Leadership: Public Statements
I’ve been in several spaces recently where public statements have been a point of discussion; more importantly, a topic of inner tension. As I begin this Presidency, I am thinking about how to transform my positionality into a significant, positive impact. Public statements are a voice of leadership. Lately, I’ve been asking myself what I should do with my voice.
Are public statements helpful?
Yes, I hope. Public statements help us express our awareness of what is happening in the world around us and highlight the inequitable impact that specific events carry. The statements provide us with the opportunity to stand against identity-based hatred and violence. They call attention to ongoing issues that need to be addressed Most importantly, they shine a light on solidarity. The statements are an opportunity to see and be seen. However, I worry that too many, or repeated calls of attention to one issue, may lose their impact over time.
Are public statements harmful?
Yes, sometimes. When issuing a public statement, the statement alone shouldn’t make us feel like we have resolved an issue because there is so much more yet to do. When we issue a statement about one issue or group, we may miss another, thereby reinforcing feelings of being unseen. When we center our perspective from an outsider’s point of view, we lose the voice of those who should be most heard. The public statement (in itself) should not be our ‘pat on the back’.
So, what should I do?
Despite the risks of getting it "wrong", I want to use my platform to promote solidarity. I feel compelled to recognize the work that needs to be done to address police brutality and other forms of systemic oppression that led to the murder of Tyre Nichols. I want to recognize the unacceptability of ongoing anti-Asian hate and rhetoric, recently amplified by mass shootings in predominantly Asian communities. We need to say something about ongoing efforts to dismantle the rights of LGBTQ+ folx, a context compounding fear in the wake of the Club Q shooting. We need to rally against the rise in anti-Semitism, (including events that, unfortunately, were enacted on my own campus in recent weeks). There is so much more to acknowledge. The bottom line is this: that we, as Division 49, need to stand in solidarity against all forms of identity-based hate and violence. I’m using my voice to say it with confidence that you’ll join with me. It begins with all of us.
From Saying it to Doing it - Division Highlights
The division met for our midwinter meeting at the end of January 2023. The highlights of the meeting (for me) were the various ways we tackled issues of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belongingness. I am so appreciative of the work our DEIB committee has done, particularly under the leadership of Eric Chen. DEIB work is the responsibility of the entire division. There are several moments of progress from the meeting that are worth highlighting:
- We continued to fully fund and advance The Institute which raises attention to the cultural, social, and political contexts that are a part of group psychology and group psychotherapy. Many thanks to Shala Cole and the Membership Committee for leading this noteworthy initiative.
- With an aim toward increasing equity, and decreasing reliance on pro bono work, we increased funding for Continuing Education in hopes that competitive pay will communicate our that we value our presenters.
- We looked inward and began some difficult conversations related to decolonizing our own ways of working.
We recognize that we still have a long way to go before we reach our overarching goals. Soon, there will be a call for candidates for our open slates. I hope you will consider participating in leadership, particularly if your voice has been missing. We need your voice to continue this process.