Dear FAV members & supporters,
Covid-19 has stressed the country and continues to expose divisions within our society, where even public health issues become politicized. Elected officials should attempt to balance civic liberties while ensuring the public good with healthy practices. While health considerations should always be a top priority, the costs of an economic recession should be weighed against the future possible health consequences of over 20 million people out of work. Those consequences range from potential homelessness, depression and suicide, with the possibility of further stressing our health care system. Military strategists refer to these types of challenges as wicked problems, where there are no good options. Policymakers search for the least bad alternative. Let’s pray that our elected officials, first responders, healthcare workers, and everyone impacted by the current challenge can maintain the emotional stamina to do what it takes to beat the virus.
As a result of current virus restrictions, FAV has moved all programming to the virtual domain. This includes our National Symposium in September. We have rescheduled the National Constitution Center for the next in-person Symposium in 2021 in Philadelphia. We hosted a virtual Town Hall event last month for faith leaders to share best practices given current restrictions. We plan to continue virtual programming for coffee talks and difficult conversations workshops, hosting one for the Pacific Council on International Policy next month and another for Vale United Methodist Church. If your organization would like to explore sponsoring a program, please reach out to [email protected] and we will set you up.
Lastly, FAV earned the Silver Seal of Transparency from GuideStar last month. We are on our way to Gold soon, continuing our prioritization to be outstanding stewards of sponsor and donor contributions. Thank you for all of your support. Please stay safe and healthy! Feel free to reach out any time.
Steve & the FAV Team
