Regardless of our individual political affiliations, we have all had strong reactions to the recent election, which has revealed deep divisions in our country.  The election results and aftermath have also exposed the continued oppression and marginalization of people based on race, religion, gender, sexuality, nationality, ability, class, and more. 

The goals of clinical social work and social justice work have always been and continue to be of utmost urgency and import.  This is the time to come together to uphold the values in which we believe and to model these values for our clients, our communities, and our country.  Social workers have always believed in supporting those who have suffered because they identify as part of historically oppressed populations.  Now, more than ever, we must stand up for those of us who identify as Black, Latino/a/x, Muslim, Jewish, LGBTQ, female, immigrant, disabled, or as a member of any other oppressed group.  We must celebrate our diversity because that is what makes our country great.  Bigotry is not a political issue; it is a human rights issue that we cannot tolerate.

I am sincerely grateful to you for committing to being the extraordinary social workers I am proud to call members of this organization.  Together, we must fight for justice for all.  The Board and District Coordinators are considering ways to support you, and we encourage you to send us your ideas for programs that promote social justice in its myriad forms.  In light of some new challenges and some long recognized, we want to help you mobilize yourselves and CSCSW to take effective, compassionate action that will benefit our clients, each other, our communities, our country, and our world.

May we move forward together in peace, healing, and action.

Sincerely,

Leah Reider, LCSW
CSCSW President