Dear CSSW Community,
This month will be a critical time for our country and our campus. Many of us have cast our ballots or will be doing so tomorrow on Election Day. As we await results in these divisive times, it is understandable that we may feel uncertainty, anxiety, or fear.
Let’s all keep in mind our social work values and ethics as we navigate the days ahead. By focusing on the importance of human relationships, we can hold space for disparate viewpoints and sentiments, and above all, treat each other with dignity and respect. And, should you like to seek out support, there are resources available. Links to resources for students, staff, and faculty are included below.
This month, we will also have the opportunity to observe Native American Heritage Month, Trans Day of Remembrance, and Prematurity Awareness Month.
And as we look ahead to these moments, I am also sharing a look back at a Black Maternal Health Month event that CSSW co-hosted with NYU McSilver Institute, Mayor’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, National Action Network, and the Greater New York Chapter of the Links, Incorporated. We heard from physicians, doulas, elected officials and other key stakeholders who are helping shape policy for the rights of birthing people. This event underscored that there is still significant work ahead to ensure that we are amplifying the voices of Black pregnant people and working towards a country in which every person who chooses to have children can do so knowing that they will be cared for equitably throughout their pregnancy. Please visit our blog at socialwork.columbia.edu to learn more.
As always, I am grateful for our students, faculty, and staff, whose efforts continually have a meaningful impact on our School and our surrounding communities.
Despite all our challenges, I hope you find time to enjoy all the vibrant shade of leaves changing as we take in New York City in the fall.
In community,
Melissa