HOW TO NAVIGATE OUR NEW WORLD

During a Pandemic and Global Revolution

*Agencies you can contact when needed are outlined at the bottom of this page.

2020 has brought us many different yet intensive feelings and emotions. The pandemic alone may have brought forth many past experiences, habits, tendencies, and other behaviours to which we forgot or may have worked on in the past. That being said, this pandemic may also have created new behaviours and tendencies- but YOU are NOT alone. Navigating this new world varies significantly in every individual- regardless of age.

New environments, isolation, and following social media and news media may be difficult for some individuals. For Black-POC, they are not only experiencing a global pandemic but a revolution. Black-POC have been targeted for years, with a long history of police brutality, and hate.

The following section will talk about what to bring and not to bring to a protest and various other things to keep in mind. Always remember to be knowledgeable of your rights as a human being residing in Ontario, Canada. Carry a copy of these rights on your cell phone via notes or photos. Navigating the above tabs will bring you to our sections on coping strategies if you find yourself stressed, anxious, overwhelmed, etc. as well as a section solely focused on laws and your rights! Remember, you are not alone. We’re all in this together to help support in any way we can. Agencies, phone numbers, online chats, are always here 24/7 for support.

Resources Used:

Government of Canada. (2020) Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): Summary of assumptions. Retrieved from: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals/assumptions.html

Before I leave my home I need to...

Educate yourself as much as possible!

The PANDEMIC

The corona virus is transmitted by “entering a person's body: by large respiratory droplets containing the virus that adhere to mucous membranes of a person's eyes, nose or mouth, or by touching a surface or an object contaminated with the virus and then proceeding to touching one's eyes, nose and mouth.” (Government of Canada, 2020). Stop yourself from touching your face and surfaces. Keep distancing from others as much as possible.

The Revolution

If attending a protest educate yourself on what it is you’re advocating and fighting for. Study as much as possible, if you’re an ally study not only about the actions in which you’re protesting but also the context around them. Many news outlets may alter events that took place, focus on your own research to understand prior events and/or the history behind the countless other events that occurred. You’re aware of the senseless tragedy’s that took place- how can you advocate for change. There are various books that communicate about antiracism: eg. Me and white supremacy by Layla Saad and How to be an antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi.

Remember you are showing up in solidarity with Black-POC. Listen and support. Amplify the voices of black protestors. Be prepared to listen and raise your voice.

Be mindful of physically intervening, shielding black protesters from violence. As an ally, listen more than you speak. Amplify the voices and efforts of our black protestors.

Get in the mindset.

Reflect on your mental health and mentally prepare yourself for all possibilities you can encounter (above is a tab that will give you various strategies on what to do if you find yourself overwhelmed, angry or anxious etc.) .Protesting can be triggering and difficult for all. You may experience emotions you haven’t in a while. From joy, anger, sadness and frustrations. You may be scared and you may break down and cry. Take time to prepare yourself before leaving your home. Allow your emotions and feelings to flow through your body. Experiencing various emotions are valid and okay.

IT IS OK, NOT TO BE OK!

Listen to your body. Your body will tell you when you need to take a break. Take some time for you!

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!

- there is a tab above that goes into a lot of detail about this!

VIDEOTAPE VIDEOTAPE VIDEOTAPE. You have the right to protest. You have the right to free speech. Use it wisely!

The more we know, the more we can ease our fears and worries. We keep hearing pandemic, Covid, Corona, Covid 19, but what does all this mean? What is happening in our world? Stay up to date with the current situation, risks, numbers to call if you have any questions.

The Government of Canada keeps us up to date with information. Click on the link for more information: www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html?&utm_campaign=gc-hc-sc-coronavirus2021-ao-2021-0005-9834796012&utm_medium=search&utm_source=google_grant-ads-107802327544&utm_content=text-en-434601690158&utm_term=covid

With the right products and solutions, you will and can be safe from the virus! These products play a role in disinfecting and limiting the possibility of being transferred.

The Government of Canada have listed products that have been proven to fight against the virus: www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/disinfectants/covid-19/list.html.

Remember to stay calm and stay safe!

If you have any questions there are many resources below and throughout our site to reach out too.

Emergency Shelter Access in Ontario (24/7): 416-338-4766 or 1-877-338-3398