“If you have come to help me, you are wasting your time. If you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”—Lila Watson
Saybrook University counseling department compiled a collection
of resources, to which we have contributed, focused on both understanding the
systems of racism and oppression and frameworks for social action that we wish
to share with you. We know these are not complete, but hope they are a
beginning point for the ongoing process of dismantling systems of oppression
and racism.
o Hemmings,
C. and Evans, A. M. (2018). Identifying and Treating Race-Based Trauma in
Counseling. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and
Development, 46, 20-39.
o French,
B. H., Jioni, A. L., Mosley, D. V., Adames, H. Y., Chanvez- Dueñas, N. Y.,
Chen, G. A., and Neville, H. A. (2020). Toward a Psychological Framework of
Radical Healing in Communities of Color. The Counseling Psychologist, 48 (1), 14-46.
o The
S-Quad model is helpful in conceptualizing and breaking down the where, how,
and with who of social justice engagement:
§ Strength includes reflecting on
your strengths and assets including knowledge, skills, and experiences as well
as social capital and resources. What do you already do well? What do you
enjoy doing? What resources do you have or can access? Ask, “what do you have
to offer?”
§ Solidarity is about engaging in
with cultural humility and in culturally responsive ways. How are you
building and investing energy in relationships with those most affected? Who’s
experience is being centered? Ask, “with whom?”
§ Strategy requires defining and
understanding the focus of one’s social action. Consider the different levels
of intervention, individual, organizational or
§ Ask, “how can I do this”, or
“what will I (we) do?”
§ Sustainability refers both to
the sustainability of the strategy as well as your personal investment. For
this pillar, work in a relationship is crucial in fostering community and
resilience. Consider what self-care and community-care actions you need to
engage in to maintain your physical, emotional, spiritual, relationship health.
o Toporek,
R, L. (2018). Strength, Solidarity, Strategy and Sustainability: A Counseling
Psychologist’s Guide to Social Action. The European Journal of Counselling
Psychology, 7(1), 90–110.
doi:10.5964/ejcop.v7i1.153
Please
remember that the University Counseling Services and
the Religious Diversity and Pastoral
Care offices at DePaul are here to assist you.
