We have gathered resources internally and from members of the community to help provide guidance on what you can do to look out for yourself amidst this coronavirus pandemic. The full list is here. (Updated regularly)

This article is 4 of 4 in which we address needs that have arisen as a result of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic may be restricting us from going outdoors, but the internet can be a great source of education and entertainment. Many are using this time to learn new things; whether to gain new skills to further their careers, or to dive into hobbies they normally put aside. All of the sites listed below offer free courses, but in some cases there are options for payment in order to receive a certification.

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1Philanthropy University

Great for NGO, Nonprofit, or CBO workers, Philanthropy University breaks the mold of e-learning platforms by offering the first-of-its-kind online learning ecosystem for social impact organisations. They bring free courses, communities and funding all together in one place with the goal to facilitate learning moments that build critical competencies and long-lasting working relationships. 

Philanthropy U offers courses in everything related to your NGO and CBO work and careers, from developing an operating budget and fundraising, to program management and monitoring and evaluation, to capacity building and advocacy. In light of the COVID-pandemic and its effect on the work NGOs are doing, there are many new courses being offered to support organisations during this changing climate.

Peruse the course catalog and sign up for a class here: https://courses.philanthropyu.org/courses

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2edX

edX (https://www.edx.org/) is a trusted platform for education and learning. Founded by Harvard and MIT, edX offers 2500+ courses from over 140 of the top ranked universities in the world. Covering everything from languages to business management, there is something for everyone. 

One course you may be interested in, is the Human Rights Defenders class, a free online human rights course offered by Amnesty International. 

Sign up for the class or see what else they offer at edX here: https://www.edx.org/course/human-rights-defenders-2?source=aw&awc=6798_1590562122_f524c110537580bf0e7cb7570f6622d3&utm_source=aw&utm_medium=affiliate_partner&utm_content=text-link&utm_term=304931_Human+Rights+Careers

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3Future Learn

Future Learn offers a diverse selection of free courses from leading universities and cultural institutions from around the world. These are delivered one step at a time, and are accessible on mobile, tablet and desktop, so you can fit learning around your life.

The University of Leeds offers a course titled “How to Create Great Content Online”, teaching learners how to create engaging content that meets their goals. The course is also supported by industry professional who teach students, amongst other things, how to approach content creation for different platforms.

Learn more about the course here:
https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/how-to-create-great-online-content

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4Coursera

Every course on Coursera is taught by top instructors from world-class universities and companies, so you can learn something new anytime, anywhere. Hundreds of free courses give you access to on-demand video lectures, homework exercises, and community discussion forums. 

They offer many courses which may be useful to your nonprofit careers including “Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector, Nonprofit Organizations, Nonprofit Leadership and Governance”.

See these courses, as well as hundreds more, at Coursera: https://www.coursera.org/

We have gathered resources internally and from members of the community to help provide guidance on what you can do to look out for yourself amidst this coronavirus pandemic. The full list is here. (Updated regularly)

This article is 3 of 4 in which we address needs that have arisen as a result of COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic may be restricting us from going outdoors, but the internet can be a great source of education and entertainment. We’ve gathered some resources here for you to enjoy including books and movies.

Please note that the content listed has not all been reviewed by APTN and we do not endorse the views expressed in them. Viewer discretion is advised.

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1For Bookworms

Unable to go to the library and looking for something new to read? You can now access over 1.4 million books for free as part of the National Emergency Library, an initiative by non-profit organisation Internet Archive. Since November 2007, the initiative has scanned and digitised over 1.7 million books in the public domain.

You can browse the books by subjects, ranging from Science to Fantasy. All you have to do is create an account to borrow it.

Some trans books that are available on the platform include Trans Bodies, Trans Selves by Laura Erickson-Schroth, and Transgender Warriors by Leslie Feinberg.

Access the Open Library at https://openlibrary.org/

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2For Movie and TV Show Lovers

There are a number of online platforms that you can use to watch LGBTQ+ content on the web.

view the shows they offer. With more than 1,000 feature films, shorts, web series, and documentaries, it brings content to people across Asia, where censorship and traditional attitudes mean there has been little in the way of gay content in the mainstream media.

Check out what they have to offer here: https://www.gagaoolala.com/en/topic/44/free-trial-section

Another streaming platform which allows you to watch movies for free is Tubi, where you can watch a range of LGBTQ offerings in their catalogue. Their list of LGBTQ offerings is here: https://tubitv.com/category/lgbt

SOGI Campaigns has also created a list of movies about social campaigning that you may be interested in. From biographical movies to satire, these recommendations provide insights into how people have campaigned over the years and can inspire you.

Read the full list here: https://sogicampaigns.org/portfolio/activists-are-movie-heroes/

Note: Do not click the link titled “The film” under the first film Pride, as it links to a strange website.

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3For Audiophiles

If you prefer to listen to your content, there is a great selection of podcasts and music that you can discover.

The Advocate has put together a list of LGBTQ podcasts that you may be interested in listening to. With topics ranging from sex to intersectionality, it’s very likely you’ll find one that piques your interest.

Of particular relevance: One From The Vaults, a trans history podcast created by Morgan M. Page, shows how the history of trans people is threaded throughout the history of the world through exquisitely researched interviews.

Read the full list here: https://www.advocate.com/media/2019/5/17/12-gay-lgbtq-podcasts-you-should-be-listening

If music is more of your jam, Billboard has put together a list of trans and non-binary musicians that you should check out. The list, at https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/pride/7964716/11-transgender-non-binary-musicians-you-need-to-know, is more US-centric, but most of these artists can be found on major streaming platforms.

We’d like to take this opportunity to highlight a queercore band from Malaysia instead. Shh… Diam!, which means ‘shut up’ in Malay, was formed in 2010. Their frontman, Faris Saad, is an openly trans singer, and he loves to openly toy with the idea of sexuality and gender, even in some of Malaysia’s most-conservative states.

They provided the soundtrack to To Which My Brother Laughed, a play by Malaysia’s artistic and queer communities following the public caning of two women in Terengganu for being in a same-sex relationship.

Check out their music on the Youtube and Facebook pages!

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BONUS: For a quick shortlist of suggestions of things to do in visual form, check out this list by Instagram user @hellomynameiswednesday (They/Them)!

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A post shared by Wednesday Holmes (@hellomynameiswednesday)

We have gathered resources internally and from members of the community to help provide guidance on what you can do to look out for yourself amidst this coronavirus pandemic. The full list is here. (Updated regularly)

This article is 2 of 4 in which we address needs that have arisen as a result of COVID-19. 

With the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications continuing to unfold across the world, many businesses and organisations are shutting down.

While work from home is being implemented, and some projects have been put on hold, many organisations are grappling with how to continue the important and necessary work they do for their communities. Meetings take place over conference calls, events are moving online, and staff are learning to work together, separately – requiring more online office organisational tools and increased awareness of digital security. We’ve gathered some work resources to help your organisations work efficiently at this time. 

Have more to add to the list? Fill in the form here: https://bit.ly/APTN-COVID19-Resource-Survey

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1Collaboration Superpower’s Remote Resources during the Coronavirus

Many people are finding themselves working remotely unexpectedly because of COVID-19. If you and your team are suddenly remote, Collaboration Superpower has a few simple tips for working efficiently at home: from creating a dedicated workspace in your home, to creating a team agreement on expectations, to even having remote team building activities to improve team spirit. The website has more advanced tips such as how to focus on self-care and learning to set working boundaries while we work from home.  

Learn their tips for working efficiently remotely and watch their webinar here: https://www.collaborationsuperpowers.com/covid19/

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2Google For Nonprofits: Resources to help your nonprofit navigate uncertainty

G Suite for Nonprofits offers eligible nonprofits free access to productivity tools like Gmail, Docs, Calendar, Drive, and Meet, which can help your team collaborate remotely. With G Suite for Nonprofits, you can: collaborate using a shared document, video call, email list, or chat room, access important documents from anywhere by uploading them to Google Drive, expand your video conferencing capabilities with premium Google Meet features, which are now free to all G Suite for Nonprofits users through July 1, 2020.

Additionally, Google offers tips on supporting your staff and volunteers as they transition to working remotely and shifting to digital program delivery to provide ongoing support to beneficiaries.

Access all of Google’s free and discounted programs here: https://www.google.com/nonprofits/resources/coronavirus/

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3Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline

Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline works with individuals and organisations around the world to keep them safe online. If you’re at risk, they can help you improve your digital security practices to keep out of harm’s way. If you’re already under attack, they provide rapid-response emergency assistance.

Access Now is a free-of-charge resource for civil society around the world, offering real-time, direct technical assistance and advice to civil society groups & activists, media organisations, journalists & bloggers, and human rights defenders. The Helpline will walk you or your organisation through assessing the risks you face in your work, and together you’ll prioritise your digital security needs, resolve existing problems, learn some of the most important best practices, and help you get into a secure mindset for the future.

Learn more about keeping your organisation secure online here: https://www.accessnow.org/help/

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4Tech Soup’s Resource:  The Show Must Go On: Producing a Virtual Nonprofit Event

TechSoup is committed to equipping your nonprofit with the technology resources you need to meet your mission, serve your community, and support your staff. Specifically, their information and resources on producing successful virtual events is important as we all pivot from face-to-face events to virtual options. This includes webinars and courses on hosting events and the tools needed to do so. 

Learn more about bringing your events to the web here: https://blog.techsoup.org/posts/the-show-must-go-on-producing-a-virtual-nonprofit-event

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5Global Giving’s COVID-19 Resources for Nonprofits

Global Giving provides nonprofits with the tools, training, and support they need to become more effective. Now  they are offering a plethora of tips, tools, and resources to adapt your nonprofit programming to life during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Tips include how to better use video conferencing for meetings; tools include templates for communicating with donors; and resources include lists of free softwares, products, and more just for nonprofits. 

Find out everything they offer here: https://www.globalgiving.org/learn/covid-19-nonprofit-resources/

We have gathered resources internally and from members of the community to help provide guidance on what you can do to look out for yourself amidst this coronavirus pandemic. The full list is here. (Updated regularly)

This article is 1 of 4 in which we address needs that have arisen as a result of COVID-19. 

With the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications continuing to unfold across the world, some of us may be experiencing stress and anxiety. Having to stay physically apart from each other to reduce the spread of disease may also lead strong feelings of isolation. We’ve gathered some helpful resources that you can use to cope with the anxiety you may face while in lockdown.

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1How to Deal with Stress and Anxiety related to the COVID-19 Pandemic

It’s not easy to get through this challenging period of isolation, but Darragh Finlay, writing for GCN, has shared his ‘Tool Box of Coping Skills’ in this article. 

He suggests simple actions you can apply like working in half-hour slots to help you keep focused, getting in some exercise every day, and limiting screen time to checking trusted news sources twice a day.

Read the full article here: https://gcn.ie/deal-stress-anxiety-covid-19-pandemic/

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2Care for your Coronavirus Anxiety

If you are feeling anxiety about the spread of COVID-19 and all the challenges that come with it, you are not alone. This website, compiled by the self-care app Shine, provides helpful advice and resources to help cope with the feelings you may be experiencing.

One section we enjoy is the Meditations section which contains guided meditations to help listeners to Exhale Stress, Calm Anxiety, and Sleep Well. 

Check out the website at https://www.virusanxiety.com/.

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3CDC’s Guide to Coping with Stress from COVID-19

Zooming out to include caring for the people around you, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States has put out a guide on how to support yourself and your loved ones who may be facing stress as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. 

With clear actionable tips on how to cope with stress and how to support your loved ones through isolation, it is a great guide on taking care of yourself and those around you.

One of our favourite sections is the one about supporting your loved ones. It reminds us to check in with loved ones often, as it can help you – and them – feel less lonely and isolated. It also gives tips on how to help keep them safe, such as by monitoring their medication or ensuring that there is non-perishable food on hand to reduce the need to go grocery shopping.

Read the whole list at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html

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49 Strategies for Quarantining in a Non-LGBTQ+ Affirming Environment

For those in our community who must undergo quarantine in an environment which may not be fully accepting of your identity, this article by Wren Sanders on them.us shares 9 things you can do to tide through isolation. 

One great tip they’ve provided is to cherish symbolic objects that help you hold on to your sense of identity even if you can’t show it outwardly.

Read the full article at https://www.them.us/story/9-strategies-for-quarantining-in-a-non-lgbtq-accepting-environment.

Note: While the support organisations referenced are mostly US-based, here are some country-specific helplines in Asia and the Pacific that you can access should you need support:

• Crisis Support CCC (Sri Lanka): Call 1333
• Free Online COVID-19 Counselling (Thailand)
• LGBTIQ-Friendly Counselling (Sri Lanka): Call Shanti Margam at 00717 639898
• Nazariya Peer Counselling (India): Call 9818151707
• Safe Space Counselling For Trans & Gender Diverse People (Pakistan)
• WhatsApp Counselling for the LGBTQ+ Community (Singapore): WhatsApp 8592 0609 (Sat: 2pm-5pm; Tue, Wed & Thu: 7pm–10pm)

Have more to add to the list? Fill in the form here: https://bit.ly/APTN-COVID19-Resource-Survey