Alight Announces #InOurHands Global Campaign To Create Unity and Share Messaging About COVID-19 [Video Included]

Alight Announces #InOurHands Global Campaign To Create Unity and Share Messaging About COVID-19 (image via Alight)

Alight, formerly known as the American Refugee Committee, has announced the global launch of the IN OUR HANDS campaign. 

Developed in conjunction with leading nonprofit design studio, IDEO.org, the campaign aims to unite people during a time of social distancing while also sharing bite-sized, positive messaging derived from World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines as a means to simply and effectively offer uplifting messages. 

Alight is joining forces with influencers, community leaders and partners around the world to help raise awareness and demonstrate how together, hand-in-hand, we can help slow the staggering rate at which COVID-19 continues to spread.

"We work closely with refugees in camps and settlements who don't have the systems in place to be protected from the coronavirus and also haven't necessarily received much information about the virus," says Alight's East Africa Representative Bernad Ochieng Ojwang. "So, as we've been working to prepare the communities of refugees and displaced people we serve every day for COVID-19, we knew we also wanted to create a campaign that could both reach other remote and marginalized communities with information and unite the global community against this global pandemic."

"Designers are looking to apply their creativity and craft to COVID-19 related efforts in this moment where their skills are most needed. We are optimistic that these messages can really shift behaviors and prevent the further spread of COVID-19 in vulnerable communities in East Africa and around the world," says Jocelyn Wyatt, CEO of IDEO.org.

The campaign centers around influencers coming together to express love and solidarity with all of those doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19 using #InOurHands. They are writing messages of love and solidarity on the palms of their hands, sharing it and encouraging others to do the same, with the hope to send love to more than 28.7 million people worldwide.

Influencers from all over the world are already participating and posting across their social channels, including international musician, K'naan, along with Natalia Tewa, Millard Ayo, Idris Sultan, Harmonize TZ, Benjamin Fernandes, George Kagwe, Aar Maanta and Ayaan Mohallim.

The Video:

About Alight:

Established in 1978 by founder Neal Ball, Alight, formerly known as American Refugee Committee, provides health care, clean water, shelter, protection and economic opportunities to more than 3.5 million people in 17 countries each year. 

Alight believes in the incredible creativity, potential, and ingenuity of the displaced and works to shine a light on their humanity, the tremendous amount of good that's already happening and the possibilities to do more. 

The organization exists to see and help every person make meaningful change in the world – from displaced and marginalized communities in Africa, Asia and the Americas to...anyone, anywhere. 

Learn more about Alight at www.wearealight.org.

SOURCE: Alight

Coronavirus: Polling Shows British Public Values Compassion Over Economic Stability

Coronavirus: Polling Shows British Public Values Compassion Over Economic Stability (Ben Birchall/PA)

These are uncertain, anxious and unnerving times. The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting every one of us in some way, from physical and mental health to income, from routine and way of life to concern for others. There are, though, causes for hope and optimism in amongst the unease and discomfort. New polling shows the British public values the life and health of the nation’s older population over longer-term economic prosperity.

The UK government, like so many others, has had to weigh these issues against each other in its attempts to slow the spread of COVID-19. Difficult decisions have been taken in the interests of protecting public health that will inevitably hurt the economy. Businesses have been forced to close and people told to stay at home. Companies are placing staff on furlough leave in far greater numbers than the government first predicted, and yet these results suggest that the public is on board with an approach that focuses on keeping people alive rather than keeping businesses running.

Among 2,093 adults, we found that 55% agreed that the health of today’s older generations is more important than the long-term economic prosperity of future generations, and only 8% disagreed.

Respondents also said they valued “being compassionate” as a trait in others (68%) and in leaders and senior politicians (44%) above other character qualities, such as being reflective, courageous, resilient, or wise. This is not a million miles away from other research showing that junior and established professionals value honesty, fairness and kindness in the workplace. Such moral virtues enable us to act well in situations that demand ethical responses, none more so than the crisis that currently envelopes us. The crisis is real, and the situation stark.

The poll results reflect that people are consumed by the immediacy and urgency of the threat of COVID-19, and are finding it difficult to consider more abstract concepts such as future economic prosperity or when any semblance of “normality” will return.

Stockpiling turns to compassion

Respondents also place public services and being aware of those around us in high regard; “being of service to others” (42%) and “having community awareness” (40%) were also character qualities that we value in one another at this time of national and international crisis.

It is understandable that compassion is of the utmost value to us at the moment. The uniqueness of this current crisis has challenged everyone to respond in some way, be it ethically, socially, selfishly, or just by living differently. Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen examples of people behaving in ways that has both disappointed and inspired.

We seem to have come through an initial self-preservation response to the crisis, manifesting itself in long lines at supermarkets, with trolleys piled high with more goods than we need. More recently, we are now seeing and sharing scenes of people coming out of their homes to show their gratitude to key workers – which will surely be one of the enduring symbols of our shared compassion.

Billboards that normally display adverts in London’s Piccadilly Circus carry signs thanking key workers. (PA)

In the midst of such a unique and precarious crisis, the poll results reflect a human instinct to care for each another and ourselves.

That said, the findings show that there are differences between generations. While 58% of those aged 55 agreed that caring for lives was more important than economic prosperity, the figure dropped to 49% among those aged 34 and under.

Again, there were generational differences in how respondents valued other people, with younger people aged under 35 valuing compassion in others less (62%) than those aged over 55 (75%). Younger people also valued these traits slightly less in leaders and senior politicians than older people. So, while we are showing ourselves to be a nation that values compassion in this time of crisis, generally, there are degrees of compassion that differ by generation.

Asking such a potentially divisive question about short-term care for lives versus longer-term economic prosperity was designed to make respondents give a “false choice”. If we could protect both, then we would – but we can’t. While support for the short-term reality of protecting life over the more abstract notion of future economic prosperity is not a particularly surprising finding, the degree to which the public favour it is heartwarming.

The findings, overall, reflect the importance of recognising positive qualities in people around us, as well as the importance of character to our own well-being. We value the judgement and wisdom of our leaders, but recognise, at all ages, the need for care and compassion towards one another at this time of unprecedented crisis.

About Today's Contributor:

James Arthur, Director of the Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues, University of Birmingham

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. 

Detroit Artist Unites City by Creating Music Video Honoring Front-Liners [Video Included]

Dempster from Detroit Performing in Townhouse Square

Popular Detroit-area artist, Robert Dempster, has produced a music video for a song he wrote honoring those at the very front line of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic called Heroes Work Here. 

The inspiration for the song and video came to him when talking to family members and friends who are working the front lines at some of Detroit's most overwhelmed hospitals due to this deadly virus. "I've been so moved by the stories they tell me and by what I've seen with my own eyes, that the lyrics just came to me," said Dempster.

The song – and the video - have been very well-received in this community and local hospitals have been encouraging their workers to watch and listen to it. "The response to this video has been more than I ever anticipated," Dempster said in a recent radio interview.

Dempster has been in the Detroit music and art scene for years. He enjoys the unique distinction of heading up the very first band that ever performed at the iconic Grande Ballroom in the 1960's and has performed with such rock and roll legends as The Yardbirds, Bob Seger and The MC-5. He also wrote and performed the hit single Blue Skies, Yellow Sun. 

His Studio D in Birmingham, Michigan was home to some of the biggest names in the art world – both musical and visual fine art.

Detroit Artist Unites City by Creating Music Video Honoring Front-Liners (screengrab)

SOURCE: Robert Dempster

5 Reasons The World Needs WHO (World Health Organization) To Fight The COVID-19 Pandemic

5 Reasons The World Needs WHO (World Health Organization) To Fight The COVID-19 Pandemic (screengrab)

1) Helping countries to prepare and respond

WHO has issued a COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan, which identifies the major actions countries need to take, and the resources needed to carry them out.

The plan, which is updated as fresh information and data improve WHO's understanding of the characteristics of the virus and how to respond, acts as a guide for developing country-specific plans.

The health agency's six regional offices, and 150 country offices, work closely with governments around the world to prepare their health systems for the ravages of COVID-19, and to respond effectively when cases arrive and begin to mount.

With partners, WHO set up the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, to ensure patients get the care they need, and frontline workers get essential supplies and information; and to accelerate research and development of a vaccine and treatments for all who need them.

With donations from governments, the private sector and individuals, more than $800 million has been pledged or received for the response so far.

2) Providing accurate information, busting dangerous myths

The internet is awash with information about the pandemic, some of it useful, some of it false or misleading. In the midst of this “infodemic”, WHO is producing accurate, useful guidance that can help save lives.

This includes around 50 pieces of technical advice for the public, health workers and countries, with evidence-based guidance on every element of the response, and exploding dangerous myths.

The health agency benefits from the expertise of a global network of health professionals and scientists, including epidemiologists, clinicians and virologists, to ensure that the response is as comprehensive, authoritative and representative as possible.

To ensure information is correct and helpful, WHO set up a team to give everyone access to timely, accurate and easy-to-understand advice, from trusted sources. In addition, daily situation reports and press briefings, as well as briefings with governments, are keeping the world informed about the latest data, information and evidence.

Many social media and tech companies are working closely with WHO to aid the flow of reliable information, including Instagram, Linkedin and TikTok; and chatbots on the Whatsapp and Viber platforms have garnered millions of followers, sending out timely updates and reports.

3) Ensuring vital supplies reach frontline health workers

Personal protective equipment is essential to ensure health professionals are able to save lives, including their own. So far, WHO has shipped more than two million items of personal protective equipment to 133 countries, and is preparing to ship another two million items in the coming weeks. More than a million diagnostic tests have been dispatched to 126 countries, in all regions, and more are being sourced.

However, far more is needed, and WHO is working with the International Chamber of Commerce, the World Economic Forum, and others in the private sector, to ramp up the production and distribution of essential medical supplies.

On 8 April, WHO launched a “UN COVID-19 Supply Chain Task Force”, which aims to dramatically increase the supply of essential protective equipment where it is needed.

4) Training and mobilizing health workers

WHO is aiming to train millions of health workers, via its OpenWHO platform. Thanks to this online tool, life-saving knowledge is being transferred to frontline personnel by the Organization, and its key partners.

Users take part in a worldwide, social learning network, based on interactive, online courses and materials covering a variety of subjects. OpenWHO also serves as a forum for the rapid sharing of public health expertise, and in-depth discussion and feedback on key issues. So far, more than 1.2 million people have enrolled in 43 languages.

Countries are also being supported by experts, deployed around the world by the WHO's Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN). During outbreaks, the network ensures that the right technical expertise and skills are on the ground where and when they are needed most.

Emergency Medical Teams are also an important part of the global health workforce. These teams are highly trained, and self-sufficient, and are sent to places identified as disaster or emergency zones.

5) The search for a vaccine

Laboratories in many countries are already conducting tests that, it is hoped, will eventually lead to a vaccine. In an attempt to corral these efforts, WHO brought together 400 of the world's leading researchers in February, to identify research priorities.

The agency launched a “Solidarity Trial”, an international clinical trial, involving 90 countries, to help find effective treatment. The aim is to rapidly discover whether any existing drugs can slow the progression of the disease, or improve survival.

To better understand the virus, WHO has developed research protocols that are being used in more than 40 countries, in a coordinated way, and some 130 scientists, funders and manufacturers from around the world have signed a statement committing to work with WHO to speed the development of a vaccine against COVID-19.

Helping the poorest and most vulnerable

In his 8 April press briefing, Tedros said that WHO is involved with many other initiatives and actions, but all of them come under these five essential pillars.

The agency's focus, he said, is “on working with countries and with partners to bring the world together to confront this common threat together”.

A particular concern, he added, is for the world's poorest and most vulnerable, in all countries, and WHO is committed to “serve all people of the world with equity, objectivity and neutrality.”

SOURCE: UN News Centre

Free Information Book Explaining the Coronavirus to Children, Illustrated by Gruffalo Illustrator

Free Information Book Explaining the Coronavirus to Children, Illustrated by Gruffalo Illustrator

Axel Scheffler has illustrated a digital book for primary school age children, free for anyone to read on screen or print out, about the coronavirus and the measures taken to control it. 

Published by award-winning independent children's book publisher, Nosy Crow, and written by staff within the publishing company, the book has had expert input: Professor Graham Medley of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine acted as a consultant, and the company also had advice from two head teachers and a child psychologist.

The book answers key questions in simple language appropriate for 5 to 9 year olds:

• What is the coronavirus?
• How do you catch the coronavirus?
• What happens if you catch the coronavirus?
• Why are people worried about catching the coronavirus?
• Is there a cure for the coronavirus?
• Why are some places we normally go to closed?
• What can I do to help?
• What's going to happen next?

Nosy Crow wants to make sure that this book is accessible to every child and family and so the book is offered totally free of charge to anyone who wants to read it. However, the company suggests, at the back of the book, that families might make a donation to help our health service if they find the book useful:(www.nhscharitiestogether.co.uk)

Kate Wilson, Managing Director of Nosy Crow, said:
"We were very aware that many parents and carers are struggling to explain the current extraordinary situation to children, many of whom are frightened and confused. We thought that the best thing we could do would be to use our skills to produce a free book to explain and, where possible, reassure children. We asked Axel, whose work is so familiar and so loved, to illustrate it. He was happy to do it, and did it extraordinarily quickly. Meanwhile, having heard Professor Medley interviewed by the BBC, we looked him up and wrote to him, and despite his huge workload, he reviewed the book over a weekend, and we were able to incorporate his suggestions, together with those of two head teachers and a child psychologist, into the final version of the book. We hope it helps answer difficult questions in difficult times."

Axel Scheffler, illustrator of The Gruffalo, said:
"I asked myself what I could do as an children's illustrator to inform, as well as entertain, my readers here and abroad. So I was glad when my publisher, Nosy Crow, asked me to illustrate this question-and-answer book about the coronavirus. I think it is extremely important for children and families to have access to good and reliable information in this unprecedented crisis, and I hope that the popularity of the books I've done with Julia Donaldson will ensure that this digital book will reach many children who are now slightly older, but might still remember our picture books."

Professor Graham Medley, Professor of Infectious Disease Modelling at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said:
"This pandemic is changing children's lives across the globe and will have a lasting impact on us all. Helping children understand what is going on is an important step in helping them cope and making them part of the story - this is something that we are all going through, not something being done to them. This book puts children IN the picture rather just watching it happen, and in a way that makes the scary parts easier to cope with."

• You can download a copy of the book here.

Free Information Book Explaining the Coronavirus to Children, Illustrated by Gruffalo Illustrator

About Axel Scheffler

Axel Scheffler is an award-winning, internationally-acclaimed illustrator of some of the most well-loved children's books. His books have been published in many languages and his work has been exhibited all around the world. 

Axel is best known for his partnership with Julia Donaldson, on books including Room on the Broom and The Gruffalo. 

For Nosy Crow, Axel has illustrated a number of other highly successful titles, including the Pip and Posy series, The Grunts and the bestselling Flip Flap series. 

Axel lives in London with his partner and daughter..

About Nosy Crow

Nosy Crow is a multi-award-winning publisher of child-focused, parent-friendly children's books and eBooks for ages 0 – 14. It began publishing in 2011 and has won the Independent Publishers Guild's Children's Publisher of the Year Award three times. It was named Children's Publisher of the Year at the British Book Awards in April 2017 and in April 2019, and in 2016 was awarded the Independent Publishers Guild Independent Publisher of the Year. Other prizes include a Queen's Award for Enterprise – International Trade, The Stationers' Company Innovation Excellence Award, The Nectar Business Small Business of the Year Award, The Growing Business Awards Young Company of the Year Award and many others for both individual books and for its marketing and international sales. Nosy Crow is already the 12th biggest children's book publisher in the UK, based on Nielsen-tracked sales to consumers.

SOURCE: Nosy Crow

"Corona Wuhan Na" - New Coronavirus Comedy Song But With A Serious Message [Video And Lyrics Included]

"Corona Wuhan Na" - New Coronavirus Comedy Song But With A Serious Message (screengrab)

Ampersand Records USA has announced a new music video parody song Corona Wuhan Na based off the pop hit Havana oh nana. 

Sung by masked Asian Artist Dark Venus and featured on her YouTube channel, the song relays a direct and to the point comedic perspective with a subtle serious overtone.

"You might have to watch this several times to catch all the jokes," says Robert Harris, CEO at Ampersand Records USA. "Overall, the message is serious and should be taken to heart."

"Through humor, we are ultimately trying to bring added awareness to fight the Coronavirus here in the US," says Harris.

"Corona Wuhan Na" - New Coronavirus Comedy Song But With A Serious Message (screengrab)

A write up in the description area underneath the YouTube video points out Taiwan's unique ability to contain the threat (currently only 283 cases, 2 deaths). Dark Venus who is just starting her music career with several YouTube releases prior to this, hails from Taiwan.

The Corona Wuhan Na Video:

The Lyrics:

(Via Dark Venus' YouTube Channel)

Corona Wuhan Na- new lyrics written by Bob Harris and Dark Venus
Corona WuHan Na
Stuck in Topeka with Corona WuHan Na
Not glad to see ya cause I got the Novel Flu
I think I got it just by shaking hands with you

You didn't ask me like what I'm doin' (Like what I'm really doing)
When I was keeping 6 feet away
(It wasn't far enough)
I should have flown to WuHan or Taipei (Airports closed today)
Maybe I should have drank some Lysol Spray

Corona WuHan Na
Lockdowns and curfews from Corona WuHan Na
I bought a space suit for Corona WuHan Na
I'm really freakin from Corona
Corona WuHan Na...

Always thought a facemask was in fashion
Now I have to wear one for protection
The Flu Vaccine don't work on this infection
Maybe I also have the Rabies pathogen

Ooh-ooh-ooh,
I still was gonna get it
I knew that I would get it
Got me feeling like,
Ooh-ooh-ooh,
And then I had to get it
I had the Wu, oh no-no-no-no-no

Corona WuHan Na
I drank a gallon of Tequila WuHan Na
I'll quarantine ya cause my house is WuHan Na
Even my laptop's got Corona WuHan Na

The lines at the grocery store were freakin long (I'll put a bomb in there)
People coughing right into my face
(Call the rescue squad)
Never touched my eyes, my nose, or mouth (I never touched myself)
Please tell me, can I re-infect myself?
Oh yea
I'm gonna get it all again

(Got me feeling like)
Corona WuHan Na
No toilet paper oh Corona WuHan Na
I'm gonna sneeze on you Corona WuHan Na
(Got me feeling like)
Have a Corona to Corona
Corona WuHan Na

COVID-19 is spreading in your community
You better stay at home
Don't forget to sanitize everything, the steering wheel, the kids
Take a bleach shower, Wash your hands and Sing Happy Birthday
No hugging, no kissing
Go away! I don't know you!

SOURCE: Ampersand Records USA

Coronavirus FAQs: Can People Without Symptoms Spread COVID-19? How Long Does it Live On Surfaces? What Cleaning Products Kill The Virus?

Specimens await testing for COVID-19 at LifeLabs in Surrey, B.C. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck)

As the coronavirus pandemic continues its spread, it has infected more than half a million people and killed tens of thousands on nearly every continent. With offices shut down, people staying at home and hospitals bracing for an influx of patients, many people are unsure of what’s safe and what’s not. 

Here are answers to some of the common questions people keep asking about coronavirus.

Can people without symptoms spread the virus?

The short answer appears to be yes, some infected individuals who have not shown symptoms can spread the virus and this remains an issue of great concern. This is why social or physical distancing is considered to be so critical to slowing or reducing the transmission of the virus.

Modelling studies in China and Japan, and testing of those on the Diamond Princess cruise ship suggest that a small number of people who are infected do not develop symptoms. We don’t know much about how infectious these asymptomatic individuals might be, that is, how likely they are to spread the disease.

Most studies done to date, often with small numbers of people, show that a person sheds more virus with the initial onset of symptoms — when they first start coughing (or sneezing), which can send the virus into the air in a fine spray. But a recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine documented that some people with no or very mild symptoms can shed significant amount of virus. Children, who may not experience any symptoms or only very mild symptoms, may also be able to spread the infection.

One important caveat here is that symptoms are subjective. One may feel a bit off but give it little attention and not report it to a health-care provider or researcher. So it may be difficult to conclude in these studies that someone recorded as asymptomatic is truly so. Cultural factors may affect how and when people report symptoms or seek care.

How long does the virus stay on surfaces?

Can the coronavirus persist on the mail, produce at the supermarket, gas pumps and so on? A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests the virus can survive for up to two or three days on some surfaces, particularly hard plastics and steel. It is also easier for people to pick up the virus if they touch these surfaces.

Stay home if you can. But if you use a shopping cart, wipe it down with disinfecting solution and clean your hands afterwards. (Pexels)

The most important issue here is to avoid touching things that many other people have touched recently — elevator buttons, grocery carts, door knobs and hand rails — or to wash one’s hands right away or use an effective hand sanitizing solution such as Purell.

Many grocery stores now provide wash stations and disinfecting solutions for wiping down carts. Use them!

The evidence at hand indicates that the virus degrades rapidly on porous surfaces such as cloth, paper and cardboard. So the risks for infection from handling paper and cardboard (mail and packages) may be low, but the same rules apply — after handling, wash your hands thoroughly.

It is important to remember that the main route of transmission will be directly from one person to another via coughing or sneezing.

Which chemicals kill the virus?

Any soap or detergent will destroy the virus, as will solutions of bleach and water, Clorox disinfectant wipes, Lysol brand cleaners, Purell, etc.

Here’s a full list.

Disinfect surfaces to reduce the spread of coronavirus. (Shutterstock)

What does ‘stay at home’ mean?

Authorities use different terms to describe measures to keep people away from one another to avoid spreading the virus. You may hear “stay at home,” “shelter in place,” “self-isolation” and “quarantine.” All of them involve social or physical distancing to reduce rates of transmission.

Technically speaking, “quarantine” restricts the movement of of people who may have been exposed to the virus but do not have symptoms. The term comes from the plague era in Europe where ships were not allowed to dock for 40 days to demonstrate that their crews were free from the disease. Quarantine is most often used to describe the closure or isolation of geographic locales where a disease is spreading, as was the case in Wuhan, China, although the restrictions are being relaxed.

Perhaps because quarantine may be seen as invoking the coercive powers of the state or stigmatizing those living in affected locales, many public health officials avoid its use.

Canada, for example, focuses mainly on encouraging voluntary measures, distinguishing between “self-monitoring,” where one may have been exposed to the virus (perhaps someone at work felt ill) and is asked to monitor oneself for symptoms, and “self-isolation,” where one has no symptoms, but may have been exposed from travel outside their place of residence or from close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19.

“Isolation” is for people who actually have the virus or suspect that they may be infected. Those with symptoms will be asked to isolate themselves in their homes, staying away from others as much as possible.

“Shelter in place” simply means asking people to stay at home as much as possible. “Stay at home” requests are similar, but may be backed by more formal requirements, such as in Italy, where people may not leave their homes except to go out for essentials, such as food and medicine. Stay-at-home orders are usually accompanied by closures of restaurants, bars, gyms, cancelling of public events, etc., and may be backed by legal sanctions and fines.

Can COVID-19 cause long-term lung damage?

At this early stage of the pandemic there is no evidence to show that permanent or long-term lung damage is a common consequence of infection. A report from Hong Kong suggests short-term declines in lung function among those recovering from COVID-19.

An electron microscope image for the SARS-CoV-2 virus (in orange) emerging from a cell (grey) that had been cultured in the lab. (NIAID-RML)

A recent report by Dr. Keith Mortman of George Washington University Hospital, circulated widely in the media, provides a graphic description of the extensive damage to the lung caused by COVID-19 in otherwise healthy patients.

However, these reports describe currently ill or newly recovered victims of the disease. It is still too soon to know whether the damage caused by the infection is permanent or long-term.

Can ibuprofen make COVID-19 worse?

This idea circulated on the internet for a few days, proposed initially by the French health minister, and based on some earlier studies of the impact of ibuprofen on respiratory infections. Initially the World Health Organization repeated this warning, but after examining the evidence it reversed its position, declaring that based on documented clinical experiences with patients, there is no evidence that ibuprofen makes the infection worse.

Does blood type matter?

A study of COVID-19 patients in Wuhan and Shenzhen, China who contracted COVID-19 suggested a higher proportion of infections among those who had blood type A. But the differences identified were relatively small and at this point would not have any impact on how we manage either the spread or treatment of the disease. But it is an interesting finding that requires further study.

About Today's Contributor:

Craig Janes, Professor and Director, School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. 

Coronavirus: For Performers In Lockdown, Online Is Becoming The New Live

Closed for the duration: the Royal Opera House, London. (Willy Barton via Shutterstock)

 There’s still a great deal of uncertainty as to what impact the coronavirus pandemic will have on the UK’s cultural life. More and more people are now choosing to self-isolate and theatres, cinemas, clubs and concert halls are closing down for the duration with talk that an enforced lockdown is ever more imminent. 

While initially presented as voluntary, cancellations of performances, conferences and other events were formalised on March 16 by the UK’s prime minister, Boris Johnson. Johnson advised citizens to “avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other such social venues” as part of a larger strategy to suppress the spread of coronavirus. People working in the arts sector are understandably concerned about what this might mean for the UK’s diverse community of artists and performers – as well as all those in the sector who support those performers.

The government has introduced some measures that aim to support the arts sector, both at a local and a national level. But a number of artists are trying to find ways to work from home by livestreaming their performances online. Such a shift forces artists to consider technological, economic and aesthetic issues – and may signal the dawning of a new era in live performance.

Have broadband, will perform

The livestreaming of artistic performances is not new – but until now the practice has not been a significant alternative to the live music economy at large. Perhaps the most common form of livestreaming has been through videos taken at gigs or festivals by audience members who want to share their experience of the live performance via footage shot on their smartphones.

But there have also been concentrated efforts by venues and artists to reach online audiences. A number of well-established organisations such as the Wigmore Hall and the Royal Shakespeare Company regularly complement existing performance series with livestreaming to reach wider audiences or as educational outreach.

Independent artists such as bass guitarist Steve Lawson, on the other hand, include livestreaming as part of a portfolio of online activity – which also include delivering lessons or masterclasses via video or the now-commonplace selling of albums online.

Virtual gigs

The vast amount of livestreaming that takes place in the arts sector is in parallel with (or contingent upon) face-to-face performance. There are signs that this is already changing as social restrictions around the coronavirus pandemic become more widespread.

In the US, Rolling Stone magazine has highlighted how larger bands and venues are working to quickly provide online alternatives to gigs and tours that have now been cancelled due to lockdowns.

The move towards online live performance is even attracting artists who might not be thought of as natural users of digital technology. As many New York City venues were closed in the week preceding St Patrick’s Day, musicians involved in the Irish trad scene formed Tune Supply – a platform by which they could provide “customised traditional music and dance performance and instruction delivered digitally for the socially distanced world”. 

Similarly, Celtic punk band Dropkick Murphys livestreamed a concert from Boston on March 17 to make up for the first time in the band’s history that it hasn’t played on St Patrick’s Day.

As livestreaming concerts has historically been used to complement or advertise existing live events, the void left by the cancellation or indefinite postponement of these events forces online alternatives into greater importance. This shift in performance practice has logistical, financial, and artistic implications.

We have the technology

The infrastructure needed to livestream performances is readily available through consumer-level products. Modern smartphones are more than capable of generating high-definition videos, and the software needed to record and edit sound – something that was once the preserve of professional recording studios – has become relatively commonplace.

There’s obviously something of a learning curve involved in using this software adeptly, but there is a wealth of online resources for musicians to become more proficient producers. But beyond actually organising the performance, artists need to be able to ensure they have adequate bandwidth to transmit that performance to audiences. With increasing access to high-speed internet, the stage is set for potential viewers to access content with minimal lag and disruption.

Who’s making all the money?

Financially, artists will have to determine how they monetise these performances. Several models already exist to do so, each with unique features. Platforms such as YouTube allow artists to livestream performances and upload other videos, with income being generated through ad revenue. The amount of profit relies heavily on the amount of advertising and number of viewers – videos under ten minutes make, on average, about US$2.00 (£1.70) for every 1,000 views.

Twitch, on the other hand, works on a subscription basis – audiences pay set fees to access broadcasts of events. At the moment, this platform caters more towards professional online gaming, but there are also communities around the performing arts as well. Patreon also works on a subscription basis, but is more closely tied to crowdfunding. Generating work through the financial support of their audiences, artists often benefit from establishing positive relationships with them.

That ‘live’ feeling

Beyond the technological and financial logistics of livestreaming performances is a greater aesthetic issue. Livestreaming technically provides all of the ingredients to allow live music to persist in an era of social distancing. Artists can still provide high-quality audio and visual experiences to their audiences and audiences can still enjoy new music or their favourite hits, all without leaving their comfort of their own homes.

Glastonbury Festival has been cancelled, despite it being the 50th year. (marietta peros via Shutterstock).

What may be harder to replicate is that electric vibe of being with other people in that moment. The audience can make or break a gig – not necessarily through sheer numbers, but in terms of what the relationship between them, the artist, and the music is like. For performers, reproducing that “live” feeling out of context can be a significant challenge.

As increasing numbers of musicians and audiences adopt this way of making and enjoying music together, I suspect all participants will develop a new set of expectations around where aesthetic value is placed in the performance.

This unprecedented global crisis provides an opportunity for artists to develop new ways of working with audiences and content to replicate that sense of “liveness” and connectivity found in a concert hall. Who knows? This might become an enduring part of a new reality.

About Today's Contributor:

J Murphy McCaleb, Senior Lecturer of Music, York St John University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. 

Four Ways To Cope When The Going Gets Tough

Woman holding her head (image via pexels.com)

No life is without its challenges, and it would be unrealistic to expect completely smooth sailing all of the time. That's why developing healthy coping mechanisms is so important for everyone - and especially if you have kids to teach those skills to as well. Managing well and having appropriate outlets for stress ans being able to stay calm will serve you well no matter the depths of the situation you encounter. Whether it's going through a personal situation like a divorce or facing redundancy, processing past trauma, or simply not letting the smaller day-to-day incidents build up, learning some tips and techniques can serve you well.

Source Professional Support

Gaining the right support is definitely the first step towards bouncing back from a difficult situation. Informal support from your network of family and friends is invaluable, but it can't replace the appropriate professional help when you're really struggling. Whether it's making contact with an addiction specialist to begin a process of recovery or finding lawyers that specialise in boy scout abuse to begin a journey out of trauma, getting the right help counts for so much. It can be extremely hard to open up, but once you take that step, you're on the road to healing.

Consider Journalling It Out

The process of journalling can be a very helpful way for some people to work through their emotions. Sometimes it's easier to process events and work out feelings in writing, as it gives a critical distance from events. Over the years, people have found keeping a diary to be an extremely helpful process. Don't get too hung up on what to write - go for a stream of consciousness approach and just see what comes up. Journals can also provide a really useful marker in a recovery process of exactly how far you've come.

Show Yourself Some Love

So many people still see self care as somehow selfish, when actually it's indispensable, especially when you have been through a low period or a traumatic event. Often we put additional stress on ourselves by feeling that we have to be seen to be coping just fine without any help. If you've always found that booking a massage, taking a deep bath or using a mindfulness app helps you to feel more grounded, then ramp up that practice and make it a part of your daily routine. What's good for the soul is good for your recovery.

Make Exercise A Part Of Your Life

Getting out into the fresh air and recovering is one of the best things that you can do to help yourself. Exercise releases feel-good hormones called endorphins into your system which can give you a vital boost during tough times. Not to mention all the other positive effects cardiovascular exercise has, from increasing mental focus and problem-solving abilities, to helping to reset your circadian rhythms and get you better quality sleep. So finding a favourite home yoga routine or fitting in a quick run can make a huge difference. Taking small positive steps each day can speed your recovery and give you something to focus on.

What We Don't Understand About Young People's Motivations

Young people stand on the steps of the Alberta legislature during the climate strike in Edmonton in 2019. Youth are often seen as problems rather than as people who are creating solutions. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amber Bracken)

Young people are demanding change. In the last few days, young Indigenous activists and their supporters blocked parliamentarians in Victoria, B.C., from accessing the provincial legislature and led waves of protest across the country.

For some young people, climate change is urgent. For others, gun violence is a crisis. From truth and reconciliation to inclusion and diversity and mental health, young people are bringing awareness to societal crises and making headlines along the way.

Historically, this is really nothing new. Young people have long been leaders and catalysts of important movements. Unfortunately, these change-makers are often thought to be outside of what is considered typical of this age group.

Young people are often labelled problematic, selfish or not yet ready to lead. This negative view of young people aligns with the multitude of research studies that frame their questions within a deficit model.

In a deficit model, the standard for healthy development is preventing behavioural or emotional problems. In both cases, there is a failure to acknowledge youth’s capacity or motivation to contribute to something larger. Underestimating youth is a mistake. Of course it is important to acknowledge and study the risks and barriers faced by this age group, but if we do not balance this view with understanding their capacities and contribution, it can lead to some faulty assumptions.

What youth can do

In our Community and Youth (CandY) research lab, we use a positive psychology approach. As such, we examine the positive motivations and capacities of youth. We are especially interested in the role young people play in improving our society, as well as the role communities can play to offer young people contexts that allow them to thrive.

Our research is rooted in the psychosocial model of Erik Erikson developed in the 1950s and 1960s. When boiled down to its simplest form, Erikson’s theory states that we all face a series of crises across our lifespan. How we resolve these crises helps determine our developmental success.

For example, in adolescence we face the crisis of identity versus identity diffusion; in midlife we face generativity versus stagnation. That is, when we’re young, we’re trying to figure out who we are and what matters to us, and as we age, we become more concerned with what we’re leaving behind.

Generativity — defined as concern for future generations as a legacy of the self — is well-studied. Most studies on generativity only consider people in middle age, even though there is evidence to suggest that this concern for the future and one’s own legacy is important earlier in the lifespan.

In fact, young people do share a concern for the future and their contribution to it. Our research shows that young people between the ages of 14 and 29 show levels of generative motivation that are as high or even higher than adults. Early generativity is also associated with caring friendships, community involvement and healthy identity development in adolescence and young adulthood. So not only are young people interested and capable of caring for future generations, but doing so is likely good for them.

Autumn Peltier, a young water defender from Wikwemikong First Nation, is an advocate for climate change policy.

Beyond the research, Autumn Peltier, a young activist advocating for clean water, has said, “We are the keepers of the generations yet to come.” She leaves little room for doubt that young people can be motivated by generativity.

Changing how we work with youth

Our team has seen first hand the generativity of youth at the Students Commission of Canada (SCC), a not-for-profit organization that is working towards a world “where all young people transition successfully into adulthood.”

At their “Canada We Want” conferences, we have witnessed early generativity in action. Young people from across Canada with a diversity of experience, expertise and identities work together to develop a plan to create the change that they want to see in their community, tackling issues such as poverty, employment, prejudice and substance abuse. This work is then presented to politicians, policy-makers and other leaders and has helped inform Canada’s first national youth policy. 

Taking IT Global is another organization that capitalizes on young people’s generativity. It works to “empower young people to become agents of positive change in their local and global communities.” It has given out more than 2,500 grants to youth, and also provides education and online resources for adults. The grants have helped youth educate boys about mental health, and prompted a $15-million cleanup of a river in Nova Scotia.

So how can we incorporate these ideas in our everyday interactions with young people? Whether we are parents, teachers, coaches or community leaders, it is worth reflecting on whether our assumptions of youth stem solely from a deficit model, or whether we account for the capacities and motivations of young people. Rather than focusing on what they lack, much more focus can be placed on their capacity and desire to have a positive and lasting impact. At the same time that we are asking young people who they want to be, we should be asking young people what kind of world they want to leave behind.

Greater awareness of the importance of generativity in youth will contribute to a more pervasive narrative of young people as capable, and motivated to contribute, thus combating some useless and inaccurate stereotypes about youth.

So the next time you see a young person in the news, or in your community, making the world a bit better for the next generation, you might smile to yourself and think, “Typical.”

About Today's Contributors:

Heather Lawford, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Bishop's University and Heather L. Ramey, Adjunct Professor, Child & Youth Studies, Brock University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. 

Tips To Create More Calm In Your Life

Person on a bridge near a lake (Photo by Simon Migaj from Pexels)

Finding calm in your life is important because having that zen in your life can be really helpful to your health both in mind and body. Wherever you go or whatever you do in life, it’s important to look for that calm in places where it might get a little crazy. Here are some tips for creating more calm in your life.

Don’t Rush, Slow Down

When it comes to life, try to take it slowly. Don’t feel like you need to rush your life because of what you see on social media or comparing yourself to others. We all operate differently, and our life experiences will vary to each other, so stop comparing yourself and stop rushing. Take time to enjoy the moments in life that are truly magical. Remember that you only get the one life, so be sure to live it to the full and to relish all the times where you can be at peace with yourself. Those opportunities don’t always come along so often, so when they do, make the most of them. When you feel yourself rushing, make a conscious effort to slow down, and to not panic so much about having to do everything and anything.

Have A Morning Ritual

A morning ritual is a great way to start off the day in the right way. Not only that, but it brings that calmness that you need right away when you’ve just got out of bed. It’s important to be aware of how your body is feeling and what you’re thinking. By setting yourself up with a morning routine, you can focus on getting yourself in the right state of mind and mood for the day. It might be taking a warm shower every morning, or a cold one depending on your preference. You may wish to do some light exercise or perhaps go out for a jog to get some fresh air. Find what suits you and make it something that you enjoy. Prem Rawat talks about finding inner peace, and this is a good way to do so.

Be Grateful

It’s important to be grateful for the things you get given in your life because not everyone gets the same opportunities as you might get. So try to find that gratefulness in everything you get given throughout your life, no matter how small or big it may be. It’s important to do this so that you remain grounded. So whatever happens to you in life, it helps you come back to reality and to appreciate everything you have in life. That also brings about that calm feeling that you’re after.

Find A Career That’s Enjoyable

Being able to have a successful career that’s enjoyable can be difficult sometimes. Everyone goes through life doing things they don’t enjoy, but it’s important you find a job that you love and find happiness in. Otherwise, different parts of your life outside of work will be affected.

Use these tips in order to bring more calm in your life.

Why Spicing Up Your Relationship Is Key

Why Spicing Up Your Relationship Is Key (image via Pixabay)

Finding love for the first time or the second or third, is a difficult task. A wonderful feeling but a scary one also where we feel sucked into a whirlwind of emotions and unsure how we feel about our path and if we are making the right decisions. If you have experienced a breakup recently or in the past, you can be sure that things can get easy again for you and once you do find love again, you can find exciting ways to spice up your relationship!

“But I have been divorced and now I don’t think I can give myself to another person again completely?”

It may be difficult to find love again, especially after divorce and you have probably dealt with divorce solicitors and the paperwork that comes along with it but it doesn't mean that life has to end once this is completed. Start to embrace the relationship again and spice it up!

Hug and kiss more!

Physical contact is key and even something as simple as a 30-second hug is one of the warmest things you can do which extends a regular hug that and releases endorphins and allows you to appreciate the love that you have together. The attachment hormone will trigger and both men and women enjoy a human touch; it’s a natural thing to do. Indulge in a longer embrace every day and learn how much more passionate and happy you feel together as well as feeling more grateful for each other’s company. 

Start to say nice things to each other!

As women, we can have a negative outlook on relationships and be less trustworthy and a little more judging. Compliment instead! Start looking at what you like and love about your partner and every day start to commit to noticing five good things about your partner and why you like what they do! Tell them the five good things also, let them feel good about themselves and ensure that they are feeling happy in the relationship as well. It could be how they look, what they say to you, how well they cook, or something nice that they did for you. 

Ask the right questions

Sometimes after we’ve been in a relationship for a long time, we think we know everything about our partners but that isn’t always the case and sometimes we can assume things that aren't fair. They may have secrets, or issues they don't want to share and therefore it’s vital to be good at communicating and being sensitive with what you ask and how you ask it. 

Go on date night that’s a little out of the norm for you!

Have a date night, but do something a little different and change it up. Go to a new place or a new activity! Doing something new is always fun and try and plan it in advance. Think about where you’d like to go and make little bucket lists.Think about where you’d like to go to and what activities float your boat, it will bring new memories!