Beloved Community of Isla Vista Launches COVID-19 Campaign

(Isla Vista, Calif.) — The Beloved Community of Isla Vista* has launched a COVID-19 messaging and public service announcement (PSA) campaign to provide helpful tips aimed at reducing the spread of the novel coronavirus among the Isla Vista and UCSB campus community. Large colorful signs are on display around Isla Vista sharing slogans like ‘Six Feet Apart But Together At Heart,’ ‘I’m Staying Home For Those Who Can’t,’ and ‘Community Is Not Cancelled.’ Signs are being placed outside area businesses with the words ‘Heroes Work Here’ to express appreciation for essential workers. 

“We wanted to remind everyone that staying healthy and slowing down the spread of the virus requires a true community effort. It’s up to each of us, individually, to take actions that will ensure the safety and wellbeing of our community” said UCSB’s Associated Students Vice President of Local Affairs, Yasamin Salari . “Wearing a mask, social distancing, and avoiding large gatherings can help to keep COVID-19 from spreading. Isla Vista is a densely compacted area and we need to remember that the start of summer is not the moment for us to go back on all the progress we have made over the past four months on containing and slowing down the spread of this virus.” The office of the EVPLA secured funding from the AS COVID-19 Response Task Force, and free masks are being distributed at the Pardall Center, Isla Vista Food Co-op and the Isla Vista Clinic to aid in this effort. 

As part of the Beloved Community COVID-19 campaign, a series of radio public service announcements (PSAs) is airing on KCSB 91.9 FM, the student-led community radio station at UC Santa Barbara. Using a variety of student and community voices to deliver upbeat inspirational messages in English, Spanish and Mandarin. Some of the radio spots are also being used in videos that can be shared on social media. 

Beloved Community of Isla Vista Launches COVID-19 Campaign

In addition, colorful stickers with campaign slogans are on order to be handed out at local businesses, in an effort to encourage physical distancing, embracing community solidarity and acknowledging that we are stronger together. People can also add a frame to their Facebook profile photo by searching for Beloved Community Isla Vista. 

“With COVID-19 cases on the rise in Isla Vista and across California, and data showing that higher numbers of younger people are testing positive while showing no symptoms, it’s important to keep up efforts to slow down the spread of the disease.” The Beloved Community group goes on to say, “Our Beloved Community COVID-19 campaign is a gentle reminder – that each of us needs to do our part to help keep each other healthy.” 

To see images, listen to public service announcements (PSAs) or find additional information on the Beloved Community of Isla Vista COVID-19 Messaging Campaign, go to www.facebook.com/ivbelovedcommunity, tune into KCSB 91.9, or visit www.kcsb.org/six-feet-apart-but-together-at-heart-the-beloved-community-of-isla-vista/. For high-resolution images please contact Rodney Gould, see contact info at top of page. 

*About The Beloved Community of Isla Vista 

The Beloved Community of Isla Vista (Beloved Community) is a community group that was formed in 2016 when members of UCSB Associated Students, Isla Vista community and campus leaders recognized there was a need to come together to heal on the second anniversary of the Isla Vista tragedy of May 23, 2014 when six students lost their lives. 

Beloved Community hosts annual events featuring community-led workshops, presentations, art exhibitions, critical conversations, community meals, and other forms of engagement that showcase the people, history, culture, and place-making in Isla Vista. 

Beloved Community is expanding its work by engaging in year-round efforts that broadly identify Isla Vista as a community that embodies the beloved community principles of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., centering conversations on equity, inclusion, activism and social justice. More information can be found at ourislavista.as.ucsb.edu.