Richard Yep, CEO of ACA
H ow many more? You can fill in the blank yourself. How many people will die at the hands (or knees) of law enforcement officers? How many more cases of coronavirus are registered in the US? How many other cities will be the scene of unrest and protests against an unjust system? How many more Americans will die or be disproportionately affected from COVID-19? How many people will face an uncertain economic future because of unemployment? How many children will be food unsafe tonight?
Before anyone thinks that this column either supports or criticizes the Democrats or Republicans, it is not. Rather, it is a call to professional counselors and counselor training students to continue their work to stand up for those whose services depend on you. It seems like every day we learn about another horrific incident that poses a challenge to social justice, caring and compassion for our fellow human beings. We all must do what we can to ensure that real systemic change can be achieved. In many cases, this starts with those not directly related to counseling, even though their actions affect the millions of the clients and students you serve. I am speaking of public order officials, especially those elected to represent our interests.
Those of us who have the right to vote must exercise that right in 2020. We need to do this now more than ever if we are to support real change in the social systems that have been built over hundreds of years – systems that have evolved into machines that oppress, denigrate, disenfranchise and marginalize.
I know that I have been blessed and immensely privileged with regard to my education, career, home, my well-stocked refrigerator, and my ability to go to sleep and feel safe and secure every night . Those of us in that position can no longer simply say, "This is really unfortunate for those who don't have what I do." I know so many of you are doing so much in your current jobs and internships. I know that you are caring, compassionate, and dedicated to helping clients and students face life's challenges.
And now I am here to ask you to do more. This doesn't mean you have to do everything, but maybe there is only one more thing you can do. This could include (or whatever you choose): donating $ 5 in items to your local food bank, donating an item to a local homeless shelter, or casting your vote in the upcoming election. I hope that's not asking too much of a group of people who are so incredibly committed to serving customers and communities. Just think of this one example: if each ACA member makes a donation of $ 5 to a local food bank, that equates to a food value of more than $ 250,000 – that's the equivalent of nearly 650,000 meals!
As Desmond Tutu once said: “Do your little bit of good where you are; It is these little bits of good that overwhelm the world. "Our society is at a crossroads where we must all stand up for what we believe to be fair. I hope you will join me in doing that certain thing in this time of great need. In fact, I would like to hear from you what you are doing because it is so uplifting to know that we are all in it together.
As always, I look forward to your comments, questions and thoughts. Call me at 800-347-6647. 231 or send me an email at [email protected]. You can also follow me on Twitter: @Richyep.
Be healthy.
