use of pandemic-driven social distancing policies, specifically extended school closures. According to Amy Green of the Trevor Project, “Schools are the most affirming environment that most LGBTQ youth have in their lives.” Education Week’s nationally representative survey of 2,000 high school students (January/February 2021) found that 83% of LGBTQ teenagers said they are experiencing more problems in school than they did before the pandemic, compared to 69 percent of heterosexual high schoolers. This article identifies some basic actions and strategies to address the needs of LGBTQ students.
Going Back to School During COVID-19: Military Kids Connect: Provides resources and tips that may be helpful as students get back into the new school year. This blog offers tips for learning engagement, physical activity, and tutoring resources.
Blue Star Families COVID-19 Resources: Blue Star Families is a vibrant national organization supporting our nation’s military and veteran families. In conjunction with the American Red Cross, Blue Star Families maintains this comprehensive online resource collection featuring numerous guides, videos, first-hand stories, resource locators (e.g. vaccination sites) and other items intended to protect the health, safety and well-being of our Blue Star Families in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supporting Military-Connected Youth and Families During COVID-19: In partnership with the U.S. Armed Services, Boys & Girls Clubs of America [BGCA] help military youth access specialized opportunities, cultivate lifelong friendships and develop the resilience they need to build great futures. This column describes that commitment, and links to the BGCA webpage that supports the organization’s national strategy to support young people during COVID-19.
Navigating Change: Military Child Education Coalition [MCEC]: MCEC supports military-connected children by educating, advocating, and collaborating to resolve education challenges associated with military lifestyle. This site aims to apply MCEC’s acquired expertise to offer military parents, students and educators supportive content and resources to navigate the particular challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. It offers inspirational guidance, a large archive of recorded webinars and interactive events, and key takeaways from the K-12 Education Working Group to guide military-impacted schools for reopening in the context of COVID-19.
8 Ways COVID-19 has Affected Military & Veteran Families, Booz Allen (sponsor of the COVID-19 Military Support Initiative): Reviews research findings about well-being and concerns of military and veteran families throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Research revealed that many pre-existing issues facing the military community have been intensified during the pandemic.
The Military Family Experience 2021: Path to Recovery: Reports findings of large-scale survey. Multiple formats: infographics, video, and links to excellent related resources (e.g. Special Report: Caregiving in Military Families (June 2021 in collaboration with the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers).
Pandemic Magnifies Problems for Military Families (AARP, May 2021): Findings come from nearly 11,000 military families worldwide who were polled in September and October 2020. Some of the key issues explored by the wide-ranging survey include: time away from family; mental health; military spouses and employment; discrimination; and more.
Military One Source, COVID-19 Resources: Offers up-to-date information, resources and answers regarding the impact of COVID-10 on military life. This page includes guidance from the Department of Defense, FAQs, and blog-based updates.
Military One Source, For Military Youth and Teens - The Essentials: It’s especially important to engage military youth and teens in wholesome interests in which they feel safe and grounded. Military OneSource offers several ways youth and teens can build a sense of community, helping you keep your family strong.
Military One Source, Preventing Abuse & Neglect: Informs military members about the Fam