Dear APABA-DC Members and Friends,

First and foremost, we hope that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy during these unprecedented and challenging times. As we announced previously, to support goals of public health and safety, APABA-DC is postponing or canceling all future in-person events until further notice. APABA-DC recognizes the importance of physical distancing in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus. At the same time, although we cannot be physically together, social connection is absolutely vital, and perhaps even more so now during these times of physical isolation and quarantine. The APABA-DC Board met (virtually, of course) last week to brainstorm ideas of ways that we could support each other, support the community, and maintain and even create social connections, each of us from the safety of our own homes.

Finally, the APABA-DC Board discussed the recent rise of attacks against Asians and Asian-Americans connected to the COVID-19 outbreak. We issued the statement here, in conjunction with APABA-MD, APABA-VA, and seventeen other area voluntary associations to condemn racism and xenophobia and call on everyone to report hate crimes and work together to promote the well-being of our neighbors. Please share widely.

As always, we remain open to suggestions on events we can host or organize, ways we can support the community, and really, anything you think APABA-DC can do to assist in these times. Please stay healthy and take care of yourselves and each other. We hope to "see" you at one of our virtual events soon!

Best,

APABA-DC Board