CENTRAL COAST CAMFT STATEMENT ON RACIAL JUSTICE
To our CCC-CAMFT Community,
Our code of ethics outlines the obligation of all MFTs to be non-discriminatory and to understand/not perpetuate historical and social prejudice. We choose to take this one step further and advocate for an anti-racist position.
First things first: We emphatically affirm that Black Lives Matter. The recent incidents of racial violence are not isolated events, but rather part of a pervasive, historical pattern of interpersonal, institutional, and structural racism. As a profession, we stand in solidarity against the oppression that our Black community faces daily.
We decry the trauma and detrimental impact of racism on the health and well-being of people of color. With appreciation and respect for our human diversity, we advocate for a world in which none of us are made to carry the daily burden of racism and injustice.
We concur with CAMFT’s official statement (see link here to read in full Press Releases | California Therapists Disavow Racial Injustice), including the need to “take needed measures to decrease the implicit and explicit bias present in our government systems.” In addition, we believe it is crucial for all of us as MFTs to explore our own individual, unconscious biases and privilege, particularly as we address racial trauma with our clients.
Best practice calls on all of us to be culturally competent and culturally responsive, as well as trauma-informed in our work with clients. As we digest all that is happening in our world, our country, and our immediate community, your board is working to develop concrete steps to address racism and the associated mental health consequences.
To that end, we will be:
In addition, we will be including a focus on social justice in our monthly board meetings. We invite those interested to join us as we engage in activism and explore ways to promote diversity and inclusion in our profession and community at large.
A common thread in anti-racism work is the importance of taking the lead from, listening to, and uplifting the voices of people of color. As a board, we commit to doing this and acknowledge we do not have all the answers. We dedicate ourselves to the ongoing process of listening and learning. To all our members and therapists in the community, we invite you to share your experiences, perspectives, and ideas with our board. Our voices and actions are the most powerful, and make the most impact, when they are raised together.
In solidarity,
Your CCC-CAMFT Board
RACIAL JUSTICE LINKS whiteaway.org Waking ourselves for the benefit of all. https://cultureally.org/ Socially Conscious Training for Mental Health Professionals |
OUR MISSION To strengthen the Marriage & Family therapy profession & better serve our Central Coast community.
© Central Coast CAMFT 2016
Central Coast Chapter of CAMFT is a 501(c)6 non-profit organization. P.O. Box 12723, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406
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