Why It’s Important to Share Resources and How to Do So

COVID-19, known commonly as the coronavirus, has taken the world by storm. With the number of confirmed cases in the U.S. growing, organizations everywhere are taking action to prevent the disease from becoming more widespread.

Beyond encouraging basic precautions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — consistent handwashing and avoiding contact with the face — the U.S. government has issued new guidelines on social gatherings, which include discouraging gatherings of 10 or more people.

In the midst of these guidelines and the fear of spreading the disease further, restaurants, health clubs and other businesses across the country are limiting hours and services, or closing completely.

With so many places closing their doors and the general population battening down the hatches, social isolation may seem like a necessary evil. However, even if we’re all confined to our homes, we don’t have to be alone. We can all help each other weather the storm.

As a news and best practice resource for community rec professionals, we believe Community Rec Magazine can fill that exact need: facilitating conversations between professionals about how they’re dealing with this crisis.

To this end, I’d like to introduce the COVID-19 Resource Group for Community Rec Professionals, a LinkedIn group for community rec professionals to share ideas, best practices and any tips to help nonprofit health and wellness organizations thrive while the coronavirus is here and after it’s gone.

If you’ve found an effective way to stay connected with members while your doors are closed, share it in the group. If you have an engaging virtual fitness service you can offer, share how you implemented it in the group.

There are many ways to have a positive impact on our communities, even if we’re not in our buildings. And those methods become even more effective when they are shared and executed across the country.