DEIB at CFR
Photo Credit: Colorful Legacy by Willis “Nomo” Humphrey & Keir Johnston. Photo by Steve Weinik for Mural Arts Philadelphia.
DEIB Purpose Statement
Council for Relationships (CFR) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving individuals and families in and around Philadelphia to improve their relationships. We believe that every person is vital and uniquely contributes to the constellation of relationships that form a flourishing community and therefore, aim to create a culture where everyone feels that they belong and can equitably participate in the work of CFR.
CFR is striving to become the type of organization that is financially accessible to and culturally relevant in the communities we serve. Scholarly evidence demonstrates that we achieve better therapeutic outcomes when we can provide culturally appropriate and informed mental health care including having a diversity of therapists that align with clients on key aspects of their identity and experience (e.g. race, disability, sexual orientation, gender). We aim to re-create/enhance the CFR culture and internal processes to reflect our commitment to this core mission better.
To that end, CFR strives to ensure that employees and affiliates have an equitable and inclusive work environment, educational opportunities, service receipt, and any other relevant area of an individual’s interaction with CFR, regardless of their background and identity.
DEIB Working Groups
REWG
DEIB Advisory Council
Restorative Justice Practices Circle Keepers
Advice and Guidance from CFR Staff Clinicians
Discussing Racism with Children
Nick News Presents: Kids, Race, and Unity | Hosted by Alicia Keys – Staff Therapist Dr. George James offers relatable examples of racial trauma and its lasting impact on adults and children alike. Click here to check out the resources guide.
How to Educate Your Kids About Racial Activism and Social Justice – Staff Therapist Dr. George James and “The Kindness Advantage” co-author Dale Atkins join Hoda and Jenna to share ways to teach kids to use their voices, foster empathy, and more.
Helping Kids Cope During Times of Unrest – Staff Therapist Dr. George James provides expertise on Good Day Philadelphia.
Owning Your Narrative as A Biracial Person in America – Staff Therapist Allen-Michael Lewis, MS, LMFT, shares his experience as a biracial person growing up in the United States.
Black History Month A Good Time to Talk to Kids About Race, Says Local Therapist – Staff Therapist Allen-Michael Lewis, MS, LMFT, suggests Black History Month is a good time to open up a conversation about race with your children, especially in families that are not ethnically diverse.
Discussing Racism with Family and Friends
Mental Health, Quarantine, and Racial Justice – Staff Therapist Ayo Akindumila, LMFT, participated in an Instagram Live with former CFR marketing intern and current social media influencer, Christe Konopitski, to discuss mental health, quarantine, and racial justice. Recommended start time: 05:30. Please excuse any technical difficulties.
Don’t Stay Silent: Fighting Racism At Home – 6abc’s Trish Hartman hosts a conversation about speaking out against racism and how to navigate some of the difficult conversations with loved ones. Trish is joined by The Opt-In with Aurora + Kelly, Dr. Rita DeMaria from Council for Relationships, and Lion’s Story about how to talk about racial issues with those closest to you when their ideals may not align with your own.
Racial Trauma
What Is Racial Trauma and How to Practice Radical Self-Care – Staff Therapist Dr. Charles Muorah defines racial trauma and recommends wellness tips for recovering from racial trauma.
Empathy, Accountability Key in Moving Forward in Harmony Following Violent Protests, Expert Says – Staff Therapist Dr. George James discusses racism, injustice, and what people can do to be an ally.
George Floyd’s Death Takes Emotional, Mental Toll on Black Community – Staff Therapist Dr. George James joins Good Day Philadelphia to discuss mental health in times of turmoil.
Mental Health Expert Helps with Emotions After Video of George Floyd – Staff Therapist Dr. George James talks to FOX 29’s Marcus Espinoza about the impact and emotions people may have after watching the viral video of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Outside Resources
These resources have been suggested to Council for Relationships.
Scaffolded Anti-Racist Resources – This is a working document for scaffolding anti-racism resources. The goal is to facilitate growth for white folks to become allies, and eventually accomplices, for anti-racist work. These resources have been ordered in an attempt to make them more accessible. We will continue to add resources.
Racial Justice | American Civil Liberties Union
I Know What Racism Looks Like at Liberal Colleges – The Philadelphia Inquirer
Black Life Matters: Anti-Racism Resources for Social Workers and Therapists – Social Work Career
How to Raise Anti-Racist Kids – The Philadelphia Inquirer
A Detailed List of Anti-Racism Resources – Medium
Counselors Assisting Police Officers
NC Mental Health Counselors Help Police Officers Respond To 911 Calls
911 Services That Dispatch Mental Health Counselors, Not Cops, Gain Traction
Dallas Pilot Program Seeing Great Success by Pairing Officers with Social Workers For 911 Calls