#COVID19 Showed Oklahomans the true nature of Oklahoma's infrastructure to be able to take care of our communities in crisis - there virtually isn't one. Our local government didn't take into account several things: 1/9

They didn't think about how shutting down schools meant students no longer got meals that they might need - so thankful for the schools that continue to provide meals, the tribal nations that provided meals, and the community members that continue to provide meals. 2

They didn't think about how shutting down businesses would cripple the Oklahoma family, since 1in3 families live paycheck to paycheck and have to choose between which basic necessity to pay for each month. 3

There wasn't a thought about not if -but when- Corona virus got into jails & prisons what proactive action looks like. Bc this virus, like some of our loved ones, gets caught in our justice system and never gets out. & The financial strain that out on families w/ folx locked up 4

What about our unhoused community members that don't get a chance to practice social distancing because the resources they need are in congregate places. Or the ones that lack access to running water to continuously wash their hands in their bodies. 5

What about the number of folx who don't have access to an AA meeting or an NA meeting that are isolated in their homes right now. 6

And honestly the list goes on & on & on & on of the infrastructural shortcomings that Oklahoma has. Community organizers showed up to protect folks, provide funding for folks, do virtual assistance for folks, and that list goes on & on too! 7

I was able to come together w/ a group of amazing community activist & organizer to create the FB page Oklahoma Mutual Aid. The virtual hub for resources across OK's 77 counties to help folks get the assistance they need and provide the resources they have. #OklahomaMutualAid 8

Oklahomans deserve leadership that isn't continuously behind the curve learning what basic care for communities in times of crisis means. We need folks who are in community continuously working on these issues, we need more community organizers in the decision-making seats. 9