Doing Our Part Everyday

 As we move into December and prepare for the upcoming holidays, I’m certain that I am not the only one who has grown wary about the pandemic and the life changes that we have all had to make.  Yet here we are.  Some of us have felt the impact directly through contracting Covid-19 or supporting family or friends.  This ends in tragedy for members of our community and I believe that even one death is too many.  Especially if they can be prevented.

While I don’t subscribe to the idea of a “new normal”, it would be naïve and dangerous to ignore how the pandemic has shifted what used to be.  Moving forward, I choose to focus on how we can make things better.  We may never return to our previous normal, but what we do now will determine the quality of the future for our community and beyond.

That’s why Team Selma is introducing our new campaign, Doing Our Part Every day or DOPE.  This partnership with Selma AIR is focused on sharing the best practices to slow the spread of Covid-19.  Each one of us has a responsibility in this from our youngest scholars to our city leaders.

Consider this your invitation to join Team Selma as we work to slow the spread and flatten the curve of Covid-19.  How?  By doing our part every day.  Yes, that means wearing masks, not having large gatherings, practicing proper hand and respiratory hygiene and more.  We want to hear from you.  How are you doing your part?

Last week, I recorded a short video which was my first contribution to this campaign.  I suggested that we find virtual platforms to connect with families and friends.  For my part, I have great friends who meet me for virtual brunch and happy hour on a regular basis. 

Also, my family is all over the place.  I have two brothers, one in Germany and the other in Georgia; and two sisters, one in Hawaii and one in North Carolina.  Despite being in four different time zones, we do virtual siblings meetings monthly and meet with our extended family for holidays or just to check in.  It’s fun to see everyone and with us being in different parts of the world, I am actually seeing some of my family more than ever before.  That means that this virtual communication will continue for us well beyond the pandemic.

That’s just one example of how we can do our part.  I look forward to hearing from you.  Check out our social media outlets for posts and information on how you can contribute to this campaign.  Share your posts with your network using the hashtags #DoingOurPartEveryday or #DOPE.

Together we can slow the spread of Covid-19 and work towards a healthy and safe Selma and Dallas County.  Yes, together we can.  I am doing my part.  Are you?

For more information, please reach out to me at avis.williams@selmacityschools.org