COVID-19 Response

It’s never been clearer that policies that protect the most vulnerable among us are good for everyone.

You can find here information on Buffalo Commons COVID-19 virtual convening support, upcoming virtual workshops, and an opportunity to submit research requests. Also, a request to help us document stories of community groups taking the lead in a time of crisis.

Additionally, you can find blog posts pertaining to the crisis from our team, including data and community organizing experts.

Virtual Convening

One of the essential functions of Buffalo Commons is as a gathering space, which allows for the convening of coalitions, working groups, trainings, workshops, commissions, public officials, boards, and more in the Cornell in Buffalo offices.  With the recent health crisis, we will continue to serve as a convener of collaborative work and progress through these difficult times by offering licensed Zoom meeting creation to our partners. Our licensed account can allow for scheduled meetings with 500 participants for any amount of time. Email buffalocommons@cornell.edu if you would like to utilize this free resource for a meeting or event.

Buffalo Commons Workshops Will Continue Virtually

For the foreseeable future, our Buffalo Commons capacity-building workshops will be held in a virtual format. 

Submit Your Covid-19 Crisis Research Request

As usual, we are here to connect you to researchers or graduate students who can help find local solutions to your questions. Please use our Buffalo Commons Research Exchange form to submit your research need related to this crisis and we will share it with our researcher network. Or email buffalocommons@cornell.edu to get started.

Community Groups in the Lead

We are collecting stories and examples to document how community groups—as they always do—are stepping up to fill the gaps in our systems which this emergency has so clearly magnified and exposed. From block clubs and established neighborhood organizations to rapidly forming coalitions, community groups are providing incredible leadership in this time of crisis. Long-term recovery should center their needs, insights, and leadership too.

If you have a story or example to share, email buffalocommons@cornell.edu or tweet @Buffalo_Commons.