Message to Sustainers

Message to Sustainers – March 15, 2020

Good afternoon!

Like most of you, the JLHR has been closely monitoring the quickly evolving COVID-19/coronavirus situation affecting the world and causing a lot of concern in our community. On Thursday, our Board of Directors held an emergency meeting to identify problems and develop initial plans to address the effect the COVID-19/coronavirus outbreak is having on our League. The Board has also been in close communication in the past three days, and I wanted to send you an update about the policies and decisions we have made.

Touch A Truck: For obvious reasons, TAT has been one of our main priorities while considering the impact of the viral outbreak. TAT is our largest fundraiser, and the committee has done an excellent job of securing sponsorships and selling tickets. Obviously, we are VERY invested in making TAT happen and making sure it is successful.

  • Postponed: At this time, Touch A Truck, originally scheduled for Saturday, April 4,2020, is being postponed. An official announcement will be made as soon as we finish coordinating and collaborating on official messaging.
  • Rescheduling considerations: The committee and leadership are identifying potential dates for rescheduling and will be working with Peninsula Town Center to secure a new date. We may need to wait an extended amount of time before the reschedule date is finalized, in order to ensure social distancing recommendations have been lifted in advance of the event. Tickets previously sold will be honored at the rescheduled event.
  • Spreading the word: We are working on consistent messaging that will be on the website, all social media, in emails to sponsors and ticket purchasers, etc.

Social Distancing: We, as the JLHR, will be participating in social distancing recommendations and doing our part to flatten the curve. To this end, large social gatherings, training sessions, or meetings will not be held in person. From this point until March 31, 2020:

  • Any JLHR in-person meetings or events must be limited to no more than 10 attendees, and everyone should remain a safe distance (3 -6 feet) from one another. Better yet, use technology available to have online meetings or arrange conference calls whenever possible. (Note: we may prohibit in-person meetings of any size, if we feel it is necessary, in the coming days.)
  • All Active and New Member leaders will arrange call-in or other technological options to committee members in order to allow for smaller in-person group sizes and accommodate members who are self-isolating or social distancing.
  • Do not meet with other members if you feel sick, have a fever, or have been exposed to someone who is sick, or if you have been or may have been exposed to the COVID-19/coronavirus.
  • If you use HQ, please disinfect surfaces, doorknobs, etc. before leaving. Please also disinfect anything you touch/use in the office.
  • In the next two weeks, we will be evaluating these policies for April 1 and beyond.

Community Needs: If you become aware of specific needs in the community that the JLHR can address, please let me know. In the coming days, we plan to help spread the word of local resources, especially related to those facing food insecurity.

Stay in touch: I will continue to keep you all informed. To ensure that we get information to use as quickly as possible, please ensure your contact information is up-to-date in Digital Cheetah. If you use social media, I will post updates in the JLHR Sustainers Facebook group.

Stay informed: We encourage everyone to monitor updates from our local, state, and federal governments to get the best information about recommendations to protect ourselves, our families, and our community. Below are a few links to resources that may be helpful:

Stay healthy: To lower the risk spread of respiratory germs, including COVID-19, the Virginia Department of Health encourages the following effective behaviors:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Avoid contact with sick people.
  • Avoid non-essential travel.

As always, our members and our community are our highest priority. I am keeping all of you in my thoughts. Stay safe and healthy! Please feel free to reach out to me with any concerns or questions you may have.

Marie Mendelsohn
President
Junior League of Hampton Roads
e: president@jlhamptonroads.org