What Can Community Leaders do during COVID-19?

This post the latest in Rural Resurrection’s ongoing series regarding COVID-19. Rural Resurrection will be posting regularly about the virus’ impact on rural governments and what local leaders can do. Follow us to stay informed of recent posts as we all work our way through this as “we are all in this together”.

Recently I talked with my father at length about the Coronavirus and all that is happening with the pandemic. He stated, “You’re witnessing history. Never have I seen anything like this in my 82 years!” He was correct (Yes, I’ve admitted that before, I’m in my 40’s now). There hasn’t been anything like this during his lifetime.

Witnessing History

Yes, there was H2N2 in 1957-1958 that killed 116,000 in the United States. Then there was H3N2 in 1968 that killed about 100,000 in the United States. The most recent was (H1N1)pdm09 in 2009, where 12,469 deaths were calculated in the United States. Experts have stated that this pandemic has the chances to eclipse all of those in number of cases and possibly deaths.

Camp Funston, at Fort Riley, Kansas, during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic

Thankfully, my father was born 20 years after the pandemic of 2018, which caused over 675,000 deaths in the United States alone and 50 million worldwide. But the COVID-19 pandemic is decidedly different than even the Spanish Flu in 1918. Yes, many communities took similar measures in shutting down non-essential businesses for a while. Mobile Alabama even suggested for, “persons to refrain from kissing“.

But media was never as prevalent as it has been for COVID-19. The radio didn’t grow in popularity until the 1920s. But it was there, along with TVs for H2N2 and H3N2. Yet, the impact is nothing like it is now with the internet and social media piled on. People are getting information from many sources now, some of them not so credible.

The Role of Community Leaders

That’s were community leaders can step in. Rampant is the term “Fake News”. Community Leaders can be that trusted presence that people listen to. The spot light is on them for many rural communities when people look for people that they know they can listen to, people they can trust. However, those same community leaders may be at a loss for what they can do for their community during these tough times.

I just happened to listen to South Dakota’s Governor Kristi Noem‘s recent press conference where she directed community leaders to South Dakota’s website. South Dakota has a website specifically dedicated to COVID-19 in that state. Within that site, they also have a page dedicated to community leaders, providing them with direction.

Resources for Elected Officials

This page provides ways the elected officials can support the community, support local businesses, and get the facts out. There’s even a “Community Checklist” for those who want to use it.

This is the time where “leader” in the term “community leader” becomes key. In times of crisis, citizens look to their leaders to give them direction. With the resources provided by South Dakota’s website, the leaders of your community can be that calming presence that is needed in this time of uncertainty.

You may know of a rural government, organization, or business that has stepped up to help their community during this pandemic. They may be a helpful example to other communities, don’t keep it to yourself! Let us know through our contact form.