A Time for Radical Empathy

This past week was full of uncertainty and anxiety. I was visiting my son in Portland, where he is a first-year student at Lewis and Clark College. It was very reassuring to hear from school administrators that they are well-prepared to deal with an outbreak if it comes to the campus. I was staying with one of my best friends from college, Ken Stedman, who happens to be an expert on viruses and a research professor at Portland State University. I had many discussions with Ken and his wife Barbara over the past few days about what was happening around the country and around the world (see Ken's very cogent discussion of viruses at the end of this article). I was concerned that the next leg of my trip, to Austin, Texas, might be impacted by the measures local officials were taking to try and contain the virus.

On Friday, the news came that SXSW was cancelled. My first thought was frustration, as I had been preparing for the event for the last few months. We had many meetings scheduled, and it was going to be a chance for me to highlight the work we were doing at The Center for Higher Education Leadership. But then my thoughts quickly turned to all the service staff, restaurant owners, AirBnB hosts, and so many others who would be losing out on much-needed income. I would certainly survive missing out on the event, but for others, this could be a major blow to their livelihood for the year.

I am glad to see that Austin has launched several initiatives to help those who will be hurt the most by the cancellation of this major event. Local officials have asked for support, particularly for small businesses that will be impacted by the cancellation. The Austin Community Foundation announced it’s stepping up to help through its Stand with Austin Fund.

All of this is a reminder that we are entering a time when the most vulnerable among us are going to be impacted the most. It's a time to be prepared (not hoarding), but it's also a time to watch out for those who may not have the resources to prepare or to buy large quantities of toilet paper (not that anyone should be doing that!). I have felt empathy for those who are being impacted in various ways by the outbreak, but I also know that I can't just stand by waiting for others to step in. I believe in radical empathy - the topic of my next book project.

Radical empathy requires us to acknowledge our own privilege and bias, to be able to work towards understanding the situation and needs of other, but most importantly to take action. That action can be checking in on an elderly neighbor, supporting a nonprofit that may be struggling because they have to cancel a major event, being willing to share food and supplies with those who can't afford to buy them, and many other forms of service.

As this crisis progresses, take some time to think about those around you who are the most vulnerable. Thank the people, including teachers, school administrators, public health officials, etc., who are making sure that our children are as safe as possible and understand that they have touch decisions to make about what is in everyone’s best interest. Think of the first responders who put their lives on the line for us, whether it’s a call to a nursing home, or a fire. And be sure to take care of yourself, we all need to maintain our strength and sanity during these difficult times.