Now, more than at any time in our history, we will be judged by our capacity for compassion.

When this is over, and it will eventually be over, we want to remember the many acts of kindness done by us and for us. We want to remember how we first thought of the needs of others and acted with decency. In the face of this generation-defining moment we want to stand together while heeding the social-distancing rules. This collective crisis helps us see how our fates are linked. It helps us to reconsider who we are as a community and what we value, and, in the long run, we may rediscover a better version of ourselves.

Tune in tonight at 6:30 for a Facebook Live Virtual Dance Party on World Down Syndrome Day, courtesy of STAR's good friend Joe Agostino. Joe is picking his favorite mix of "Happy" songs that are perfect for all ages. Go to DJ Joe's Facebook Page @DJJOEGETDOWN to sign up. “Hi, I'm Joey Agostino from Norwalk CT. I'm a DJ! I was born with Down Syndrome. My passion is music. I bring my love of music, dance and fun to every event!” 

Broadway diva Laura Benanti invites performers from high school musicals who are not going to put on those shows to send their performances to her. She’ll be watching; Lin-Manuel Miranda joins the campaign and promises to watch as well.

1,000 retired medical workers in NY volunteer to fight coronavirus.

Donors Choose is helping teachers and students brave this unprecedented situation. 

Minnesota and Vermont have now officially designated another group of workers as emergency personnel: grocery clerks. This means the workers hurrying to stock shelves and check out customers in those states will also receive free child care.

As customers self-isolate, independent bookshops are set to take a hit – but many are offering storytime streams, discounts and even phone calls for the lonely.

Nonprofits Launch Programs to Support Restaurant Workers as Coronavirus Decimates Industry.

If you were unaware of the movement called Playing For Change, this post is a gift. Created to inspire and connect the world through music, the initiative was was born years ago from the shared belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people. Their focus is to record and film musicians performing in their natural environments and combine their talents and cultural power in innovative videos called Songs Around The World.

Perhaps we can use our time with our devices to rethink the kinds of community we can create through them.

In the earliest days of our coronavirus social distancing we have seen inspirational first examples, such as cello master Yo-Yo Ma posts a daily live concert of a song that sustains him.

This is a different life on the screen from disappearing into a video game or polishing one’s avatar. This is breaking open a medium with human generosity and empathy. This is looking within and asking: “What can I authentically offer? I have a life, a history. What do people need?”

If, moving forward, we apply our most human instincts to our devices, that will have been a powerful COVID-19 legacy. Not only alone together, but by showing compassion we stand together.

As people are finding new ways to connect and support each other in adversity, we are heartened to witness the ascendance of human goodness—altruism, compassion and generosity of spirit and action.