Richard Yep, CEO of ACA
2020 will be a memorable year from many perspectives. With the global COVID-19 pandemic, we've messed up to get this terrible disease under control. the struggle for understanding and the balance between personal rights and prevention efforts for the benefit of all; the reopening, pause and closure of businesses and lives as we once knew them; and now the race for a vaccine.
In the middle of the pandemic, we found that there is no vaccine against racism. We have witnessed large-scale protests against police brutality against black Americans and heard growing calls for the elimination of racism in the United States. This has become a central issue across the country and in many parts of the world.
The American Counseling Association issued a statement on May 18 after the death of Ahmaud Arbery, but before the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. In our first statement, we recognized the traumatic effects of racially motivated violence and implicit bias, which are characterized by excessive violence and negligence. ACA is in solidarity with the advisors who serve and support those who are directly and indirectly affected by cases of violent or negligent police work. It also urged ACA members and all advisors to take professional action – such as clinical practice, public relations, research, advocacy, and education – to support the well-being of individuals and communities who are exposed to violent or negligent policing.
However, after George Floyd's murder, the ACA government council recognized that he had to do much more. A special writing group was put together, composed of experts and experts, to formulate the words that the association would use to guide what it would (and will) do in the future. The work of the writing group was published on June 22 after discussion and unanimous approval by the ACA government council.
During the meeting at which the anti-racism declaration was adopted, the Governing Council also committed to drawing up an action plan because, although words are important, changes do not take place without action. The ACA Anti-Racism Action Plan Task Force has been meeting every week since late June to discuss, discuss and reach consensus on the measures ACA will take in the coming weeks, months and years. The plan, which takes shape, looks to society outside, but also internally to ACA as an organization and to the institutions that determine the preparation, accreditation, certification and licensing of the consulting profession.
Some will say, "What did you take so long?" I understand this question because in our society and even at work there has been institutionalized racism and discrimination for many years. As one who appreciates optimism, my answer is, whatever had to happen has happened. This is our moment to correct the injustice and to find a way that leads to a more open, receptive, welcoming and respectful society. It is reasonable to think about why things didn't happen earlier, but my point is that we need as much energy, commitment and involvement as we can now muster to take on the role we have in freeing both the consulting profession and also play the consulting profession to fully recognize our society of racism, discrimination and harm to people.
As your CEO, I have fewer years ahead of me than behind me. However, my commitment to our membership, leadership and staff is that we continue to investigate, research, discuss and develop measures that meet the intent of what our Governing Council has included in its anti-racism statement.
As banal as it may sound, we are at a crossroads. We can look back and ask what has taken so long, or we can look ahead and stand up again for a fairer, more open and less racially discriminatory society. ACA wants to be your partner in this endeavor. We want you, we need you and we will not be successful without you. I am interested in using the power of our over 53,000 members to make real systemic changes. Are you in?
As always, I look forward to your comments, questions and thoughts. Call me at 800-347-6647. 231 or email me at [email protected]. You can also follow me on Twitter: @Richyep.
Be healthy.
