Sue Pressman, 69th President of ACA
For many people in the United States, August traditionally means a month of hot days swimming in pools in the neighborhood, cycling, going to the beach or lake, and participating in friendly outdoor gatherings. And as the month goes on, excitement usually grows with the thought of preparing to return to school. l.
But this August looks very different. Simply put, we are in the middle of what many call a double pandemic. We are confronted with the horrific wave of racism and trauma that has swept our country and the continuing sadness and fear associated with COVID-19.
Let me first mention the recent protests and the importance of raising awareness as a first step towards anti-racism. It is not my goal to rewarm all the horrific events related to the murders of many black men and women today and in our history. It is my intention to use the leadership platform entrusted to me to make a difference and inspire all of us to change something and create a better world for blacks, indigenous people and the colored (BIPOC).
Consultant, in many ways it is our time to step on the plate. If I have learned something from my colleagues and the events of the past year, I must not be afraid to speak up. Au contraire, silence and complacency are deadly.
How can we express ourselves? Here are five options:
Confirm that BIPOC requires changes.
embrace change by stimulating discussions about racial injustices.
Volunteers at your university, school, or work place to deliberately involve all faculties or staff in increasing, recruiting, and promoting marginalized and excluded staff in all positions.
Take a leadership role to begin the process of initiating change (this requires planning, accountability, and resource use).
Eliminate micro-aggression by expanding your knowledge through counseling and counseling programs, training, mentoring and group work.
Each of us is not only responsible for ourselves, but also for each other. What have you done? What are you going to do? How will you hold yourself and others accountable and measure your progress? Next year, when the time comes for me to pass the baton to our next ACA president, I'll let you know my progress.
Let us now turn to COVID-19. It has been over a century since the Spanish flu infected an estimated 500 million people (then a third of the world's population), resulting in at least 50 million deaths. Medicine has come so far since then, but not far enough. While we are waiting for the “vaccine” for COVID-19, consultants are being consulted in all areas: mental health, school, rehabilitation, career and employment. Children were pulled out of schools. Unemployment has been at its highest since the Great Depression. Individuals and families are concerned about the loss of relatives, jobs, and the way life was “before”. We mourn all over the world.
While facing and accepting these challenges, I've never been so proud to be a consultant. We have the necessary competencies as consultants and are now asked to help our customers, each other and our country in this double pandemic. I am humble and deeply grateful for the role we will play in this healing.
