(323) 349-0661 info@latinosforwater.org

April 2020 Newsletter

 

WELL Wants to Hear From You!

The coronavirus has changed our world and our sense of normalcy; however, our resilience and solidarity will help us get through this together. To that end, WELL vows to keep local elected officials informed about water news and policy. We are working diligently to adapt and bring you programming in new and innovative ways. Recognizing the unique challenges everyone is facing, we want to make sure you have a say in what type of programs and water topics will best comfort you during these times. 

When you have a moment, please take this brief survey to share how WELL can better serve you as we ride out this pandemic together. There are only three questions, so please help us help you!

 

 

WELL hopes you are staying safe and healthy during this time. Should you need additional resources–such as coronavirus testing locations or volunteer opportunities–we’re here to help.

Symptoms & Risk

Testing & Treatment

Emotional Support Resources

  • California Surgeon General: Stress Relief During COVID-19
  • National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
  • Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUS” to 66746
  • California Youth Crisis Line: call or text 1-800-843-5200 or chat online
  • Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or text 838255
  • Friendship Line: For adults living with disabilities or who are over 60, call 1-888-670-1360
  • National Suicide Prevention Deaf and Hard of Hearing Hotline: Access video service by calling 1-800-273-8255
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE or text LOVEIS to 22522

Financial Support for Individuals & Businesses

Immigrant Californian Resources

Ways to Get Involved

WELL UnTapped Online!

The WELL team and our UnTapped WELLos didn’t let stay-at-home orders get us down! Although our UnTapped Fellowship Program for elected officials moved online, the water education and leadership development continued on! This session, WELLos explored the human right to water as it relates to farmworkers and other vulnerable populations in the Central Valley. They took a virtual tour of the Cesar Chavez National Monument and discussed Chavez’s work and legacy. WELLos also had a chance to interview Clay Rodgers, the Assistant Executive Officer of the State Water Quality Control Board–Central Valley Region. The WELLos Public Narrative leadership training continued virtually as well, where WELLos shared and received feedback on their “Story of Us.” Overall, we’d like to give a special shout out to our WELLos for continuing their commitment to water education and serving their communities during this precarious time. 

Earth Day 2020

Wednesday, April 22 marked the 50th annual Earth Day, a day of action dedicated to protecting our planet and its natural resources. Earth Day advocates from around the world came together to work towards meaningful change in climate action, science and education, and conservation and restoration. As a water education organization, WELL implores you to take a moment to reflect on our great planet, precious water resources, and resilient communities. There are many ways to get involved in Earth Day activities while at home. Below are some ideas and resources to get you started. Have fun, stay safe, and protect the earth!

 

Compost your food waste

Eat a more plant-based diet

Make homemade disinfectants

Start a garden

Adopt household water conservation practices

Consider Supporting WELL

In California, one out of every four jobs is in the nonprofit industry. Nonprofit organizations keep our communities active, safe, engaged, and empowered. Nonprofits like WELL are especially vulnerable to the economic fallout of this pandemic, as much of our revenue comes from in-person events, programs, and conferences that can no longer take place as planned. In order to keep providing water education to Latino leaders across the state, we ask that you consider donating to WELL. Every dollar counts, and every dollar goes back into empowering elected officials throughout California to better serve their communities. A donation of even $50 today will go a long way. We thank you for your continued support and consideration.  

Donate Here. 

WELLo Spotlights: Leadership During the Pandemic

Many of our WELLos have stepped up their leadership to respond to the many consequences of the coronavirus in their communities. We commend these WELLos for their dedication to the cities and communities they serve. 

Gustavo Camacho, Mayor of the City of Pico Rivera, UnTapped Class of 2019, helped coordinate one of the largest food distribution events in the Southeast LA cities along with fellow Council Member Monica Sanchez, Assemblymember Christina Garcia, Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, Los Angeles Food Bank, Pico Rivera Chamber of Commerce, and other partner organizations. The event took place on April 28, 2020 in Pico Rivera, where they gave out over 3,000 food items to families in need. To learn more about the event, you can watch the Mayor’s live video from the event location here. 

Marta Cruz, Council Member for the Town of Cloverdale, UnTapped Class of 2020, teamed up with a local photographer to offer “porch family photos” from a safe distance away. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the family photo goes to the Cloverdale Food Pantry and the Cloverdale Senior Center. So far, the program has raised $2,000 (and counting!). Below is a “porch family photo” with the Council Member and her husband.

Sally Flowers, former Council Member for the City of Artesia, UnTapped Class of 2018, started the “Project Take-Out, Restaurant Rally” with the Artesia Chamber of Commerce. Not only does this project provide a database of all the restaurants that are open for business, it enters individuals and families into a raffle for a $25 restaurant gift card for ordering take-out from at least five participating restaurants. To learn more about the Project Take-Out, Restaurant Rally, check out their event flyer. 

Igor Tregub, Commissioner of the Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board, UnTapped Class of 2020, is leading the charge in the Bay Area to adopt strong anti-displacement and other stabilizing policies to protect renters and homeowners from eviction and foreclosure during the pandemic. He also created a network between those in need of groceries and medical supplies with those who can supply them. His work in providing necessary items to older and/or immunocompromised neighbors has been so beneficial to his community that he was highlighted in the most recent episode of  KQED’s Bay Curious Podcast. 

Stay Tuned for New WELL Programs

WELL is excited about all the virtual programs we are currently planning for the upcoming months and year. The ideas just keep flowing (pun intended)! We are currently in the planning stages, so please be patient with us. Be on the lookout for more information on our upcoming programs in the coming weeks. We look forward to continuing our mission to serve you. 

Follow WELL on Social Media!

 

Follow WELL on social media to get current California water news and updates about WELL programs and events:

 Water Education for Latino Leaders

 

@LatinosForWater

 

Water Education for Latino Leaders (WELL) educates local Latino elected officials on California water policies to promote timely and equitable actions that strive to develop a robust economy, healthy communities, and a resilient environment for all Californians. Visit our website: www.latinosforwater.org.