Looking Ahead during COVID-19

A Message from Byron Sanders, CEO

Wednesday, March 25, 2020

I wanted to provide a view into how we are managing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic here at Big Thought. Our local leaders have taken important measures to protect public health, including the closure of schools for the foreseeable future. While these necessary measures impact the school-based programs we provide, we are re-imagining our work for this unique and challenging time.

We are proactively developing ways to continue engaging our youth, their families, and the broader community including distance, auditory and tactile learning solutions.

Because we equip youth in marginalized communities, we understand the complexity that online program delivery presents. Some homes lack access to the internet and don’t have devices readily available, which can create challenges to ensuring equitable access to learning. And we also recognize the unique moment we’re in the explore creative delivery opportunities using digital and web-based content. We are balancing all of these factors and creating solutions that will work across resource spectrums.

We are also planning ahead for our summer programs such as Dallas City of Learning and the re-opening of schools so we’ll be ready to efficiently ramp-up programming when it’s time. 

At Big Thought our view is that this is an important time for creative thinking, social-emotional intelligence, and community development to help us navigate this unchartered territory with a renewed sense of connection, innovation and perspective.

Moving through this period will take patience and focus, imagination and care. Our team is up for the challenge. While we develop our own tools, we are sharing resources for basic needs and at home learning on our website.

During this critical time, nonprofit organizations are at the front lines in delivering services to our communities. I encourage you to reach out to your elected officials to let them know the importance of supporting nonprofit as well as arts and culture organizations in any stimulus efforts. Additionally, please consider raising up the need to support out of school time learning to help our youth continue to build their skills.

We appreciate your encouragement and support – as always.

With gratitude,

Byron Sanders, Big Thought President and Chief Executive Officer