COVID-19 Resources

Dear oSTEM Family,

 
The state of the world has changed very quickly in the last few weeks with the COVID-19 pandemic that is currently affecting us as global citizens. As the oSTEM community includes displaced members and affiliates from academic student chapters to international volunteers, it is important to us that we use this space to address your specific needs.
 
Academic and professional chapters are the foundation of oSTEM. Though community has often been defined by the value of in-person connections, we are committed to taking a stand against the public health risk caused by this pandemic.
 
In support of your health and safety, until further notice, we will cease all in-person oSTEM events and meetings and transition to a fully online community.

oSTEM Squad Slack Workspace

You are invited! Please join us in virtual community by signing up (free of charge) in the oSTEM Squad Slack community. In this time of uncertainty, while we support your wellbeing, we remain committed to connecting with you and connecting you to valuable resources. In Slack you may:

  • Stay updated with oSTEM's latest announcements
  • Connect in rooms by identity, region, field, career, etc.,
  • Connect one on one with individual members in private chat,
  • Proudly display YOUR name and pronouns!
  • Share resource links, documents, and videos,
  • and so much more!

We are excited to optimize your continued support and connection via this virtual space! Not sure how to login and use Slack? No problem! Click here for full instructions.

*Please note that by joining our member Slack, you are agreeing to our respectful ground rules, pinned in the #general channel.
 

oSTEM Community Relief Emergency Fund

 
This fund exists to help impacted individuals with any urgent financial needs due to housing insecurity and limited resources during this public health crisis. 

Given this acute and immediate need, we are canceling our Leadership Development Program and reallocating funds to provide a level of financial relief for our members who are most impacted.
 
These funds are made possible by the generosity of our community. If you'd like to contribute to this fund, you may make a tax-deductible donation. oSTEM Incorporated is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Tax-ID/EIN: 27-1204776. 
 
If you need funds and have any questions about this funding application, please contact emergency-funding@ostem.org
Thrive Lifeline
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis and need to chat with a qualified LGBTQIA+ crisis responder, our partners at THRIVE Lifeline are here for you.
 
THRIVE Lifeline’s text based crisis hotline brings together experienced suicide interveners partner with oSTEM to help keep you safe during times of acute mental health crises. If you are not in an acute crisis, but are dealing with stress as you navigate identity, orientation, or barriers to academic and professional entry, THRIVE can help! Together, we are here to support your whole-self and we’re happy to help you during these troubling times.
 
Contact Information:
 
Text 'oSTEM' to +1 (313) 662-8209 anytime, from anywhere
 
Available 24/7/365, Must be 18 years or older
 
If you’re unable to get in contact with THRIVE, please utilize other community crisis resources here:
Community Crisis Support

Additional Resources

Our teams have been working to compile as many resources as possible to support our members. These resources include general health information specifically for LGBTQIA+ people during this time and various mutual aid in different regions.

Virtual Gathering Calendar

We know that it is difficult being away from people during this time. oSTEM staff are hosting a variety of virtual gatherings, from affinity groups and mental health support, to study halls, game, meal, and dance nights--we are here for you! Our Virtual Gathering Calendar is at the bottom of this page. Click on the various events for a full description and to sign up.

How does this work?

  1. Join the virtual room via the url in the calendar at the scheduled time
  2. Mute yourself upon entering the room, please
  3. We would love for you to have your camera on. If you don't feel comfortable, that's absolutely okay!
  4. If there is a chat feature, please introduce yourself with your:
    1. Name
    2. Pronouns
    3. oSTEM affiliation
    4. How are you doing?
  5. In the chat, please feel free to ask any questions / share personal stories (if applicable). If the meeting is a more informal discussion, please feel free to join the conversation by unmuting your mic! Unsure? Ask the facilitator!

Want to suggest an oSTEM Virtual Gathering?

Want to host an Informal Virtual Hangout?

Please share out the details in #virtual_hangouts, over at oSTEM Squad Slack!

Other Inquiries

If you have any general questions or concerns relating to the oSTEM COVID-19 Direct Response, please email directresponse@ostem.org. Please see above for all inquiries about funding.