MSCSW Members,
This position was worked on by board members and approved by the board at the January 28th meeting. You will soon be invited to a Zoom meeting to discuss your feelings about the current state of our union, as well as to share thoughts on supporting our clients during this time. Please view the statement below.
– MSCSW Board
MSCSW Statement: Self-Determination and Protection of our World Citizens
As citizens of a diverse world, we feel called on to protect, – not only our immediate surroundings but, additionally, the citizens of our world community. We stand opposed to:
* The elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles by our government;
* Withdrawal from the World Health Organization;
* Refusal to support the medical and emotional needs of trans and non-binary individuals; and
* The potential financial and health care limitations being discussed by some leaders.
* The inhumane treatment of immigrant populations in our country.
The rapid pace of executive orders by our government is creating its intended chaos and confusion. We will continue the difficult task to process and work toward solutions for ourselves and others.
We witness, value and work to uphold the richness, uniqueness and diversity of our world. As social workers, we work toward the benefit of our clients and welcome a world where everyone can thrive in a safe and welcome space. The actions of our government leaders is a disturbing incursion to the very principles that undergird our professional values and ethics.
We recognize that racism, discrimination, and structural inequities constrain and deny the necessary components of well-being and health of our local and worldwide citizens.
We as social workers stand committed to addressing these disparities by supporting policies and practices that dismantle systematic barriers and foster environments where all individuals can thrive.
We work toward change where all individuals can thrive. Social workers advocate for policies that promote equity and justice. We challenge misinformation and discriminatory practices that undermine the well-being of marginalized communities. We foster understanding, healing and systemic change for all our world’s beings.
Our Code of Ethics asks us to be mindful of our responsibility to our community. It guides us to recognize violations of accepted societal, ethical, legal and moral standards. This foundational document and requires us to avoid condoning, facilitating or collaborating with any forms of discrimination.
Social workers respect the dignity, protect the welfare, and maximize the self-determination of all with who they work. We will use our voices and our agency to impact not only – the rhetoric and policy of our current leaders, but the everyday lives of our clients and communities.
