YOU ARE NOT ALONE. This is what we call the citizen chat that we are promoting from HAY PROYECTO EN TÍAS (HPET). It arises from the need shown to us by citizens to "help" and "help each other", despite the physical barriers (we must insist on staying at home) that we have, a relevant consequence of this severe crisis.
We wanted to give support especially to those people who are alone and/or who do not have consistent support networks, accompany them and make the wait and the "imposed routine of being at home" easier. For this, we were clear that we could not use a complex tool (new technologies give you today wide possibilities in online interaction), since many members of the chat do not have the necessary knowledge or technological means. In addition, the essence of this "personal company" project is based on simplicity, and the mobile phone (specifically WhatsApp) gave us that primary coverage, giving it a handmade character.
Currently, the chat is made up of 60 people (we are more every day). In a few days we have already agreed and developed a varied and flexible program (in constant evolution) of activities (from Monday to Friday, from 09.00 to 21.30 hours) in which professionals from different fields collaborate (social, health, educational, psychological, environmental, artistic expressions?). We have tried to give substance to the tool, that it is not limited to ironic content or personal relief. We offer a hand to reflection, entertainment, literature, concern for the care of the environment, civism and solidarity, music, to know what is happening in the world, etc.
It IS forbidden to talk about politics and politicians (to safeguard everyone's health); no negative or apocalyptic messages are issued (life will continue and we will overcome this setback); there is room for humor (essence of life), but for a healthy and intelligent humor (that makes us think about this experience and draw a valid existential reading to be better).
We don't know if we will be able to make ourselves understood. Sometimes the simplicity and purity (help) of things is tarnished by bitter second readings. It is about helping, feeling part of a group, knowing that you have other people, being listened to or just listening, giving value to the collective.
We do not intend to interfere in the commendable work that administrations and various services are doing (we thank them for their efforts and the network of help they are drawing).
Let's be a bridge between citizens and the public. We want to unite, not divide. The only interest, solidarity. We are a complement. Citizens must take the initiative, serve as support to those who manage and decide. WE WILL NOT STOP IN THE EFFORT.
Agustín Enrique García Acosta
President of HPET
