SPSA Members,
As you undoubtedly know, Hurricanes Helene and Milton has affected a substantial number of our colleagues across the southeast.
As political scientists and human beings, many of us are undoubtedly struggling with how we can be of service without being of burden.
In speaking with colleagues at affected institutions, one significant shared concern is the pressure to return to the classroom—in whatever form that may take—while also trying to rebuild their own lives—often without reliable access to water, power, internet, or even their homes. Their students are also facing the loss of their family homes, college residences, and support networks.
We, as political scientists can’t rebuild the power grid, and many of us shouldn’t be trusted with chainsaws. But, we are experts in our fields, and one thing we can do is support to our colleagues as they return to the classroom by doing things such as offering to act as a guest lecturer or providing prepared course materials. This will go a long way to preventing our colleagues from having to reimagine education (again!) while also rebuilding their lives and supporting their students and communities.
If you are willing or able to contribute to this effort, please complete this short Google Form:
https://forms.gle/ojNoj85n9pVBdyRT7
If you have any questions about this effort or suggestions to expand the project, please do not hesitate to contact Alixandra Yanus (ayanus@highpoint.edu).
