Section on Ethnic Minority Affairs (SEMA)


Our Vision:

IPA’s Section on Ethnic Minority Affairs (SEMA) will be a space where the unique needs, lived experiences and expertise of ethnic minorities of color are honored, valued and respected. SEMA is an open and inclusive space. Our membership will include psychologists and graduate students who are active, well-informed and passionate about improving the overall health and wellness of people of color in Illinois, nationally and globally.

Our Purpose:

1. To promote scientific understanding of the roles of race, culture and ethnicity in psychology.
2. To educate psychologists and students of all backgrounds about the psychological needs and
experiences of ethnic minorities of color.
3. To support the Illinois Psychological Association (IPA) in its efforts toward diversity,
equity, and inclusion.
4. To support IPA in its efforts to recruit, retain and meaningfully engage psychologists and
students of color.
5. To advocate for the perspectives and values of psychologists and students of color to IPA’s
Executive Committee and Council of Representatives.
6. To maintain mutually supportive and beneficial relationships with other groups of psychologists
of color and their professional organizations.
7. To assist IPA’s Executive Committee and Council of Representatives in maintaining
communications related to people of color with the association’s membership as well as the
community at large.
8. To encourage collection and dissemination of information relevant to students and psychologists
of color.
9. To support IPA in its efforts to advance the practice of psychology.
10. To model collaboration and inclusivity in all of our endeavors.
11. To acknowledge and honor the wisdom and experience of our ancestors, mentors, teachers,advocates and pioneer psychologists of color.

If our vision and purpose resonate with you, please join us! You may join our section as you submit or renew your IPA membership. If you have any questions about the process, please contact our Executive Director, Marsha Karey at 312-372-7610 x201 or mkarey@illinoispsychology.org

If you would like to learn more about Section on Ethnic Minority Affairs, please contact the current Section chair, Dr. Erin Alexander at dr.ErinAlexander@gmail.com

IPA Graduate Student Section (IPAGS)

To our IPAGS student members,

To ensure that we are taking into account our graduate student’s varying schedules, we have gathered all IPAGS related webinar and panel recordings into one folder. All recorded videos will be titled accordingly.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1hAuPI8wK5QPOQCocE3NWxd4uGmOTBusA?usp=sharing
If you have any difficulties, please email ipags.section@gmail.com.

Thank you,
IPAGS Board Members

The Illinois Psychological Association for Graduate Students (IPAGS) is a special interest subsection of the IPA organization. IPAGS is dedicated to the promotion of graduate students’ clinical and academic training experience, the advocacy of graduate students’ professional development during their formative training years, informing the professional community of graduate student events and activities, and connecting graduate students in Illinois with other graduate students and resources. We at IPAGS aim to educate ethically-minded future psychologists through discussion of clinical issues and legal concerns through programming. IPAGS develops psychologically-relevant programming aimed at educating on current clinical topics, targeting social inequalities, and generating dialogue on best practices and competency development. IPAGS also encourages the building of professional relationships by networking psychologists working in the field with graduate students. IPAGS hopes to foster competent future psychologists by cultivating an environment of learning, connectedness, and professionalism.

If you are interested in learning more or becoming a member, IPAGS can be reached via email at ipags.section@gmail.com. You can keep up to date on IPAGS information via Twittter at @IpagsSection or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/IPAGS/.

Military Psychology Section

The Military Psychology Section is aimed towards the field of psychology working with the United States Military, Veterans, the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This section focuses on a variety of military psychological issues and current related activities that take place in Illinois. The section helps by assisting in educating civilian, enlisted and commissioned officer psychologists through advocacy, education, holding workshops, working collaboratively with other local military associations and organizations, policy and legislation, and providing IPA presence at military/veteran conventions in Illinois.

Membership of the Military Section is open to all members of IPA including student members and leaders.

IPA Early Career Section

The Early Career Section is open to all IPA members who are within ten years of obtaining their doctorate degree. Activities include mentoring, networking, and workshops geared to assist the entry level professional.

In order to receive our emails and newsletters directly, join the ECP Section listserv by contacting Marsha Karey, IPA Executive Director at 312-372-7610 x202 or mkarey@illinoispsychology.org.

Behavioral Medicine and Neuropsychology

Welcome to the Behavioral Medicine & Neuropsychology Section!

The purposes of this Section shall be:

  1. To promote the education of psychologists in the areas of behavioral medicine, neuropsychology, geriatric psychology, rehabilitation psychology, and health psychology;
  2. To inform the professional community about activities related to these five areas of psychology;
  3. To inform psychologists about areas of pertinent and related research;
  4. To advocate for the appropriate, ethical, and informed psychological services to those dealing with issues concerning these 5 areas of psychology.

This Section shall exist for psychologists and students of psychology who may be interested in applying psychological knowledge to the fields of psychology that the Behavioral Medicine and Neuropsychology Section represents, including the provision of psychological services to consumers who may need these services.

Academic Section

 

About the Section:

Programmatic goals include the following:

1. Support of more collaborative programs and discourse within IPA regarding the interface of academic and practicing psychologists.

2. Furtherance of dialogue and dissemination of information about changes in training and licensure requirements for psychologists at the state and national levels. This includes movement to change the number of practicum hours required to qualify for predoctoral internships, proposals at the national level to eliminate the post-doctoral training year requirement for licensure in all states, proposals to offer a transitional/temporary license in IL to post-docs which would allow for billing and reimbursement of services (a movement I will actively support) and APA’s prioritization of a shift of licensure title from Clinical Psychologist to Health Service Psychologist within the broader focus on Integrative Health Care.

3. Promotion of best practices in facilitating difficult but constructive dialogues regarding multicultural diversity in the classroom and on campuses.

4. Advocacy for enhanced funding for IL colleges and universities, specifically with regard to scientific research.

5. Collaboration with IPAGS (IPA Graduate Students) and ECPs (Early Career Psychologists) to facilitate entry into the profession.

6. Promotion of excellence and innovation in teaching methods

If our vision and purpose resonate with you, please join us! You may join our section as you submit or renew your IPA membership. If you have any questions about the process, please contact our Executive Director, Marsha Karey at 312-372-7610 x201 or mkarey@illinoispsychology.org

 

Clinical Practice Section

About the Section:

Mission & Purpose
The purpose of this Section shall be to advocate for the interests of applied clinical psychology through:

• Advancing the science and profession of clinical psychology to solve practical problems of human behavior and experience.

• Providing support for the section’s Health Care Reimbursement Committee (HCRC), whose goal is to help the IPA membership keep abreast of health care reimbursement-related issues by responding to member questions and concerns and providing educational opportunities to IPA members.

• Educating insurance companies and third-party payer organizations about psychological services via the HCRC.

• Supporting the education and training of clinical psychologists and psychology trainees.

• Furthering collegial relationships within the field of applied clinical psychology and with allied health professions.

• Submission of three annual, measurable section objectives yielding a tangible return for membership dues invested in the section, while simultaneously recognizing members’ generational differences and needs.

• Understanding that the clinical section’s visibility becomes a vehicle to promote IPA’s relevance to psychology practice, yielding maximum annual retention of existing members and expansion of the section.

• Inviting each new IPA member to join the clinical practice section via personal outreach phone call from the chair.

• Using social media tools (e.g. Constant Contact) tools in order to ensure that psychologists are able to engage, connect and communicate with clinical practitioners. It is essential that psychologists be able to identify tangible benefits from belonging to the section.

All activities of the Clinical Practice Section shall conform to the bylaws and policies and procedures of the IPA.

Contact the Chair:
Any IPA member may elect to join the Clinical Practice Section.
You can apply to join this section by contacting the current Clinical Practice Section Chair.

If our vision and purpose resonate with you, please join us! You may join our section as you submit or renew your IPA membership. If you have any questions about the process, please contact our Executive Director, Marsha Karey at 312-372-7610 x201 or mkarey@illinoispsychology.org

Organizational & Business Consulting Psychology Section

Organizational & Business Consulting Psychology involves providing services to individuals, work teams, and entire organizations regarding improving performance effectiveness, developing skills and talent, reducing conflict between people and systems, and strengthening team cohesion. Specialties of our members include management consulting and executive coaching, leadership selection, succession planning, organizational stress audits, 360 degree evaluations of leaders, and assessing organizational culture. The section is committed to continuing education programs, networking for professional opportunities, and promoting the benefits of the specialty to the public through activities such as the Illinois Psychologically Healthy Workplace Award.

Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity Section

The Section on Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity shall seek to advance the contribution of psychology in understanding sexual orientation and gender diversity, to educate psychologists and the general public in matters of sexual orientation and gender diversity, and to advocate for the provision of ethical and informed psychological services to those dealing with sexual orientation and gender diversity.

LGBTQ resources

Children’s texts/articles:
My Two Moms and Me. Michael Joosten (ages 0-3)
Daddy, Papa, and Me. Leslea Newman (ages 0-3)
Julian is a Mermaid. Jessica Love (ages 4-8)
Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag. Rob Sanders (ages 5-8)
Zenobia July. Lisa Bunker (ages 10+)
Neither. Airlie Anderson (grades Pre-K to 2)
A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo. Maron Bundo and Jill Twiss (grades K and up)
The Adventures of Honey & Leon. Alan Coming and Grant Shaffer (grades Pre-k to 3).
Phoenix Goes to School. Michelle Finch and Pheonix (grades K to 3).
Love is Love. Michael Genhart. (grades Pre-k to 3).
Prince & Knight. Daniel Haack and Stevie Lewis (grades Pre-k to 3).

Emerging Adult articles/text:
https://www.healthysexuals.com/ is a nice safer sex resource targeted
toward young people. (LGBT+ focused)

Bornstein, K. (2013). My New Gender Workbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Achieving World Peace Through Gender Anarchy and Sex Positivity. 2nd Edition, Routledge.

Singh, A. & Ehrensaft, D. (2018). The Queer and Transgender Resilience Workbook: Skills for Navigating Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression. New Harbinger Publications; Workbook edition.

Adult articles/text:
Testa, R.J., Coolhard, D. & Peta, J. (2015). The Gender Quest Workbook. New Harbor Publications, Inc.

Drescher, J. & Pula, J. (2014). Ethical issues raised by the treatment of gender-variant prepubescent children. LGBT Bioethics: Visibility, Disparities, and Dialogue, special report, Hastings Center Report 44(5), S17-S22.

Chang, S.C., Singh, A.A., & dickey, l. (2018). A Clinician’s guide to gender-affirming care: Working with transgender and gender nonconforming clients. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

Lee, D.J. (2015). Rescuing Jesus: How People of Color, Women & Queer Christians Are Reclaiming Evangelism. Boston: Beacon Press.

Gagnon, R.A.J. & Otto Via, D. (2003) Homosexuality and the Bible: Two Views.

Wallace, C.M. (2015). Confronting Religious Denial of Gay Marriage. Wipf and Stock Publishing.
Lev, A.I. (2004). Transgender emergence: Therapeutic guidelines for working with gender-variant people and their families. New York: Hawarth Clinical Press.

Vanderburgh, R. (2011). Transition and beyond: Observations on gender identity. Reid Vanderburgh Publishing.

Keo-Meier, C.L. & Fitzgerald, K.M. (2017). Affirmative psychological test and neurocognitive assessment with transgender adults. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 40, 51–64.

Snorton, C. R. (2017). Black on Both Sides: A Racial History of Trans Identity. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press.

Older Adults articles/text:
Ducheny, K., Hardacker, C., & Houlberg, M. (2018). Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Health and Aging. Springer Publishing. ISBN-13: 978-3319950303.

Families:
Owens-Reid, D. & Russo, K. This Is a Book for Parents of Gay Kids: A Question & Answer Guide to Everyday Life.

Gottlieb, A. (2005). Side by Side: On Having a Gay or Lesbian Sibling. New York: Routledge.

Krieger, I. (2011). Helping Your Transgender Teen: A Guide for Parents. London: Genderwise press.

Distinction Support www.distinctionsupport.com which also has a Facebook group

Additional Resources:
The ManKind Project
http://www.mankindpridechicago.org
https://mankindpride.mkpusa.org

Women Within
https://womanwithincentralusa.org/woman-within-weekend/
www.hishealth.org (modules on transgender health, PREP, whole health assessment, etc)

Trainings:
Transgender and Intersex Specialty Care Clinic at Mayo Clinic
Here’s a link where you’ll find the full schedule:
https://ce.mayo.edu/psychiatry-and-psychology/content/principles-care-transgender-and-intersex-patients-2019

Social Responsibility Section

Section goals include the promotion of social responsibility for civil and human rights and the values of justice, peace, and the public interest within the science, profession, education, and training of psychology; the recognition of exemplary achievements of social responsibility in the field; and the maintenance within IPA of a focus and forum in which the relevance of social responsibility for all areas of psychological endeavor can be advanced.

Download the IPA’s Social Responsibilities Statement

Recent Campaigns

 

Letter from the Chairs

Our profession must accept the social responsibility to actively engage in advocacy for social justice in the pursuit of fostering mental health and well-being for all human beings. Psychology, as a discipline, is uniquely positioned to contribute to the dismantling of systemic inequalities that negatively impact the mental health of individuals and communities.

Our role extends beyond the confines of therapeutic sessions; we are advocates for the marginalized, catalysts for change, and champions of inclusivity. Research consistently demonstrates the profound impact of socioeconomic disparities, discrimination, and prejudice on emotional well-being. As stewards promoting the well-being of society, we must use our expertise to highlight these issues and work towards their resolution.

Advocating for social justice aligns with the ethical principles of our profession, emphasizing the importance of respect for dignity and promoting the welfare of individuals. By actively engaging in conversations, research, and interventions that address social injustices, we contribute to the broader narrative of building a psychologically healthier world.

Let us unite in our commitment to understand the complexities of the human psyche and advocate for a more just and equitable society. Through our collective efforts, we can inspire positive change, fostering mental well-being for generations.

The Illinois Psychological Association Social Responsibility Section encourages sustained and deepening “ARC”, Awareness building; Relationship equality, and Commitment to real sustained change in deconstructing systemic oppression and constructing social justice. 

What follows is our most updated listing of resources for deconstructing implicit biases and unpacking privilege to move into a stance of social responsibility. This resource guide focuses on broadening and deepening awareness of the ongoing systemic oppression affecting many groups across the country.

We recommend the 23-minute VIDEO entitled "Deconstructing White Privilege with Dr. Robin DiAngelo" where she illustrates the pillars that prop-up White Privilege and White Fragility.  This is a good summary of her best-seller, White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism (2018). To us one of her important contributions is to diminish the progress-stopping power of guilt and shame in telling what the dominate White Culture did and what systems evolved.  The systems need focus and change. White people can be BOTH Proud of building a great country, government, economy, etc. AND be truthful about mistakes which still endure BUT can be corrected. Unhealthy guilt stops progress, a dose appropriate mix of pride and guilt is a great target for constructive accurate diagnosis and healing. 

“Responsible” does mean taking action for mistakes of commission and omission. Getting to Responsible rather than shame and guilt leads to action for improvement. Being responsible is a good way to live and grow in general, not just with Racism.

Dr. Robin DiAngelo has written a short update book to White Fragility in 2021, Nice Racism: How Progressive White People Perpetuate Racial Harm. This book carefully illuminates the more subtle forms of racism that other white people do not identify as explicit racism. She picks up after the quote from Martin Luther King Jr. in his 1963 Letter From a Birmingham Jail:

*NOTE the 1963 language & PLEASE DO substitute the word “equity” for the work “freedom” because some laws have changed since 1962 but not living reality.

I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro’s great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen’s Councilor or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate who is more devoted to “order” than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says: “I agree with you in the goal you seek but I cannot agree with your methods of direct action”; who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for another man’s  freedom …. Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.

Several Workbooks focused on helping Privileged Americans increase their awareness of systemic racism have come to our attention.  The idea is that Systemic Racism is so pervasive that it is difficult to see until you are able to take perspective, it just seems to be the way US Culture rolls. We highlight some of those books here: 

Ijeoma Oluo’s illustrative autobiographical book, “So You Want to Talk about Race” (2019)

For me, Bruce Johnson Bonecutter, I recommend Ijeoma Oluo’s illustrative autobiographical book, “So you want to talk about race”, 2019 if you wish a well written biographical walk through key anti-racist topics. Ijeoma tells a real-life story extremely well using her experiences and considerable skill.  She is a great story-teller and this book engaged me heart, mind and soul.  Oh, she does occasionally use emotional language.  The Chapter headings are:

- Preface

     - introduction: So you want to talk about race?

     - one: Is it really about race?

     - two: What is racism?

     - three: What if I talk about race wrong?

     - four: Why am I always being told to “check my privilege”?

     - five: What is intersectionality and why do I need it?

     - six: Is police brutality really about race?

     - seven: How can I talk about affirmative action?

     - eight: What is the school to prison pipe-line?

     - nine: Why can’t I say the “N” word?

     - ten: What is cultural appropriation?

     - eleven: Why can’t I touch your hair?

     - twelve: What are micro-aggressions?

     - thirteen: Why are our students so angry?

     - fourteen: What is the model minority myth?

     - fifteen: But what if I hate Al Sharpton?

     - sixteen: I just got called a racist, what do I do now?

     - seventeen: Talking is great, but what else can I do?

- Acknowledgements

- Notes

- A Discussion Guide

Layla F. Saad's workbook "Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor

Also for me, Bruce Johnson Bonecutter, one difficult step in being more aware of how White Privilege and Racism permeates my mind, body, soul, and environment was to do the hard and at times hidden prejudice uncovering work of reading, journaling, discussing it with my book group Layla F. Saad's workbook (29 readings and journaling exercises), " me and white supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor" (2020).  This Workbook is more like an exercise akin to physical fitness “boot-camp”. The Contents list may help readers take a look at this workbook for themselves and their support/book-group:

Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World, and Become a Good Ancestor

Contents:

FORWARD by Robin DiAngelo

PART I: Welcome to the WORK

A Little about Me

What is White Supremacy?

Who is This WORK for?

What You Will Need to Do This Work

How to Use This Book

Self-Care, Support, and Sustainability

PART II: The WORK

Week 1: The Basics

Week 2: Anti-Blackness, Racial Stereotypes, and Cultural Appropriation

Week 3: Allyship

Week 4: Power, Relationships, and Commitments

Now What? Continuing the WORK after Day 28

APPENDIX:  Working in Groups: Me and White Supremacy - Book Circles

RESOURCES

Glossary

Further Learning

NOTE: each of the "Weeks" has 7 readings and journal exercises, such as Week 1, day 3 "You and Tone Policing" or Week 2 day 9 "You and Anti-Blackness Against Black Women"; day 10 "You and Anti-Blackness Against Black Men"; day 11, "You and Anti-Blackness Against Black Children" and samples from Week 3: day 18 "You and White Saviorism", day 19, "You and Optical Allyship"; Week 4 samples: day 23 "You and White Leaders"; day 24, "You and Your Friends", day 27, "You and Losing Privilege".

Both books are challenging and may be uncomfortable for privileged, especially White privileged people to read, but the goal is step-wise awareness and the deconstructing of all forms of racism, which is so needed in achieving the dream of “liberty and justice for all”.

If a business and economic research based analysis of the need for both White and BIPOC to find a way to more fully establish equity, then Heather McGhee’s The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together" is my recommendation. In addition to the YouTube Talks by/with Heather McGhee that help get our heads around the history, economics and people-stories from her structured interview-research illustrated sections in " The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together" (2021) (289 pages plus lengthy documentation appendices).  There is also a very succinct and simple-not-stupid "Study Guide to "The Sum of Us" (published by "Super Summary") written by Heather McGhee (2021) - only 73 Pages.  Heather really wants people to understand what has happened and how we really can do much better! That should inspire all of us to honor the original motto of the USA: "E. Pluribus Unum" - “Out of Many People One”.

The Sum of Us Table of Contents gives you a sense of the structure: 

Introduction

Chapter   1: An Old Story: The Zero-Sum Hierarchy

Chapter   2: Racism Drained the Pool

Chapter   3: Going Without

Chapter   4: Ignoring the Canary

Chapter   5: No One fights Alone

Chapter   6: Never a Real Democracy

Chapter   7: Living Apart

Chapter   8: The Same Sky

Chapter   9: The Hidden Wound

Chapter 10: The Solidarity Dividend

Acknowledgements

Notes

List of Interviews

Index

As an additional choice, Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr., Director of the Privilege Institute and of The National White Privilege Conference, created a 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge designed to address issues of power, privilege, supremacy, oppression and equity.  Drs. Bonecutter and Houston recommend this program for those who might prefer an online, mixed media presentation that includes podcasts and videos in addition to readings and journaling activities. Dr. Moore offers a plethora of resources, which are well organized and easily accessed by provided links to online documents and a tracking component for self-monitoring. The 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge may be used in the 21-day format, in sections for focused exploration, or for organization/community group application. 

About the 21-Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge- 

For 21 days, you do one action to further your understanding of White privilege and White supremacy in ways that are adaptable to all forms of social justice.

Categories:

- Read

- Listen

- Watch

- Notice

- Connect

- Engage

- Act

- Reflect

- Stay Inspired

- Tracking Chart

*Note: each category contains numerous resources to choose from each with a summary of its contents.

Recommended Resources – includes articles, books, TED talks, films, videos, blogs, podcasts, websites, conferences and assessments (i.e. Anti-Defamation League’s Anti-Bias Behavior and Harvard University’s Project Implicit Test).

21-Day Community Adapters- examples of how communities are adapting the challenge to address their social justice needs.

For me, Holly O. Houston, Ph.D., it is vitally important that my non-BIPOC colleagues recognize the importance of an enduring effort in dismantling racism at its core - first inside of us (yes, as a woman of color, I include myself as all of us in American society have been exposed to the explicit and implicit impact of white supremacy) and then applied to practice, policy, and institutions. Too often, after the publicity and social momentum of racial equity wanes, so does individual effort. We must take advantage of the current anti-racism energy and be prepared to continue to nourish it. The aforementioned resources and the ones below provide information to facilitate and nurture the on-going, life-long process of deconstructing systemic racism and constructing racial justice. A sustained and deepening “ARC”, Awareness building; Relationship equality and Commitment to anti-racism, requires a dedication to education, deep self-reflection and integrated application. 

If hearing from an original-nation historian and immigrant historian about how the “Doctrine of Discovery” greatly increased the creating a Caste System with Europeans on top, then, since, you cannot discover lands already inhabited, injustice has plagued American society for centuries. And we cannot move toward being a more just nation without understanding the root causes that have shaped our culture and institutions. In a blend of history, theology, and cultural commentary, Mark Charles and Soong-Chan Rah reveal the far-reaching, and enduring effects of the "Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery." They highlight how in the fifteenth century, official church edicts gave Christian-European explorers the right to claim territories they "discovered." This was institutionalized as an implicit national framework that justifies American triumphalism, white supremacy, and ongoing injustices. The result is that the dominant culture idealizes a history of discovery, opportunity, expansion, and equality, while minority communities have been traumatized by colonization, slavery, segregation, and dehumanization. Healing begins when deeply entrenched beliefs are unsettled. Charles and Rah aim to recover a common memory and shared understanding of where we have been and where we are going. As other nations have instituted truth and reconciliation commissions, so do the authors call our nation and churches to a truth-telling that will expose past injustices and open the door to conciliation and true community.

The history and interconnections between the Hindu Caste System, the German Nazi Caste System and USA Race/Caste System are analyzed with lessons to learn in deconstructing Caste Systems while building equity for all in Isabel Wilkerson’s 2020 best-seller, “Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents”. The seven parts of this book are:

Part One: Toxins in the Permafrost and Heat Rising All Around (thawing out historical practices to see their ongoing effects)

Part Two: The Arbitrary Construction of Human Division

Part Three: The Eight Pillars of Caste

Part Four: The Tentacles of Caste

Part Five: The Consequences of Caste

Part Six: Backlash

Part Seven: Awakening

The Social Responsibility Section has included many books below on various topics of social justice and responsibility. Choose the one that may suit your style and fit with your established support/discussion group.  Of course, you could read and process the discussion guides to each of these books!

 

Books, Websites, and other Resources for Further Learning and Growth

Books:

 

Holiday Books for Children:

Volunteering and Resources:

  • APA’s Apology and Addressing Racism Page
    • “On October 29, 2021, the APA Council of Representatives passed three resolutions which include acknowledging and apologizing for APA’s role in promoting and perpetuating racism and racial discrimination in the U.S.; the role of psychology and APA in dismantling systemic racism in the U.S.; and advancing health equity in psychology.”

 

  • Be a Super Ally with the 5 D’s:  Empowering Children Against Hate/Bullying
    • Hollaback! has joined forces with Asian Americans Advancing Justice| AAJC and Woori Show, an online educational video series for children that celebrates the Korean-American experience, to create effective and thoughtful materials to educate young audiences about the importance of being an ally when witnessing bullying or racism.

 

  • Community Mental Health Journal
    • Community Mental Health Journal is devoted to the evaluation and improvement of public sector mental health services for people affected by severe mental disorders, serious emotional disturbances and/or addictions.

 

 

    1. First thing you must do is Calculate Your Carbon Footprint
    2. People, especially those who can afford it, can use hybrid cars
    3. Eat low on the food chain
    4. Use air conditioning and use less heat
    5. Reduce, recycle, and reuse
    6. Buy energy-efficient products
    7. Drive smart and less
    8. Take care of your car
    9. Avoid air travel as much as possible
    10. Plant a tree
    11. Grow on your own
    12. Water should be used sparingly
    13. Use less hot water
    14. Avoid products with excessive packaging 
    15. Buy green electricity
    16. More teleconference and telecommunication
    17. One can replace the light bulbs
    18. Dry the clothes by hanging them on the line
    19. People can use non-toxic household products 
    20. Often use the “off” switch
    21. Choose organic foods that are in season and go local 
    22. Don’t buy fast fashion
    23. Buy less stuff!
    24. People should learn to conserve
    25. Vote thoughtfully

 

Articles from SRS-IPA Archives 2021-2022

ARTICLES FROM SRS-IPA ARCHIVES
Article Title Article Author Date of Article Description of Article
The Gospel Belongs to the ‘Heathen,’ Not White Saviors Yanan Rahim Melo 10/12/2022 Kathryn Gin Lum’s Heathen: Religion and Race in American History evoked feelings of a past that continues to haunt me. I grew up in the “mission field” of the southern Philippines, surrounded by white Americans who dedicated their lives to missions and charity work.
Opinion: Who is at fault for America’s soaring gun violence? Experts weigh in CNN 10/13/2022 Concerns about violent crime and guns remain top of mind for American voters, polls show time and again. These issues certainly stick with Kathy Pisabaj, of Chicago, who was 19 in 2018 when she was shot by a stranger and nearly died.
It’s one of the most radical and prophetic speeches in American history. And hardly anyone knows about it John Blake, CNN 10/11/2022 When people talk today about Frederick Douglass’ speaking prowess, they often cite his defiant “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” address. But he gave another speech that deserves wider recognition because Douglass spoke with uncanny precision about the kind of debates we’re having now about race, immigration, and what makes America exceptional.
Can Christianity and Indigenous Worldviews Ever Be Reconciled? Patty Krawec October 2022 We all moved. We moved across oceans and land. But there is a profound difference between moving and being moved. Between being welcomed and being used.
Indigenous Peoples' Day – October 10, 2022 National Today continuously updated Indigenous Peoples’ Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October, on October 10 this year, to honor the cultures and histories of the Native American people. The day is centered around reflecting on their tribal roots and the tragic stories that hurt but strengthened their communities.
United Methodists’ Native American International Caucus Calls for End to Columbus Day Emily McFarlan Miller, RNS 10/5/2022 The Native American International Caucus, which advocates for Native Americans both inside and outside of the United Methodist Church, is calling on lawmakers to get rid of Columbus Day. To replace the federal holiday, which this year falls on Oct. 10, the caucus is asking Congress to approve several bills formalizing Indigenous Peoples Day as a legal public holiday, according to a statement from the caucus posted on it website Tuesday (Oct. 4).
Disability: Part of the Equity Equation US Department of Labor continuously updated Observed annually in October, National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) celebrates the contributions of America’s workers with disabilities past and present and showcases supportive, inclusive employment policies and practices.
What Is Yom Kippur? Chabad-Lubavitch Media Center continuously updated Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year, when we are closest to G‑d and to the essence of our souls. Yom Kippur means “Day of Atonement,” as the verse states, “For on this day He will forgive you, to purify you, that you be cleansed from all your sins before G‑d.”1
U.S. Congress reaches a milestone in Indigenous representation Jaclyn Diaz 9/20/2022 Rep. Mary Peltola's election to the U.S. House of Representatives made history in several ways. With her recent swearing-in, it became official for the first time in more than 230 years: A Native American, an Alaska Native and a Native Hawaiian are all members of the House — fully representing the United States' Indigenous people for the first time, according to Rep. Kaiali'i Kahele of Hawaii. Now, there are six Indigenous Americans who are representatives in the House.
About National Hispanic Heritage Month 9/15/2022 Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
What Does ‘White Christian Nationalism’ Even Mean, Anyway? Mitchell Atencio 9/8/2022 After the Jan. 6 insurrection, many wanted to understand how signs declaring “Jesus Saves” mixed with gallows and chants of “hang Mike Pence!” The answer, according to some sociologists and political analysts, was Christian nationalism.
UN Report: US fails to implement terms of treaty on eliminating racial discrimination Southern Poverty Law Center 9/9/2022 A United Nations committee that is reviewing U.S. compliance with an international treaty on racial discrimination has issued findings that should be seen as a serious rebuke and wakeup call for the Biden administration.
There are barely any Muslims on popular TV series, a new study says Anastasia Tsioulcas 9/7/2022 Muslims make up 25% of the global population and Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the world — but Muslims only comprise 1% of characters shown on popular televisions series in the U.S., the U.K., Australia and New Zealand.
Sunday Musings: A Pro-Choice God Diana Butler Bass 9/4/2022 Today’s lectionary texts include four interesting passages. Usually Sunday Musings explores only one text. But today I want to draw one theme — choice — from the four readings.
‘Rings of Power’ Is a Tolkien Tale of the Corruption of Goodness JR. Forasteros 9/2/2022 The corruption of goodness is not an unfamiliar theme in The Lord of the Rings. Young Galadriel’s plight introduces what may be the first season’s central concern: How do we recognize evil in the world?
A Summer of Climate Disasters German Lopez 9/7/2022 Heat waves in the U.S., wildfires in Europe, floods in Asia: This summer has shown how the climate crisis has made extreme weather a part of everyday life.
Online search algorithms reflect – and perpetuate – gender bias Emily Reynolds 8/25/2022 The problem of bias in artificial intelligence (AI) is of growing concern. Algorithms have, for example, wrongly classified the faces of Black women when detecting gender; wrongly predicted that a Black defendant will reoffend twice as often as wrongly predicting that a White defendant will reoffend; and shown far more men than women on Google image searches for the term “CEO”. This last study even found that biased image searches can actually shape people’s beliefs about the number of men and women who hold particular occupations.
Bringing the Culture War to the Pulpit Brian Kaylor and Beau Underwood 8/30/2022 I believe that the Bible and the Constitution do not have to contradict so long as the Constitution is seen as being breathed out of the words of the Bible by our founding fathers. And the only way that the Bible and the Constitution would ever contradict is when we interpret the Constitution through the current cultural lens of compromise, capitulation, and buckle to the sins and sexual wickedness of the people. Yes, you’ve walked into one of those churches
Enforce the Gun Laws We Already Have Kevin D. Williamson 6/6/2022 This article emphasizes the case for actually funding and enforcing the gun laws we currently have
Cook County juvenile jail is locking kids, teens in their cells for most of the day, scathing review finds Jonah Newman 8/24/2022 In a scathing report, a group of juvenile justice experts says the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center — a five-story fortress on the West Side with courtrooms and a public school that houses as many as 175 youths — should be permanently shut down and replaced with smaller, community-based facilities focused on rehabilitation.
AP-NORC poll: Most in US say they want stricter gun laws Sara Burnett 8/22/2022 Most U.S. adults want to see gun laws made stricter and think gun violence is increasing nationwide, according to a new poll that finds broad public support for a variety of gun restrictions, including many that are supported by majorities of Republicans and gun owners.
Why do right-wing NRA pro-gun 'conservatives" believe they should be able to "Open Carry" their guns in public, thus making themselves self-appointed police with authority over the rest of Americans? The way Kyle Rittenhouse did at a BLM protest? William Connell Cawthorn, Jr. 08/11/2022 Why was Kyle Rittenhouse acquitted? Because the jury ruled his actions were justifiable self-defense, based on the evidence presented and Wisconsin state law. Even one of the witnesses for the prosecution confirmed Rittenhouse’s account of the incident.
Hundreds of Jan. 6 Cases Ian Prasad Philbrick 08/21/2022 Nineteen months after the Jan. 6 attack, hundreds of criminal cases that stem from it are playing out in court. They have been getting less attention than the Justice Department’s scrutiny of Donald Trump, but my colleague Alan Feuer has spent hours and hours watching these trials. This morning, he offers you a glimpse of them.
How to talk about disability sensitively and avoid ableist tropes Shruti Rajkumar 8/8/2022 Disability can be difficult to talk about sensitively because of how embedded ableism is in our language, biases and perceptions of disability. Conversations about disability are slowly increasing, especially when it comes to ableist language and how disabled people are represented in the media.
What the Curious History of 'Judeo-Christian’ can Teach us about Defeating White Christian Nationalism Today Eboo Patel and Robert P. Jones 7/20/2022 The hearings conducted by the House Select Committee to investigate the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol have highlighted the powerful role that white Christian nationalism played in the attack on the Capitol. The Congressional Committee featured Trump ally Roger Stone firing up a crowd of pro-Trump protestors the day before the insurrection with this statement: “This is nothing less than an epic struggle for the future of our country. Between dark and light. Between the godly and the godless, between good and evil, and we will win this fight or America will step off into years of darkness.”
Everyday Violence German Lopez and Ashley Wu 7/8/2022 These everyday killings received far less attention than the mass murder at the parade. But they are the standard for American gun violence: More than 95 percent of gun homicides this year have been shootings with one to three victims.
7 persistent claims about abortion, fact-checked Jaclyn Diaz, Koko Nakajima, and Ben Underwood 6/24/2022 Since the Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v. Wade decision ruled that women have a constitutional right to end their pregnancies, proponents and opponents of abortion rights have worked to own the conversation over the issue.
30 Great LGBTQIA+ Books for Kids and Teens Denise Schipani 6/1/2022 There was a time when LGBTQIA+ parents and children had a hard time finding their family’s faces and feelings in the pages of children’s and young adult books. No more. Ever since Heather Has Two Mommies appeared on shelves in 1989, more books, geared to everyone from the youngest tots to questioning tweens and teens (not to mention to their parents), are filling the gap and helping families grow in understanding.
Pride Month: How It Started and How to Celebrate Mona Khalifeh 6/1/2022 Taking place every June, Pride Month celebrates the self-affirmation, dignity, equality and increased visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. The month-long celebration was given the name "Pride" to encourage those feelings as the community comes together to celebrate and bolster LGBTQ+ rights movements. As people rally together, ET has put together a guide to all things Pride, including a brief history, how to celebrate and support.
Know Your Rights - Reproductive Health Care for Youth in Illinois ACLU continuously updated If you are under 18 you have the right to make many decisions about your own reproductive health in Illinois. Find more information and resources below.
We look at why economic inequality began soaring in the U.S. four decades ago. David Leonhardt 6/5/2022 a brief and clear presentation on why working and middle-class families in the USA are so drained from increased work-hours as a result of non-livable wages in full-time work that they cannot spend energy and time with their children and community
LGBTQ+ PEOPLE & ROE V. WADE Human Rights Campaign 6/10/2022 Women, transgender men, and nonbinary people are under attack right now
HRC Explains Gender-Affirming Care Human Rights Campaign [youtube video] What is gender-affirming care? We break down what it is, what it’s not and why it’s life-saving.
The Juneteenth flag features 3 important symbols. Here's what they mean, according to the flag's creator. Marielle Descalsota 6/19/2022 The Juneteenth flag — a banner with a bursting star — is being flown across the US on June 19, a celebration to commemorate Black emancipation and the freeing of 250,000 enslaved people in Texas.
https://www.insider.com/juneteenth-flag-symbols-meaning-colors-star-outline-explained-2022-6 Hannah Bowman 6/6/2022 The shooting at a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Ill., as well as mass shootings earlier this summer in Buffalo, N.Y., and Uvalde, Texas, raise questions about how Christians should respond to gun violence. For many people, including Christians, the answer is legislation — the hope of getting Congress to pass laws that would restrict ownership of guns.
On gun violence, the United States is an outlier Heathline 5/31/2022 Among 64 high-income countries and territories, the United States stands out for its high levels of gun violence. The US ranks eighth out of 64 for homicides by firearm (age-adjusted).
22 Books to Read During AAPI Heritage Month, Recommended by AAPI Writers Sanibel Chai 5/11/2022 To celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we asked AAPI writers to share the books (some of them award-winning) that have moved, inspired, and astonished them.
Poll: Black Americans fear more racist attacks after Buffalo shooting Silvia Foster-Frau 5/21/2022 Two years after George Floyd’s murder, nearly 8 in 10 Black Americans say there has been little or no improvement in how police treat Black people, according to a Washington Post-Ipsos poll
About That Bible Verse You See on Anti-Abortion Signs Katherine Pater 5/24/2022 Earlier this year, I preached on Jeremiah 1:5: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Anti-abortion protestors, including Christians, have long offered this verse as part of their “pro-life” arguments: they tweet it, use it as a proof text, and use it to sell mugs and T-shirts.
What is and isn’t allowed by Illinois’ gun laws Patrick Smith, Courtney Kueppers 5/25/2022 Illinois has some of the strictest gun laws in the country. Buyers here are required to undergo a background check and get a permit in order to purchase firearms.
Prejudice among Trump supporters increased after he became president Emily Reynolds 4/29/2022 Whether or not Donald Trump’s presidency actively increased prejudice or simply emboldened those who already held bigoted views was frequently debated during his term. A new study looks more closely at prejudicial attitudes during the presidency, exploring the views of over 10,000 American citizens.
Not even water? And other things not to say to your Muslim friends during Ramadan Eda Uzunlar 4/28/2022 For about 2 billion Muslims around the world – a quarter of humanity – it's Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. There are about 3.45 million Muslims in the United States, and that number continues to climb. But if you're not Muslim, you might still not know exactly what to say (and not say) to Muslim friends, co-workers and colleagues during the month, whether they're fasting or not. Here are a few tips from Muslims across the United States collected over the course of Ramadan!
Cases of antisemitic hate reach historic levels across U.S., Illinois, new report finds Tom Schuba 4/26/2022 Cases of antisemitic hate rose to historic levels last year both in Illinois and across the country, according to an audit released Tuesday by the Anti-Defamation League.
Take Action Against Climate Change With These Tools and Resources Heather Higinbotham Davies 4/21/2022 These apps and online spaces can help you manage your eco-anxiety—and take steps to tread more lightly on the planet.
A glimpse inside mental health crisis response teams as Chicago creates versions without cops Chip Mitchell 4/6/2022 This is an article on the status of the developing teams of Paramedic-Social Worker-Police Officer that will respond to some 911/Crisis Calls. I am hopeful that these pilot studies will go well and inform how we need to adjust crisis response in a way that assists the community and the Police (and all first responders).
A Tale of Two Churches: One Fasting 'Whiteness' for Lent, the Other Making up for an Unintended KKK Connection Steve Warren Share via facebook Share via twitter Share via email 4/6/2022 Two churches are pursuing racial equality and justice in very different ways. Critics say one of the churches is woke-fasting everything white. The other is taking a proactive approach to make restitution.
How to say ‘Happy Ramadan’ in Arabic: Meaning of Ramadan Mubarak and Ramadan Kareem greetings explained David Hughes 4/2/2022 After two years in which celebrations were severely hampered by Covid-19, the more social aspects of Ramadan can return this time around. This means that communities will once more get the chance to break their fast and pray together.
Today is International Transgender Day of Visibility. Here's what you should know Sam Romano, CNN 3/31/2022 Today, transgender and nonbinary people around the world will recognize International Transgender Day of Visibility. With transgender visibility in the US at an all-time high in politics, media and sports, today is a day for allies and advocates to show up and show support. Here's what you should know.
CANADA INDIGENOUS MEET POPE, ASK FOR RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL RECORDS PHILIP PULLELLA, REUTERS 3/28/2022 Survivors of Canada’s residential schools on Monday asked Pope Francis for unfettered access to church records on the institutions where Indigenous children were abused and their culture denied.
A new test looks at the way Muslim women are portrayed onscreen Juana Summers, Linah Mohammed, Sarah Handle - NPR 3/25/2022 There are not a lot of Muslim women in American television shows or movies. For many people in the U.S., the first Muslim woman character that comes to mind is probably Princess Jasmine from the animated Disney film, Aladdin. And that's a bit of a problem.
An Emotionally Damaged Boy’s Enduring Search for Love Ignites ‘Fire Shut Up In My Bones’ Hedy Weiss, WTTW 3/25/2022 “Fire Shut Up In My Bones,” which received its first performance by Lyric Opera on Thursday evening, is based on the 2014 memoir penned by New York Times columnist Charles M. Blow. The title of the opera, like that of Blow’s book, is drawn directly from the biblical story of Jeremiah, the severely persecuted “weeping prophet” known for his tender heart. But it is a deeply personal and contemporary story.
Why Ramadan is the most sacred month in Islamic culture Eslah Attar 3/23/2022 The sighting of a new crescent moon marks the start of Ramadan, a time for piety and self-reflection.
Stress in America APA 3/11/2022
Distribution of white supremacist propaganda is increasingly coordinated, ADL says Jeff Dean 3/3/2022 The distribution of white supremacist propaganda around the country remained high last year, with nearly 5,000 incidents reported, or an average of 13 per day, the Anti-Defamation League says.
Climate change: Extreme heat linked to more mental health emergencies Deep Shukla 3/2/2022 A study examining medical data from more than 2 million people across the U.S. shows that days of extreme heat in summer were associated with higher rates of emergency department visits for mental health conditions.
Yes, you should talk to your kids about Ukraine. Psychologists explain how Madeline Holcombe, CNN 3/2/2022 Russia's attack on Ukraine has caused international outrage, and people around the world are feeling the stress and fear of watching the violence and wondering what will come next. That includes your children. With so many images of violence and so few answers, your kids likely are aware of the fighting even if it's far away -- and they are probably terrified.
Climate change and mental health: Expert tips on how to cope James Kingsland 2/21/2022 Extreme weather events, such as droughts, heatwaves, wildfires, and floods, have a clear impact on the mental well-being of the people who experience them. However, the persistent anxiety about the future of life on our planet can also take its toll. In this Special Feature, we explore not only the direct effects of climate change on mental health but also the importance of building resilience and turning “eco-anxiety” into action.
How Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Helped Remake the Literary Canon David Remnick 2/19/2022 The scholar has changed the way Black authors get read and the way Black history gets told.
At Trans- And Asian-Owned Han Training Gym, Members Find Inclusive Space ‘Where It’s Safe To Be Your Whole, Radical Self’ Jake Wittich 2/17/2022 Owner and personal trainer Minky Kim founded the Northalsted gym to create strength training programs that align with their values of radically dismantling white supremacy, queer- and transphobia, fatphobia, ableism and classism.
New Zealand just became the latest country to outlaw conversion therapy Rachel Treisman 2/16/2022 Lawmakers in New Zealand have passed in a near-unaninimous vote a bill banning conversion therapy, the dangerous and discredited practice that seek to change or suppress a person's sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.
New research maps wealth gaps in Chicago and Cook County Charmaine Runes 2/9/2022 A typical household’s wealth in the richest part of the Chicago area is 206 times that in the poorest area, according to the Urban Institute.
As anti-Semitism grows, so does its dangers to everyone. Here's how you can fight against it Ryan Bergeron 2/4/2022 Vlad Khaykin directs the Anti-Defamation League's programs on anti-Semitism. For him, it's personal.
New Map Shows Pollution Near Your Kid’s School — And Confirms Latino Neighborhoods Are Hit The Hardest Amy Qin 1/25/2022 An interactive map published by researchers at UIC allows residents to find out what sources of pollution are near their schools and homes.