WE DID IT!
HV Mask Week: September 15-21, 2024



Thank you to all who were a part of this awesome effort!
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WHAT: 
A week-long action where we asked everyone in the 845 to commit to masking up for 1 week. We aimed high!


WHEN:
September 15 - 21, 2024

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WHY: 
So many whys! Here are just a few (and we invite you to click each pink text for more info).

  • Because "we keep us safe(r)" is a verb and we all have some power and agency to care for one another. 

  • Because we hear folks wanting to opt back into masking but say they feel alone or ashamed, so we're doing this together. 

  • Because COVID and Long COVID statistically impacts Indigenous, BIPOC, & 2SLGBTQ+ the most and we don't want to see these folks fall by the wayside or be failed long term by the current systems who already discriminate against us.

  • Because mask bans target protestors & we're not cool with that.

  • Because we can't all get free without a disability justice lens.
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(And if this is all new information, we invite you to read some of the other materials in our "COVID-19 & Accessibility Resource Guide" here.)
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FINE PRINT: 
We told folks: you don't have to do this "perfectly", but we'd be so so thrilled if you participated as many days as possible. Literal harm reduction in real time, as masks are a proven tool to stop spreads.

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We did FREE mask giveaways across the 845 leading up to The Big Week. Please reach out for free masks or rapid tests anytime!


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Outdoor Masked Photoshoot!


We held an Outdoor Masked Photoshoot with local photographer @Sabrina Kee of @HV CHARM! As part of #HVMaskWeek, we were THRILLED to collaborate on this offering & invited our community to come get a professional photo in your cutest outfit/mask. It's important to document this time & to show folks what a flex it is to mask up.


COVID SAFETY: this event was fully outdoors with KN95/N95+ masks required at ALL times. We also believe it's best practice to test up before attending community events, so all attendees had to send a photo of a negative test by 5PM DAY-OF via DM or email to celebrate845 @ Gmail. Masks & tests were available on site for folks who needed. 
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ROLES:
Here were some of the roles we invited our community to step into! We're so grateful to work with you & let YOU guide how this needed to happen in YOUR community. We asked questions like: what might work where YOU live? What spots do YOU think should have masks available? What folks can YOU call in to join or amplify?

  • Participant: folks who agree to mask up during mask week. We're with you!

  • Amplifier: can you invite folks to be part? Your customers, your staff, your mailing list, your following, your neighbors, your co-workers, etc. Can we collaborate on social posts? How can you help call folks into this action?

  • Mask distro: can you help get masks into people's hands? This can include being a mask pick-up spot, hosting pop-up pick-up hours in a public place, helping transport masks across the Valley, dropping masks at places like little libraries and community fridges and bus stops, etc.

  • Flyering: can you help us post flyers across the 845? At your shop, in your town, wherever they can go, help us spread the word on the streets! To print flyers, click here.

  • Designer: we've got some designs but are always looking for more. If this calls to you, let's talk.

  • Translator: can you help us translate our materials into other languages?
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  • Dreamer: if there's another way you can picture yourself getting involved, let's talk! Wanna host us for a conversation prior to Mask Week? Or is there another way you see yourself being part?
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If you already always mask up- we love you!
If you've been on break- we hope this brings you back!
If you wanna help out- let's chat.


Masking  =  harm reduction  =  anti racism  =  community care  =  solidarity  =  everything


Partners in solidarity!

HUGE thanks to the people, places, organizations, etc. who helped champion this effort!

Note: not all of the locations listed are mask required spaces, but these locations helped us move resources before and during Mask Week.​


Thank you to all other supporters, including the orgs below AND the individuals not listed who are making this all HAPPEN!

organize - recognize - celebrate!