Dear Members,
It’s hard to know how to continue to write statements like this without diluting the problems or the message. But, as you know, communities across our state continue to suffer and to struggle.
Here is the simple truth: We know who we are. We know what we value. The social work code of ethics makes that very clear.
We stand with our Black, Brown, and immigrant brothers and sisters who are living in fear and being targeted because of their skin color or last name. We insist upon due process for all, including those who have histories of crime. We demand accountability from governmental organizations.
We encourage you to do what you can to make an impact.
As a friend told me this weekend, this is neither a sprint nor a marathon; this is a relay. When one of us tires and needs to step back, another steps in and does the next leg of the journey. For some, that may be macro practice of engaging with legislators or large community groups. For others, a mezzo practice of organizing support for immediate neighbors. And others’ role may be supporting clients at the micro level and doing the work we do every day. Every leg of the journey matters, and the race cannot be won without all of us. Here is a list of resources that you may wish to engage with as we push forward: https://www.standwithminnesota.com
Be well, my colleagues. Thank you for all of the life energy that you put into the world.
Monica L. Sowden, LICSW
President
Minnesota Society for Clinical Social Work
