Statement Regarding Current COVID-19 Situation in India
May 7th, 2021
KINGSTON, ON –Many of us have been saddened and shocked to see the worsening COVID-19 situation in India over the last several weeks. The AMS acknowledges that this situation has affected many of our South Asian students, staff, and faculty, and wishes to offer our support to all of whom have been impacted. A dedicated group of South Asian students at Queen’s has rallied to raise funds for current grassroots work in India, helping to finance several vital resources. We encourage you to join us in supporting this fundraiser and additional efforts towards COVID-19 relief for India.
Steps Forward:
- We are supporting South Asian students and the Queen’s International Students Working Group (ISWG) in fundraising for COVID-19 relief work in India. Further information and access to the fundraiser can be found here.
- Details of recipient organizations and similar fundraising efforts can be found by clicking here and here (respectively).
- The Queen’s University International Centre offers support through virtual drop-in advising sessions with their International Student Advisors. Details of which can be found here.
We know that action is necessary at this time, and we are committed to providing ongoing support and assistance for those in need.
Students in need of support can access the following resources:
Social Issues Commission of the AMS
Social Issues Commissioner – Samara Lijiam
PSC x CARED:
Peer-Based Support for BIPOC Students
Available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 2-4 pm
Access cross-cultural 1:1 and group counseling at Student Wellness Services. You can make an appointment by calling 613-533-2506.
Empower Me is a 24/7 phone service for crisis situations and scheduled sessions that allows students to connect with qualified counselors, consultants, and life coaches for a variety of issues. The password required to access the service is studentcare.
Good2Talk is a free confidential mental health helpline.
TALK is a confidential, anonymous, and non-judgemental volunteer-based support service.
Asian Mental Health Collective (International and Crisis Hotlines)
The Queen’s University International Centre (QUIC)
QUIC offers virtual drop-in advising sessions every Monday – Thursday 10:00 am – 11:00 am and 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
Queen’s South Asian Association (QSAA)
Queen’s Asian Students Association (QASA)
Association of Indian Graduate Students at Queen’s (AIGSA)
Please direct all media inquiries to Maddie Zarb, AMS Director of Communications, at
BACKGROUNDER
Alma Mater Society (AMS) – //www.myams.org
The central undergraduate student government at Queen’s University, the AMS represents over 19,000 students and is the oldest student government in Canada. There are over 1,000 student volunteers and 700 paid staff.