Friends,
We hope last week’s updates were informative, remember to reach out to us if you have any stories about the intersection of tech and community during this crisis. We’re keeping an updated Community page on our website if you miss any of our emails. And please share this with your networks. Wishing you health!
In solidarity,
The sea.citi Team
HOW TECH COMPANIES ARE SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITIES
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Google set up a fund to offer paid sick leave to contractors and temp workers and committed to scrubbing misinformation from search and YouTube.
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Despite major economic contraction in our region, the surge in online shopping is spurring Amazon to hire 100,000 warehouse workers, while also committing to temporary $2 raises for hourly workers. Amazon will also prioritize medical supplies and household goods for shipment.
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Comcast is helping people stay connected while social distancing by offering two months of free service for new customers of their Internet Essentials service.
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T-Mobile will give up to $500,000 to Feeding America and $100,000 to the Seattle Foundation’s COVID-19 Respond Fund. They will also match employee donations to these efforts 2:1.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
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Understand the impact of social distancing with clear, aesthetically calming visuals.
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Are you an A.I. expert? Join the effort to develop new text and data mining techniques that can help the science community answer high-priority scientific questions related to COVID-19.
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Need to get your mind off COVID-19 while still participating in our community? You have until March 18 to share your ideas for park and street improvements.
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The impact of COVID-19 restrictions on our local food and beverage industry can’t be understated, support businesses that are offering take-out, delivery or special services during this time. You can also donate to the Seattle Hospitality Emergency Fund.
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Support local farmers — you can follow Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Markets on Instagram to learn more about connecting to local producers and donate to their Good Farmer Fund.
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Volunteers have set up a mutual aid group — offer your support here, you can also request support.
MOST RECENT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTS
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Governor Inslee signed an emergency declaration temporarily shutting down bars, restaurants and places of entertainment and recreation statewide, and capping all public gatherings at 50 people.
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Canada is closing its borders — though American citizens and permanent residents are exempted, they are required to self-isolate for 14 days after entering the country.
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A regional real estate group has halted open houses in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19.
STORIES FROM OUR READERS
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Reader Eli Mueller shared that WEconnect and Unity Recovery are offering free online recovery support groups to address the needs of those in recovery during COVID-19.
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Reader Pascha Scott developed a 12-point marketing action plan that local businesses can use to stay connected, even when social distancing rules the day.