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Message from the Co-Chairs

Jan Ivery and Rachel West, Interim Co-Chairs | Published on 6/3/2020

Message from the Co-Chairs

 

As we approach the halfway point of 2020, most of us would probably agree that this has been a challenging year so far. Our world has been forever changed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the increased frustration and anger that continues to build with every report of police brutality and racial injustice that we see repeated throughout the news cycle. It can be overwhelming, but it can also be the catalyst for community mobilization for social change and advocacy. In our diverse roles as macro social workers, we can use our skills and expertise to lead these efforts. ACOSA is a membership organization. The diversity among our members is a strength, but In order for us to be more effective and inclusive in how we work with our members and our partners, we need to critically examine how our commitment to inclusion and equity is reflected not only in our mission but how we operate.   

 

Part of ACOSA’s ongoing commitment to inclusive communities and leadership, the LEAD (Leadership, Equity, Accountability, and Diversity) Initiative ad hoc committee was approved at the December 2019 board meeting. This workgroup is charged with reviewing historical and current functions of ACOSA around diversity, convening conversations within and beyond ACOSA about ways to expand our "table" to engage and support a broader range of community practice leadership. This group has recently started to meet and develop an initial work plan so keep an eye for more information about LEAD and ways you can become involved.

 

In addition to what we are doing at ACOSA, we want to hear from you about what is going on in your communities to address social injustice and inequality - either in response to current events or on-going efforts. Please share the important work in your communities with us so we can include on our website, e-Blast, blog, etc. to not only support your efforts but to also be a source of information for people who may be looking for opportunities to become involved.

 

We will get through this - let’s continue to work together to make this world a better place.  

 

Best,

Jan Ivery and Rachel West, Interim Co-Chairs

 

 

Voices from the Field

 

We want to share the statements from colleagues in the field. This week we are highlighting statements that have been developed by Dr. Lakeya Cherry and Dean Detlaff. 

 

Social Workers: Allies for Justice?

 

"Ahmaud Arbery. Breonna Taylor. George Floyd. Let’s lead together to build a race equity culture in our sector and society. The future of our clients of color depends on it. The future of our colleagues of color depends on it. Our collective future depends on it." --Lakeya Cherry, DSW, MSSW

 

Please read Dr. Cherry's complete post in The New Social Worker Magazine.


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A Call to Social Workers to Act Against Racism and White Supremacy Now

 

Dr. Dettlaff calls for social workers to act against racism and White supremacy now.

 

"This is not only our professional responsibility; it is our moral responsibility." Read more about his call to translate our professional and moral responsibility into action against racism and White supremacy.