During an online meeting of its steering team held earlier this week, “Ada Parents for Reason and Common Sense” decided to change its name to “Ada SAFE 2020.”

This decision was made to reflect the broadening base of support for the movement to encourage responsible mask use when schools open in the fall, and to create a more cohesive and unifying message for the group.

“Our group has always been open to all community members, not just parents,” said David MacDonald, who is the convener of the group, “and this name change reflects the fact that we are not just parents, but grandparents, business owners, educators, professionals, and students who are concerned for the health and safety of all students and staff in Ada schools.”

The “SAFE” in the new name stands for “Schools Are For Everyone,” and reflects the group’s vision that the safety of students and staff in the schools will have a direct impact on the safety of everyone in the community, including those who do not currently have children in school. 

Over the coming weeks, Ada SAFE 2020 will be hosting a series of AMA (Ask Me Anything)-style sessions with experts in public health, which will address questions community members may have about masks and other safety measures.

Questions from the community may be sent to Ada SAFE 2020 via their Facebook Page, Twitter (@AdaSafe2020), or via email: [email protected].

Posts tagged #AdaSafe2020 will also be monitored for potential questions for the panel of experts. 

In addition, Ada SAFE 2020 will be publishing an online research guide soon to help community members in finding reputable sources for information about the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, and effective safety measures in the midst of the ongoing pandemic.

“We need to remember that the pandemic is by no means over,” said MacDonald, “and we want to arm the public with information that will help keep them safe over the long haul.”

The group also seeks to help members of the community better understand how to evaluate the information they are receiving online, so that they can make informed decisions going forward. 

Ada SAFE 2020 purpose
The purpose of Ada SAFE 2020 is to organize community members who wish to see our local schools adhere to medically and scientifically sound advice and guidelines when our schools open again in the fall.