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As the coronavirus continues to spread across the United States, #PeopleLikeUs are showing that they are the leaders our communities need by stepping up and taking action to help stop the spread and keep our communities safe and healthy. For example:

  • Michigan State Representatives Darrin Camilleri, Abdullah Hammoud, and Mari Manoogian introduced legislation addressing several key issues surrounding the coronavirus and its impact on Michigan, including removing cost barriers to testing, treatment, and other coronavirus-related costs.
  • Philadelphia Councilmember Helen Gym introduced a resolution calling for Philadelphia to explore a temporary moratorium on evictions, foreclosures, and utility shut-offs.
  • Congresswoman Ilhan Omar introduced a bill to ensure that students continue to get the meals they need during school closures.
  • Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu held events in Boston’s Chinatown last month to support small businesses that have been hit hard by coronavirus fears.
  • Congresswoman Grace Meng spoke out about the racism inherent in House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy’s comments referring to the coronavirus as the “Chinese coronavirus.”
  • Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley called out the racism and xenophobia that has sadly sky-rocketed since the outbreak of the virus.

Right now, we’re seeing the convergence of a global pandemic with Trump’s anti-immigrant agenda, and it’s not looking good. The Trump administration is ramping up surveillance at healthcare facilities in so-called sanctuary cities, which could deter immigrants from accessing medical assistance when they most need it. At the same time, the coronavirus could hit migrant border camps and immigration detention centers hard. No matter how you look at it, this is just wrong. #PeopleLikeUs can’t and won’t stay silent about this.

We’re part of the way through the 2020 primary election season, but nearly half of the United States still has their primary coming up.

If you live in a state that hasn’t had its primary, make sure your voter registration information is correct and up-to-date before your state’s voter registration deadline. Then, on the day of your primary, show up to your polling place before it closes and vote! (Click here to find out when the polls close in your state and where to go to find your polling place.)

Please bear in mind, however, that things could change because of the coronavirus. For example, Louisiana just postponed its primary from April 4 to June 20 due to coronavirus concerns, becoming the first state to do so. As the virus spreads, more states could follow suit. Be sure to follow local officials for updates in your state.

Like you, New American Leaders has been closely monitoring the news and government updates for guidance on the coronavirus (COVID-19). Given its rapid spread and the danger it poses, we’ve decided to suspend all programs through the end of April. Our hope is that we will be able to reschedule some of these trainings later in the calendar year, and supplement with online resources in the meantime.

At this time, the following trainings are cancelled:

  • Ready to Lead Colorado
  • Ready to Lead Ohio
  • Ready to Win
  • Boss Ladies Atlanta
  • Boss Ladies Austin

While this is a bump in the road, we remain committed to building the political power of #PeopleLikeUs. As always, we are available for phone calls, video chats, and even in person meetups once the outbreak has subsided to help you shake up politics as usual and plan your leadership journey!


This past weekend, we had a special Ready to Rise training for female-identifying leaders in New York City! We trained more than a dozen badass womxn on how to message, target, fundraise, and embrace their heritage to become a successful candidate. Huge thanks to our trainers, Pakou Hang and Ghida Dagher; our host, York College CUNY; and our sponsors, Southwest Airlines, The New York Women’s Foundation, and The Ascend Fund for making this past weekend’s training possible!