GLGPS Commitment to Racial Equity and Justice
The Great Lakes Group Psychotherapy Society unequivocally stands in support of Black Lives Matter and other groups working against racism in all its forms. Because we value the dignity, importance and safety of the lives of Black people, we are horrified by the recent blatant murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and so many others that have brought to light, the undeniable danger white power and systemic racism poses to Black people, Indigenous and other People of Color (BIPOC), Asian-Americans/Pacific Islanders (AAPI) and other marginalized groups in this country.
We answer the call to become allies and make our voices available to amplify the cries of those who have been directly or indirectly impacted by the longstanding and recent violence and fatal attacks on Black individuals and communities. GLGPS extends our support by committing to take active steps toward antiracism by personally examining our white privilege and the ways it serves to isolate, ostracize, silence, harm, oppress and devalue People of Color.
We will continue our efforts to become an organization that feels welcoming and safe for those who have been marginalized in a racist culture. We strive to provide a venue where difficult and critical issues around racism, power and privilege can be addressed openly.
With the support and encouragement of our African American colleague and board member, GLGPS has initiated a process of ongoing antiracism training for the white members of our leadership. We believe that the more we understand about how we contribute to the problem of systemic oppression of BIPOC, the more effective our efforts will be in combating racism in all its forms.
In addition, GLGPS plans to offer antiracist training to our membership and develop programming that aligns with our efforts to promote antiracism and acknowledges the limits inherent in our privileged position in a white dominant society.
Our hearts and ears are open. What we feel and hear drives us to do better, now and in the future, to promote equity for People of Color in our community.