Here at New Era Colorado, we prioritize the safety and wellbeing of our staff and our communities. In light of the current situation regarding the Coronavirus (also known as COVID-19), New Era Colorado has developed the following guidelines regarding our operations with the intention of keeping our staff, partners, and communities safe. Please note, this is not cause for panic; but, we believe it is crucial to play our part in flattening the curve of the virus. 

We are taking these precautions because as young people who participate primarily in field work and interact with a large number of people, we could be unknowing carriers or compromise the health of others. These guidelines are, where applicable, based on recommendations from the Center for Disease Control and the Colorado Department of Health. We are closely monitoring the situation and if any additional restrictions are required, we will communicate any changes or cancellations via email. 

• Starting Monday, March 16th, our staff will be working remotely and stepping back from our face-to-face field work. At present, we are suspending our site-based activities—a decision that we did not make lightly. Yet, given the circumstances on our college campuses, high schools, and other field sites, we are rooting into our north star—building lasting youth power to fight for humanity and dignity—to ensure the safety of our staff and our communities.
• We will continue the work to build lasting youth power in Colorado. Staff will continue the important work we do at New Era through remote phone and text banks as well as other digital organizing efforts. Staff are not restricted from accessing the building but will no longer be required to work from our offices. 
• We will not tolerate bigotry in these times. This pandemic is feeding off of and exposing the very injustices in our systems that we’re fighting against, including racism, ableism, and ageism. We will continue to lean on our value of equity to stand up for the most marginalized communities, who are also the most likely to be impacted by this virus, during these times of fear and uncertainty.

We take our role as a trusted messenger amongst young people very seriously, which is why we know it is necessary to take these precautions to protect one another—especially older generations who are the most at-risk.  It is incredibly important that as young people who can unknowingly spread this virus to more vulnerable populations, we take all necessary precautions to keep our communities safe. We encourage young people across the state and the country to practice social distancing to keep our loved ones safe and healthy. 

And yet, our work will not stop. We will continue to do what New Era does best: meeting young people where they are at through innovative tactics, encouraging them to get involved in their democracy (especially during times of unrest), and build lasting youth power across the state—no matter the circumstances.

Thank you for standing with us today, and each and every day.