To our friends,

 

Over the last few months, the shape of NY2X has begun to change in accordance with our changing world. In a moment that reminds us all of the importance of community, many alumni have returned to NY2X to vision with current high school organizers the nature of the organization today and the capacity we believe it can have.

 

In light of working to identify our role in the response to the pandemic, we look back to where NY2X began—another moment, 12 years ago, of national crisis. NY2X was founded by New York City high schoolers when the government’s response to Hurricane Katrina blatantly accentuated pre-existing inequalities in Louisiana and throughout the country. The accounts of systemic neglect prompted a moment of political awakening and movement-building among young people then, and we aim to use this moment now to raise consciousness and build community for and with another generation of youth organizers.

 

Today, the COVID-19 pandemic is exacerbating the violence of the oppressive systems in which we live. Under rhetorics of reopening and a return to normalcy, we are fed the old inadequate for-profit and nonprofit solutions that only further entrench us in capitalist systems. “Disaster capitalism” works to ensure that in the wake of a crisis, big business is ready to come in and take over, making decisions that are not what’s best for people but what’s best for profit. However, the crumbling of institutions and their legitimacy during crises also leaves space for radical people-powered movements and a reimagining of our world. NY2X has always valued grassroots movements led by the communities they fight for, especially, though not exclusively, during times of crisis. 

 

Who is here during the crisis and who is going to be around after? How do our actions speak louder than words today? How does crisis expose power structures for who they really serve?

 

So, we know that NY2X’s work is more critical now than ever, and that young people have a very important role to play. Right now and always, NY2X is dedicated to nurturing young leaders for liberation for the long haul. During this virtual age of COVID, we are going to begin doing this by creating online spaces for peer and political education over the coming weeks. We also will connect young people to on-the-ground organizing efforts such as mutual aid groups, virtual advocacy projects, and socially distanced caravans and protests.

 

In this moment of crisis NY2X hopes to provide a space for young people to envision a better future and support those that are actively working to build it. We understand the power students hold and want to continue to help build this power through guiding new generations of youth organizers, with the support and love of alumni and all those who walked this path before us.

 

Please send us a DM or email us at info@ny2xcoalition.org if you are interested in joining other high school and college organizers in supporting NY2X’s mission and goals during this pandemic.

 

We wish you well and send our support to you and your loved ones. Now more than ever, we need each other and need groups that have our backs. It is our principles and our commitment to one another that has, and always will, guide us through hardship.

 

Love + Solidarity,

 

New York 2 X Coalition

Current Organizers and Alumni

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