The core mission of ISAIAH is about ensuring agency, democracy and public life for thousands of people in our community. Our mission requires the connection of people to people because democratic and public life can only be built between people, in relationship to one another. In 2020, especially in light of the COVID-19 crisis, it has never been more important that we demand a democracy that honors every person’s dignity and an economy where every family in Minnesota can thrive. That is our call, it is our mission and we will respond to that call no matter what.

It is clear that we are facing the largest public health crisis in our lifetimes. COVID-19 is a dangerous virus that can cause serious illness and even death to millions of people. The only way to mitigate the damage is to slow the spread of the virus in order to give our health systems a fighting chance of not collapsing under the weight of thousands of critically ill people. The actions of Governor Walz, Lt. Governor Flanagan and their administration to close our schools, close down places where people can congregate such as bars and restaurants and to advise all Minnesotans to stay in their homes are the right decisions.

In light of the seriousness of the threat we face and our commitment to play our part in ensuring the spread of the virus slows down, ISAIAH will align our own policies and practices with these recommendations from the Minnesota Department of Health to protect the health of our staff, our members and our fellow Minnesotans.

  • As of today, the ISAIAH offices will be closed to the public and ISAIAH employees will be working remotely.
  • ISAIAH will also be following the guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and ensure there are no gatherings or in-person events larger than 10 people and ensure “physical distancing.”
  • ISAIAH will also be encouraging our staff to stay home and reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

While our physical office is closed, our mission continues. We are still working and we are still leading together.

Our public life is not “canceled.” We all have a responsibility in this moment to look out for each other. For us, that means both keeping a physical distance for our collective health and leading collectively for a multiracial democracy and a caring economy. If you have questions, please follow up with your organizer.

In prayer, hope and action together,

Doran Schrantz
Executive Director of ISAIAH