Dear EE Community,

While we are all disappointed about the understandable need to cancel this year's conference, I am wondering if there has been discussion about turning this into an opportunity to volunteer?

Speaking for myself, I have already purchases an essentially non-refundable plane ticket, and devoted the time to the conference week (professionally speaking). It seems an excellent opportunity for those of us who are still available to pull together a volunteer effort during this time. If not EE folks, who else would be more suited for something like this?

I am wondering if our conference partner, Para la Naturaleza, may have ideas and use for a contingent of us during this time. Maybe we could ferry supplies in our carry on bags? Maybe we could help with a clean up? Maybe we could use our various expertise to lend to planning and coordination efforts? Maybe we could look after kids while parents do other essentials that have been too hard to get done given the demands?

There are so many possibilities, and with the momentum already in place, I am wondering if there are EEers interested in organizing an initiative alongside our partners?

I am glad to help in this effort and am hopeful that some discussions of this sort are underway already! I believe commercial flights are still being accepted, and our access is still possible. Though there would be much leg work to do in getting this organized, I believe the effort would be well worth it, and a big step in living the vision we all hold to so dearly.

Sincerely,
Lee