STATEMENT OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND JUSTICE FOR TAMFT
The Texas Association of Marriage and Family Therapists is dedicated to fostering an environment that values and upholds the principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) in all aspects of our profession. Diversity of thought and inclusion of broader perspectives leads us to increased creativity and the generation of new ideas and fosters availability, flexibility, and effectiveness. We believe our collective strength lies in embracing the richness of expressions, identities, and perspectives of both our members and the people we serve, cultivating a community where equity and mutual respect are intrinsic. We believe in working towards understanding and acknowledging the impact of unearned power and privilege on minoritized groups, dismantling oppressive systems that obstruct equity and inclusivity, and prioritizing the voices of groups that have been unacknowledged and historically marginalized.
DIVERSITY
Diversity is the commitment to representation of multiple groups, identities, and social locations including, but not limited to, race, age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, disability, health status, religious or spiritual affiliation, nation of origin and others (COAMFTE Accreditation Standards v12.5, 2021)
As an organization, we celebrate and welcome the variety of backgrounds, cultures, identities, and lived experiences that enrich our association and our communities. Embracing diversity means acknowledging that all groups do not live in the world in the same way. Diversity focuses attention on the strengths, wisdom, and competencies of different individuals, couples, families, groups, and societies. We embrace the unique perspectives each person brings, recognizing the value they add to our collective understanding and growth. We believe that embracing our collective and individual talents, skills, and experiences fosters a culture of belonging, collaborative practice, mutual trust, and respect. We are committed to creating safe spaces where diverse voices are heard and respected. We are committed to helping lead the path toward transformative practices, policies, and initiatives rooted in equity and inclusivity.
EQUITY
Equity is the commitment to acknowledging and deconstructing historical and present structures that provide unearned privilege to some at the expense of others (Seedall et al., 2014)
We are devoted to providing fair and just treatment, recognizing that systemic barriers, power structures, and biases impact knowledge of and access to resources and support both for members and clients. TAMFT aims to identify and address these disparities within our organization and the larger field of marriage and family therapy. We strive to advocate for equitable practices in all we do, working to provide our communities with the care and opportunities they deserve.
INCLUSION
Inclusion is the commitment to incorporate diverse perspectives with accompanying strategies and structures for acknowledging, respecting, and honoring differences (COAMFTE Accreditation Standards v12.5, 2021)
We believe everyone deserves to be seen, heard, feel valued, and be included. TAMFT is committed to recognizing how marginalized groups are diminished by invisibility or lack of access. TAMFT strives to be an organization where all members, regardless of their background or identity(ies), feel a sense of belonging and are empowered to fully participate in our community and services. We are committed to working to eliminate barriers that hinder involvement and ensure that everyone’s voice, talents, and ideas contribute to furthering our association’s mission and future.
JUSTICE
Justice is the commitment to advocacy and awareness regarding issues of power, privilege, and oppression (McDowell et al., 2002)
We are dedicated to advancing social justice within our profession and with the clientele we serve. This commitment involves fearlessly challenging discrimination, promoting human rights, and intentionally working toward systemic change that upholds fairness and justice. We recognize that justice requires us to not only look within but to look outward in order to address systems of oppression embedded in our profession and in our communities.
TAMFT commits to ongoing assessment of our policies and culture to reflect these core values. We acknowledge that achieving DEIJ is an ongoing effort that calls for dedication, reflection, conviction, and action. By embracing these principles, we strive to create a professional community that supports and thrives on the many strengths of its members, working toward a more equitable and just society for all.
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REFERENCES
Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education. (2021). Accreditation standards: Graduate and post-graduate marriage and family therapy training programs (Version 12.5). Alexandria, VA: American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.
McDowell, T., Fang, S., Brownlee, K., Gomez Young, C., & Khanna, A. (2002). Transforming an MFT program: A model for enhancing diversity. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 28(2), 179-191. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-0606.2002.tb00355.x
Seedall, R. B., Holtrop, K., & Parra-Cardona, J. R. (2014). Diversity, social justice, and intersectionality trends in C/MFT: A content analysis of three family therapy journals, 2004-2011. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 40(2), 139-151. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12015
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