As a member of the Association of Multicultural Counseling and Development (AMCD) I share their stance and goals regarding diversity, equity and inclusion. Human diversity is vast and should be recognized as such and human societies are multicultural and will continue to be more so as we embrace a global experience in our societies. These differences should be honored, explored, and experienced in a wholesome and inquisitive way. Address and promote personal, professional, and political reform to enhance development, human rights, and psychological health of all people inclusive of ethnicity, race, and backgrounds. To develop, and foster interest in scientific and educational programs designed to further the interests of marginalized populations.
In my program, I made certain to always include multicultural inclusive sections in all projects, research, and reports paying special attention to areas of intersectionality. This brings to my attention areas that may not appear relevant to a white male. By broadening my experiences to the importance of others, I gain a sensitivity to these issues and ultimately more questions than answers. As a former science teacher, I promote the development of more questions as it leads to better understanding of the human experience. I will not ever know everything, but the knowledge that I do not is far better than the belief that I do.
Through my work, personal experiences, and theoretical framework I help build and foster a relationship that values the visible and invisible qualities that define a client. It is my experience that helps me to understand that I do not need to know everything about a culture or group of people, but it is important to understand how aspects of human society impact the individual.
My work with the LGBTQ+ community includes a middle school Gay Straight Alliance activity and club celebrating the diversity and normalcy of the individuals. I have participated in Pride events and celebrations. I promote and use inclusive language and advocate the acceptance of such terminology and the impacts words make and have on individuals and groups. I taught at a high FIT, Title I middle school and the impacts of my actions affected so many students, many of which never sat in my classroom. I keep the same traits in the counseling room and in my personal life.
As a cis-gender, heterosexual, white male it is important for me to understand and use my privilege in the promotion of the human condition. Human society, especially American society, affects everyone, but it does not affect everyone equally. Fighting through differences in treatment and recognizing the struggles is challenging but it is a worthwhile endeavor in the promotion of individual and societal mental health.