The COVID-19 Support Group
What is the Body Politic COVID-19 Support Group, and how did it form?
Body Politic started the COVID-19 support group after Founder and EIC Fiona Lowenstein, and Creative Director Sabrina Bleich became sick with coronavirus in early March. After falling ill, we quickly realized that there was not enough online content or resources dedicated to people struggling with coronavirus. As we scrolled through Instagram feeds filled with tips on navigating boredom during quarantine, or how not to catch the virus, we felt increasingly isolated, misunderstood, and ignored. With news of infection rates rising, we knew a community of people like ourselves existed, and was growing - we just needed a way to reach each other.
We launched the Body Politic COVID-19 support group on March 26 in a small Instagram group chat. During those early days, while Fiona and Sabrina were still navigating acute physical symptoms, our incredible Operations Manager and healthy ally, Lida Rubanava, stepped in to help us develop the group - she’s been an indispensable member of the support group admin team ever since. Since our launch, we’ve had over 4,000 people sign up to join the group, and have migrated platforms to Slack to accommodate the growth and allow for small discussion channels based on community or topic. Our group consists of people from all over the world who have tested positive, are experiencing symptoms, or are recovering from COVID-19. Our discussion groups include channels for people who have been symptomatic for 30+ days, folks dealing with asthma and diabetes, people who have recovered from being on ventilators, and forums to discuss mental health concerns, along with many others.
How do I join?
If you, or a friend, has tested positive, is experiencing symptoms, or is recovering from COVID-19, you can sign up for our support group here. We just need to know a little bit about what you’re going through to verify that you’re a real person in need of support, but all information you share on that form is private and will only be accessible to admins of the group. Due to extremely high demand, it may take us up to a week to add you to the platform but we promise you will hear from us.
How can I help, if I’m healthy?
There are lots of ways you support our group if you have not been infected with COVID-19, or have completely recovered.
Request to join our ”healthy allies” channel, where we share needs from the infected community.
Are you affiliated with a company or non-profit that can support this work in some way? We’re open to partnerships that can offer support to our community and mission. Email fiona@wearebodypolitic.com with a short description of what you had in mind.
Provide a discounted service to our community. Are you a therapist, yoga teacher, medical professional, chef, or someone who provides a service that you think would be helpful for our community of sick and recovering people? Email fiona@wearebodypolitic.com and we’ll determine if it’s a good fit to share.
Offer financial support via our GoFundMe. Body Politic and the support group are being kept alive by a small, passionate group of volunteers, but as the group grows, we need financial support to compensate our team for their labor, and cover platform maintenance costs.
Apply to be a support group moderator. As our support group grows, we will need more moderators to manage conversation flow, and make sure members are following the groups’ rules and guidelines. Email events@wearebodypolitic.com, and we can tell you more about this opportunity.
Become part of our tech team. Do you know how to code? Do you have a background in app development and/or IT support? Are you interested in helping us expand the support group to reach more people across the world? Email fiona@wearebodypolitic.com if this sounds like you.
When members of our team fell ill in March, we relied on each other for emotional support. In creating the COVID-19 support group, we wanted to provide others with that same opportunity to feel connected and supported through infection, symptoms, and recovery. As we continue to navigate the healing process, we could not be more grateful for the support group. It’s been beautiful to watch others struggling with COVID-19 find community amidst isolation, affirm each other’s experiences, and talk one another through tough nights. The group continues to be a source of strength and light in our lives, and we want to sincerely thank everyone who has been a part of this incredible community.
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Sabrina Bleich is a member of the Body Politic team and contributor to Body Type. She works in TV development and as a writer/researcher for film, TV, and podcasts. She dabbles in comedy as a member of the sketch comedy group, God Should Not Have Chosen Us. Find her infrequent tweets and other pieces at @rabbisabbi.
Fiona Lowenstein (she/they) is the Founder and Events Director for Body Politic. They are a freelance writer, producer, and wellness practitioner based in NYC. Check out their work at fionalowenstein.com and follow them on Instagram at @fi_lowenstein for updates on their next yoga class, selfies, and dog content.
