WHAT IS TINY WPA DOING IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19?
Of course, being a workshop we were fortunate to be able to have some safety supplies that medical staff in the area immediately could use, but obviously this doesn’t even remotely scratch the surface of the multiplicity of needs in the region. Like many organizations we are working hard to figure out how best to support our staff and Building Heroes in constantly changing circumstances; working to ensure the long-term stability of the organization; and figuring out how we can use our unique experience and tools to support the well-being of medical staff and our neighbors in Philadelphia. Beyond the health of our staff, Heroes and the organization, there are four things that we are focusing on:
Creating #BuildYourOwn Playground Challenges That Support Play And Well-Being At Home
Currently we are part of a small think-tank of local play experts assembled by the City of Philadelphia to imagine how we can support safe play now and as the pandemic gradually resides, both at home and the City’s parks and playgrounds.
In addition to and as a part of this work, we will regularly share plans and tips for our favorite #buildyourown #play designs that we have designed, developed and built with people young and old all around the world. This includes testing new #buildyourown ideas and materials daily so that you can do the same at home during these challenging times. This has been one of the rare moments of joy in our day right now and we hope that at least a few other people can experience the same. While all of the materials used are easily available and inexpensive (even free!) and the projects are doable by any skill level, some projects will require tools that or space that not everyone will have available. However, there will be a projects that ANYONE can complete no matter what they have at their disposal.
Exploring Adapting Existing Programming For Distance Co-Learning And Co-Creation
From the very beginning of the shutdown we have been formally surveying our Heroes and the larger community to best understand their everyday needs, including what they would like to make-do-learn together during these challenging times. Simultaneously we are working with staff and funders as conditions change every day to explore the possibility of creating for example, a Building Hero Training Program 2.0 that compliments the existing successful program but can be delivered online.
Completing Our DIY Public Space Amenity Toolkit To Support Communities Improving Their Spaces And Places Together When The Coronavirus Has Passed
When the coronavirus pandemic passes, public space and opportunities for people to meaningfully connect and #learnandearn are going to be more important than ever. We are working on completing our DIY public space amenity toolkit that will be downloadable for free to support communities not just in West Philly or Philly in general but everywhere in working together to quickly improve spaces and places that are important to them.
Helping Organize And Support PPE Production In Philadelphia And Throughout The Region
From the beginning of the shutdown we have been quietly working behind the scenes to help to connect makers, industry, designers and others to maximize the impact that we can have together on the health of our neighbors and medical community. This has included participating in conversations with and learning from what our friends and maker communities around the country are doing organizationally as well as identifying the most promising and impactful things that Tiny WPA as well as others can make.
Currently we are working to organize and coordinate the diverse collection of individuals and institutions interested in or already working on face shield fabrication in the Philadelphia region to maximize output and impact as well as beginning to plug them into CoveraidPHL, the City’s effort coalesce makers. In addition to doing this, in the coming week we will begin fabricating pieces and potentially full face shields for Kohelet Yeshiva High School, NAVSEA, and others to distribute to medical staff and institutions. Kohelet Yeshiva High School has been doing a remarkable job of delivering quality products and building significant partnerships in a very short period of time and we could not be more excited to use our tools and experience to support their efforts as well as others’. We will pivot as needed in the coming weeks and perhaps months as needed to maximize output and impact throughout the region.
Interested in getting involved? Contact alex@tinywpa.org