The #GoodNewsEcho: Week of March 23rd



323

Over the past week, as we’ve all tried to settle into our new normal, it’s been wonderful to see people coming together to help in any way they can. At Glen Echo Group, we’ve fully embraced the joys of Zoom’s “virtual backgrounds” option and appreciated the free options offered by home furnishing firm West Elm (especially the one with the fake dog). 

At a time like this, we believe it’s important to recognize and highlight all the things that technology has allowed us to do during this crisis, from the helpful to the strange or just fun and entertaining.
1
1.  
Apple has put together a comprehensive list of apps and resources that will help you be a better remote student or employee.
2
2.
Social distancing doesn’t mean we can’t listen to our favorite musicians! Fight for the Future unveiled #StayAtHomeFest to harness the power of the internet for good, creating a living calendar as a resource for artists hosting their own shows.
3 2
3.
Make your own Happy Hour! One man made the most of quarantining by “toasting himself” in this cheery clip all the way from Italy.
3 3
4.  

In order to help out those on the frontline of the COVID-19 crisis, allbirds is offering free shoes to healthcare workers across the United States.
1 3
5.  
Attention all bookworms! Scribd is offering 30 free days of reading, making sure everyone has access to their favorite books, magazine articles and more during the COVID-19 quarantine. 
2 3
6. 
Accurate and timely information is incredibly important—perhaps now more than ever—and #socialmedia may be the best place to turn. Mike Masnick of techdirt explains how social media is saving lives in the time of COVID-19.
wed 3 25 150 3
7.
Some good news from our neighbors to the north—people across Canada have taken to posting rainbows as “symbols of hope” across the country during COVID-19.
wed 3 25 150 2
8.
As the need for connectivity increases across the country during the COVID-19 quarantine, DISH is allowing other major US carriers to utilize its unused spectrum.
wed 3 25 150 1
9.
Axios has compiled a list of free content for parents looking to educate and entertain their kids at home (while also managing their own full-time jobs).
3 5
10.
Chef Jose Andres is offering restaurant e-gift cards with 100% of the proceeds going to Think Food Group employees during this difficult time.
1 4
11.
Shoutout to the #BuildforCOVID19 Hackathon happening today and this weekend — we (mostly) cannot code but will be looking for ways to help. 
2 4
12.  
Dancing is the surest way to keep your spirits up while in quarantine. This is especially true when you make it a family activity—just take it from this father-son-son trio.
1 5
13.
United by a metronome, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra brought Aaron Copland’s "Appalachian Spring" to life in this moving video.
2 5
14.
Nearly 5,000 volunteers around the world have registered at Helpwithcovid.com to work on a variety of fascinating projects designed to help people through this crisis.
3 6
15.
Legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma sparked the social media movement #SongsForComfort that urges artists across the country to post short videos under the hashtag to inspire hope during this trying time.

Thanks to all who have sent us good news in the last week. It’s been wonderful to hear from so many of you and to see the stories of how technology is helping keep us connected. If you see something you’d like shared with our broader community, please send it our way.

We may be separated but we are still connected.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Follow along with the series and join the conversation on Twitter and Instagram.