we live in a rapidly changing world — and perhaps that’s never felt more true than in the midst of a global pandemic. COVID-19 has taken thousands of lives, separated families, shuttered businesses, eliminated jobs, and cast a cloud of uncertainty over the future.
In the midst of this dark time, our world needs more changemakers.
In cities around the world, residents are organizing teams to help neighbors who can’t access groceries or transportation. Companies are restructuring on the fly and adapting to fill current needs. People are using technology to come together in new ways. Ashoka Fellows in 90+ countries are responding to the crisis — all while imagining the post-pandemic world.
In this unprecedented moment, we’re experiencing the power of the changemaking movement. Here’s how we’re seeing changemakers jump into action in the age of COVID-19.
Building life-saving equipment through open-source innovation in Spain
Over 10,000 makers in Spain’s do-it-yourself (DIY) community are connecting online at Coronavirus Makers to build masks, respirators, and cabins for hospitals. They’re experimenting, prototyping, and printing designs on 3-D printers from their living rooms and basements. Open-source innovators David Cuartielles and César García curated the Coronavirus Makers Forum to coordinate these efforts.