Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Resources to Discuss Race, Racism and Racialized Violence with Students



Dear Illinois School Counselors and Counselor Educators,


The Executive Board at ISCA will be hosting a Community Forum to Discuss Race and Racism THIS THURSDAY at 4pm. This forum is designed to offer a space for healing, as well as to provide guidance for school counselors across the state seeking to repair harm in our communities. This will be a learning space that encourages action and collaboration to support black students across the state.


This FREE webinar is for members only.

Thursday June 4, 2020 at 4pm

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://d214.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0lduygpj8tGNE25cRSR3IwvbbhcTcSUF-f ;


After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

If you have any questions in regard to this forum, please contact:

Kirsten Perry at presidentelect@ilschoolcounselor.org

TaRael Kee at presidentelectelect@ilschoolcounselor.org





Monday, June 1, 2020

Resources on Social Action and Understanding Systems of Racism and Oppression


“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- DueƱas, 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.