August 21, 2020 Chapter Meeting

 & Professional Education Webinar

Information & Registration Now Open!

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Diversity Message

“What, to us, is the Fourth of July when our freedoms are provisional and subject to alteration? What does the Fourth of July actually stand for?”

“Frederick Douglass gave his seminal “What To The Slave Is Fourth of July” speech in 1852 at Corinthian Hall in New York, addressing the Rochester Ladies' Anti-Slavery Society decrying the Fourth of July jubilation. What, to us, is the Fourth of July when our freedoms are consistently infringed upon by a government meant to uphold those very freedoms? What, to us, is the Fourth of July when our freedoms are provisional and subject to alteration? What does the Fourth of July actually stand for? Does it mean something? Or is it an empty promise?
 
“The rich inheritance of justice, liberty, prosperity and independence, bequeathed by your fathers, is shared by you, not by me,” Douglass said in his speech. “...This Fourth of July is yours, not mine.” His assertions are ones we must meditate on when the time comes to pull out the fireworks and light up the grill, when it’s time to head down to the Esplanade to watch the lights explode over the Charles River.”

Arielle Gray is the Arts Engagement Producer for The ARTery, WBUR’s arts and culture team. She manages the ARTery's social media, events and curated content.

https://www.wbur.org/artery/2019/07/03/black-american-fourth-of-july

Independence Days Including Hispanic Calendar Events
Independence days – or events leading to the formation of nations – are always important dates to celebrate. For Canadians, July 1 is a public holiday when workplaces close in recognition of the confederation of upper and lower Canada into the Dominion of Canada in 1867. In the United States, July 4th marks the day in 1776 when the 13 British colonies declared independence from Great Britain. It’s a public holiday throughout the United States and most businesses are closed. In France, Bastille Day on July 14th is comparable to the U.S. Independence Day. It commemorates the fall of the Bastille prison, marking the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789, which led to the end of monarchical rule and the creation of a French Republic. For Hispanic calendar events, July marks the great independence movement in the early 19th Century that swept through the Spanish colonies in South America. This led to the creation of new nation states such as Argentina, Peru and Venezuela.

Other Important Days in July
 
Americans with Disabilities Act
Some 19% – or nearly 1 in 5 – of Americans has a disability, according to the US Census Bureau. New innovations in assisted technology – and the shift to a knowledge economy – have resulted in a great potential labor market of people with disabilities. The recognition of the workplace value of people with disabilities has led to increased recruitment– and protections for them – in the workplace.
 
July 26th recognizes the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, which protects people with disabilities from discrimination in the areas of employment, transportation, and public accommodation. This July diversity event is an excellent occasion to celebrate your staff members with disabilities.

• When was the last time you discriminated against someone?
• When was the last time you felt discriminated?
• Moving forward, in what way can you hold yourself and others accountable for discrimination?

With all that is going on in the world it is important to keep an open mind and grow every single day. Let’s think of July not as disabilities month but abilities month because we have the ability to learn and grow.
 
In thinking about Diversity as a new member of the social work community, I feel it is important to look at new perspectives and new ways of learning that can help our clients as well as us achieve the best results.

Ryan Atherton, BSW Intern


Thanks to Ryan Atherton and Tatyana Fertelmeyster for bringing us this timely message!   

NIEAPA Resource Directory 

The Resource Directory is a central source of services that fall under the EAP umbrella and is a great tool for all.  We encourage you to use and share with your colleagues.

Behavioral Health Program Information

Please use the above link if you are looking for up to date information on treatment centers' recent changes, additions or reduction of services. The link also provides contact information for each center's outreach professional. 

This list has been provided by the Chicagoland Professional Liaison Association, which is an organization for outreach professionals in the behavioral health field working in the Greater Chicagoland area. We thank the group for sharing this information with their NIEAPA colleagues.

NIEAPA's 2020 ANNUAL CONFERENCE HAS BEEN CANCELLED

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and much deliberation, it is with great sadness that to inform you that we've cancelled this year's conference.  We are working diligently on creating and sharing additional programming for our stakeholders to earn CEU's and network with each other. Please contact Kim Branch or Tricia Fusilero if you have any questions, need additional information or want to be added to our email list. NIEAPA@corpevent.com