Coronavirus update: we're going remote
Today, after much consideration, Arshia and I made the very difficult decision to move all of our Redbud classes online for at least the first few weeks of our March/April round.
We didn't make this decision lightly. We value our in-person meetings and the local nature of Redbud so very much; we believe that online learning cannot completely replace face-to-face connection, and there's nothing we love more than hosting a discussion or a workshop around a table in one of our favorite local bookstores.
However, to be honest, the news is scary. Universities are going online-only and sending students home; many major businesses have instituted work-from-home policies; public schools are closing; people are getting sick. As much as we value meeting in-person, the most important thing is that we keep our community healthy. Too much is unknown about this virus right now to take chances.
So, what does this mean for you?
If you've signed up for a Redbud class this upcoming round, you should have received an email already about the move to online meetings. First of all, we want to thank you for your understanding and flexibility during this difficult time. Second, we wanted to let you know that we will do our best to make our online classes mirror the experience of meeting in-person. These will not be pre-recorded lectures; we will use video conferencing software to have our usual lively discussions and workshops and will hew to our usual syllabi as closely as possible.
If you have not signed up for a Redbud course for this upcoming round--you can still do so. This is especially true for those of you who live a little bit outside of the Triangle, or those of you who might have childcare or other responsibilities that have kept you from signing up for a class up until now. For some of you, we hope that these online classes might represent an opportunity!
If you were interested in volunteering for the Juniper Writing Initiative, our new program for teenagers at Enloe High School: we are postponing the start date for that program until things settle down.
If you want to help, please consider supporting our bookstore partners! This is not an easy time to be a small business owner. Many of our bookstore friends are offering special shipping promotions for online shopping, and all of our bookstore friends have online stores where you can browse virtually:
Quail Ridge Books (offering free media mail shipping)
Flyleaf Books (offering $1 shipping and curbside pickup)
If you want to help Redbud, consider spreading the word to your literary friends and family who live outside the Triangle area and telling them that we are offering online classes. Or, if you've been considering one-on-one instruction, consider signing up for a manuscript consultation, which is an easy way to work on your writing with some guidance remotely.
If you want to help the community, keep an eye out for fundraisers like this one that benefit local artists who are hurting economically right now.
Finally, stay safe! This is a tricky, confusing time, with lots of conflicting information out there. We found this Atlantic article about social distancing to be a helpful set of guidelines. Take care of yourselves, both mentally and physically, try to stay healthy, and we hope to see you all in person soon.
-- Emily