows Program to an all-virtual format through the end of the program year.
Given the rapid global spread of COVID-19 and daily changes — including the latest CDC recommendations against all gatherings of 50+ people for the next 8 weeks — we concluded the potential health risk is simply too great, even if schools do reopen.
Our team of cohort leaders will be connecting this afternoon to discuss what a virtual format for our Fellows meetings, mentor sessions, and pitch competition might look like. We know that access to technology is different for each family; we will take that into consideration as we plan, to ensure everybody can participate. If you have any creative ideas for virtual Fellows meetings, please share — we’d love to hear them!
We recognize that families are affected by the pandemic, social distancing, and economic downturn in different ways. We have begun to compile community resources in DC, MD, and VA and will share them once we have a thorough list. Please let us know if you are in need of assistance — or if you may be in a position to support others in our LearnServe community.
Additionally: if you have new ideas for how to support your community, or new venture projects inspired by the current pandemic, that you’d like to talk through, please let us know. We are here for assistance and as sounding-boards. (Parents and advisors — this goes for you as well. We are always happy to talk through new ideas!)
We so appreciate your flexibility, creativity, and continued commitment to social change. Please know that although we will not be meeting in person in the coming weeks, we are still dedicated to creating social impact in our communities here and abroad, and will be very much present in this mission and with you all, our community, during these challenging times.
Stay tuned for details on Thursday’s virtual Fellows Meeting. And in the meantime, please stay safe and healthy!
With appreciation,
Scott, Florence, and Sabine on behalf of the LearnServe team