During this pandemic, youth continue to play an important role in ensuring their family is connected to information and resources to navigate safety and sustainability. They are making sure members of their household are counted and writing in their ethnicity for the 2020 Census. Also, they continue to (digitally) outreach for a youth strategic plan for equitable policies and accessible resources for our City’s children and families. What is clear in these times is systemic racism operating as a barrier to community health and survival. Black communities and poor communities of color are most vulnerable to high fatality rates from COVID-19 because of the lack of equitable infrastructure to provide basic needs like food, affordable housing, engaged schools, employment and health care. Systemic and deep divestment in public resources make us more susceptible to coronavirus and to other crises like recessions, climate change, and natural disasters. Instead of being emergency-ready, in crises we are also dealing with surviving intergenerational poverty, trauma, family separations and chronically unstable health. In this moment with the increase of anti-Asian xenophobia reflecting the values of the current administration, we call for our community to continue to conquer fear, division and hate and rise together in solidarity to further our continued fight for justice and equity. Together let's celebrate TLBC- Thai, Lao, Burmese & Cambodian New Year in solidarity by taking action on community issues that impact our lives and future. Also please consider making a donation to bless us in this new year and share with your network that we are hiring and seeking volunteers!
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