3 Resources to Help You Fight Racism in the Wake of COVID-19

Sigh, it’s a really difficult time in the world right now. COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is impacting our daily lives and is leaving so many of us feeling shaken and uncertain. If you’re feeling heightened stress right now, know that you’re not the only one.

Between countries closing their borders, containment areas being identified, major events being cancelled, and our loved ones being quarantined, to say things have been stressful would be an understatement.

For me it has been especially devastating to hear reports about COVID-19-related incidents of racism — in particular, racial bias directed towards people from Asian communities. Many of you have also recognized this and have reached out to ask me and my team what you can do to interrupt the racial bias you’re observing.

Here are three resources that will help you to interrupt racism, act as an ally for targeted communities and manage your stress levels in the current climate (and all are FREE!):

1. My COVID-19 Anti-Racism Tip Sheet

This tip sheet summarizes key strategies and tools that you can use to interrupt all forms of bias, but in particular, COVID-19-related racial bias. (Similarly, my consulting firm bhasin consulting inc. has also developed a session on how to be an ally in interrupting COVID-19-related racism. Please feel free to reach out if you’re interested.)

2. My Worksheets on Interrupting Bias

As you may have heard me say many times before, we are all both hardwired to engage unconscious bias and socialized to engage in bias, which is one of the reasons why biases are so prevalent. I have designed three worksheets to help you identify the biases you may be holding, understand how bias affects you, and learn how to shield against the negative impact of bias.

3. My Empower Page on Committing to a Self-Care Practice

Prioritizing self-care is critical for preventing stress, nurturing your well-being, and taking care of your mind, body, and spirit — all of which will assist you in interrupting racial bias. In particular, self-care will help you to be better positioned to interrupt your biases, to speak out against racist behavior, and to be less activated in managing stress during this time.

Regardless of who you are, this is a stressful time! It’s also a time where hate can proliferate. But we can all contribute to reducing the social harm of COVID-19 by making a conscious effort to be inclusive and to practice anti-racism.