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Well, hi, 2020. It’s been a century.

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We started this newsletter amidst the first global pandemic in our lifetimes and the economic fallout in its wake (both of which continue). Just three months later, borne from unspeakable tragedy, we now find ourselves in an extraordinary moment in time, where millions of people — in all 50 states and, indeed, around the world — stand, and kneel, in solidarity against the systematic racism that has plagued our country for hundreds of years. It is another unprecedented event in our lifetimes, but this time we have the opportunity, in ways both big and small, to make real and lasting change.

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As our communities begin to reopen and rebuild, we are concluding our weekly good news roundup, not because the world is not still in need of good news, but because we’ve simply moved to a new chapter in this year of all years, 2020. We want to thank all of you who have participated so graciously in #thegoodnewsecho, for your enthusiasm and good cheer and for your wonderful stories about the myriad of ways technology has helped us through the COVID-19 crisis, from the helpful to the strange to the fun and entertaining. And you know this is coming — I extend a special and personal thanks to the Potato Lady. I love you.

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For this last issue, we shift our focus to action. Below, you will find some links to several organizations that are actively working to create positive change and are worthy of your support:

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826DC‍

‍826DC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students ages 6-18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write.

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Until Freedom ‍

‍Until Freedom is an intersectional social justice organization rooted in the leadership of diverse people of color to address systemic and racial injustice.

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Campaign ZERO‍

‍Campaign ZERO was developed with contributions from activists, protesters and researchers across the nation. This data-informed platform presents comprehensive solutions to end police violence in America.

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HRC

‍June is Pride Month and this year, in particular, it’s important to remember that it was transgender women of color who threw the first brick at Stonewall to protest police brutality. Human Rights Campaign gives voice to these and other LGBTQIA+ voices.

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Communities in Schools: Nation's Capital

‍In DC, CIS site coordinators certified in “restorative justice” practices work in fourteen schools to deliver integrated student and family supports to nearly 6,000 DC Public Schools students.