So, in the novel I'm writing, which takes place from the beginning of the pandemic into the summer, I was contemplating whether to fictionally have another president in office and present response to the pandemic in the way it could have happened. But, think I've decided to concentrate on how my characters respond in the world as it really was.
However, here is a dream I wish could happen now, to empower and inspire kids and adults, and to let people know that although it is a tough and challenging time, we can all work together.
First, I would put Chasten Buttigieg and Dr. Jill Biden in charge of a program called Dream Big. They would work with Chief of Staff Ron Klain. Klain was the "Ebola Czar" during the Obama Administratioin and could guide what kind of messaging about the pandemic needs to be out there. Dr. Biden is an educator herself, as is Buttigieg.
Each Sunday night (because of the Sunday-night blues), President Biden would do a short TV/Facebook Live/Youtube, Instagram Live talk. However it can be available to people. Following his segment — which would include update on pandemic and info on what to do — would be a poem, read by someone famous or by the author. That would be followed by a segment of a song, musical performance or dance. The total time would be a half-hour. This time could be a way of reassuring and uplifting the American people.
In conjunction with that effort would be a program called "Joe's 'I Can Do It' Crew." Joe is not only the president, but the friendly, kind, responsible adult in charge. "I can do it" is a reference back to the cooperation and dedication shown by the American people to support the effort in World War II. "Crew" is a friendly and approachable way to invite kids in to be part of it.
This could include:
— PSAs by celebrities about behaving safely during the pandemic. "We are all in this together and here's what you can do!" DOLLY PARTON should be asked to lead this and include celebrities from Nashville and Hollywood. I can just picture Dolly saying “Y’all stay safe till we can get you that vaccine!”
— Short videos about Civics. I thought of Zach Braff and Donald Faison. Informal, friendly, but serious info.
— Videos which could be available on TV, Youtube, a dedicated Web page, Instagram etc. to supplement educational material kids are getting via Zoom:
a. Danica McKellar, former star of The Wonder Years, talking about math for kids, followed by a segment of a person talking about how they use math in their career. (She's written a couple of books for kids about math being fun.)
b. Keep Fit Club, where kids could use an app to record their fitness efforts and see videos of famous athletes talking about how they got started and what they do to keep in shape.
c. Favorite Book from My Childhood videos, with people talking about a book that meant a lot to them. A website where kids could comment about their favorite books.
d. My Hero videos, with people talking about someone they admire. A website could allow kids to post videos or comments about heroes in their lives.
e. Videos of How to Cook for Kids, encouraging them to be responsible participants in family life. Website could include pix and messages, weekly recipes, nutrition info.
f. Videos of famous musicians or actors or singers, telling how they got their start.
g. Scavenger hunt in your neighborhood: Who can find a sycamore tree? A squirrel's nest? On your street, how many bird-feeders can you spot? What kind of birds do you see in your neighborhood at this time of year? Perhaps Birdwatcher's Digest, where my friend Dawn Hewitt is the editor, could help with that.
h. What does a XXXXXX do? A firefighter, a nurse, a teacher, a political activist, an astronaut, a physics professor, a reporter, a physical therapist and on and on. Learn about what's out there and how to start to prepare.
i. Volunteering is the Best! Videos from Teach for America, Americorps, the Peace Corps to local volunteers with Community Kitchen etc. about what they're doing and how they got there.
j. Climate change. Perhaps in conjunction with Our Daily Planet? Messages for kids about what they can do, interviews with scientists, info segments about what is happening.
A dedicated Youtube channel could have this all archived. I think what our children, our whole society, needs now is inspiration and empowerment on achieving dreams. Lack of education and inspiration and hope has contributed to so many people's anger and cynicism.
A coherent, expansive message of hope and empowerment and inspiration is what we need, and this administration can get it out there.
