In the latest entry of the CRIN Diaries, a series of articles in which staff members reflect on aspects and experiences of their work in human rights, Lianne Minasian, Deputy to CRIN’s Director, shares her thoughts on volunteering during the Covid-19 crisis, as she draws on her own experience as a volunteer with her local Covid-19 response group in London, and how such activities could turn into something more - building the world we want to see. 

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Over the past few weeks stories have abounded of people reacting out of fear to the Covid-19 pandemic and focusing more on their own self-interest, and while these stories may be disheartening, I truly believe they are in the minority. I think these stories are dwarfed by the countless people offering their services to help their neighbours, their health services and their fellow human beings, however they can. There’s a tangible feeling that people are acting collectively to focus on the present crisis, but with an eye towards what happens afterwards. 

At CRIN, we are encouraging staff to take some time during our working hours, should we like, to volunteer with Covid-19 response efforts. None of us are health care workers or other key workers so we can’t be there on the front lines helping to care for the sick or keep essential services going. But there are so many other ways to help, many which we can do from the safety of our homes.

Not just one way to volunteer

Opportunities to volunteer are emerging in many communities worldwide - and it is evident there is not just one way to do it. Helping people is not just for frontline humanitarian workers, though I recognise that being able to volunteer is also a privilege - not everyone has employers that are encouraging volunteer hours (in fact, many are sadly losing their jobs) and not everyone has time to give, especially if you’re trying to homeschool children! But I’d like to spotlight some of the great helping initiatives that have developed around the world, including some insight into the work I’m involved in.

In Lebanon, there are initiatives like Baytna Baytak to house health professionals who can't go back home after their shifts, and food box initiatives like Bala Wala. In France, the government has a website where charities and associations can list their volunteering needs so volunteers can easily see how they can help. 

The social action site 350.org has put together a great list of ways to demonstrate social solidarity during this time, including how you can still take action on the climate crisis through some more creative organising tactics. There are even engineering initiatives led by companies and individuals with 3D printers or other manufacturing skills to encourage making vital medical supplies, which have sprung up in countries ranging from the UK and Australia, to Italy, Mexico and Argentina, while one global platform focuses exclusively on sharing open-source designs. So many different ways to help, focusing on our unique individual talents for the collective good.

My local experience

In the UK there are Mutual Aid groups focused on community solidarity or opportunities with the National Health Service (NHS) itself (which has seen 750,000 apply, far surpassing the initial goal of 250,000). I joined my local Mutual Aid response group in London and more than three weeks ago had my first Zoom call with fellow volunteers. How inspiring it was to see the faces of people who lived just a few streets away from me, whom I’d never met, but was now connected to out of a common desire to help. One national safeguarding training for Mutual Aid groups had 800 people on the call, demonstrating the huge will. There are people from all backgrounds and expertises combining their individual talents and acting as a collective.

Restructuring our social network at a time like this requires a coordinated and united effort, but it can have great results. In a relatively short period of time, we’ve developed safeguarding and data protection guidelines, built links with local authorities and communities, and set up volunteering procedures. And thus far, we’ve helped nearly 100 people who can’t get out of their homes with grocery shopping, prescription collection, dog walking and a friendly phone call. 

As beautiful as this is, though, I do worry about burnout with a lot of the volunteers, many of whom are juggling volunteer shifts with work and family life. As a member of the safeguarding team, we’re trying to ensure that in this time of need, that people take care of themselves - physically and mentally. The bonds that many of us have formed are strong - the strongest feeling of community I have ever felt - and I know we will take care of each other should one of us get sick. I look forward to the day when we’re all able to meet in person and can look back at how we came together as a community - crises have a way of triggering that - and look towards the future at what more we could accomplish, once we’re out of crisis mode.

How these volunteering efforts could turn into something more

"One thing even the largest disasters [sometimes] illuminates is the ways in which everyday life can also be a kind of disaster of alienation, meaninglessness, powerlessness." 

- Rebecca Solnit

Beyond simply volunteering, these response efforts offer an opportunity that I hope we capitalise on. Disasters can highlight what’s not working in our society. They show us what the gaps are and remind us that we can do something about this, both individually and collectively. Our institutions should be able to provide for our basic needs, but right now many can’t and that’s why citizens are stepping in. After this is all over, I hope we will think more radically about what changes we must make in order to improve the structures that provide for our basic needs and our fundamental human rights.

Right now we have an opportunity not only to help the most vulnerable affected by Covid-19, but to think more long term about how we can contribute towards rebuilding a society that is more just, more equal and kinder. Communities coming together is a beautiful thing. Each of us getting to better know our neighbours is uplifting and will help us better care for each other not just during this pandemic, but after too.

And it feels like there’s a hunger for this change; for a new way of living that is kinder to our fellow human beings and our planet. But I’m also wary of the fact that in times of stability, it’s easier for people to accept the status quo and the failure of systems. So I also hope we don’t fall back into our old ways, but instead parallel our response for the long run. 

Now, more than ever, seems to be the time to be open to different ways of working, thinking, ideas and people. To think about how we can change the system. History is full of examples of citizens coming together around a shared idea, a collective vision, and then changing the world. It seems to me like we’re living in one of those times.