Cultural Diversity in Collaborative Practice There has never been a time when learning to live together with those of different backgrounds and experiences is more important, or more urgent. This is so around the world, and truly, it is not enough to learn to live together, or to tolerate each other. We must learn to understand each other, and build community with each other, if we are to survive. One of the things I love about the Collaborative community is that it is full of people who see the critical importance of learning to connect and communicate across difference, and who dedicate their careers and their energy to that work. There is also a growing awareness in the Collaborative community that some of that work needs to be done within the community – in our organizations, in our practice groups, and in our own hearts. I have heard over and over again Collaborative professionals wondering why the profession, and the clientele, is not more diverse and representative of the communities we serve. IACP’s staff and board believe that this is an important conversation, and we have made a commitment to carrying it forward, starting with a look in the mirror. As an early step in this process, we invited Dr. Theopia Jackson, a psychologist who is an expert in Black psychology, families of color, and helping communities address racism, to lead a PFI at this year’s Forum, and to give the annual Stu Webb Plenary Lecture. Dr. Jackson was joined in the Plenary by IACP Board Treasurer Anne Lucas, a mental health professional and experienced Collaborative practitioner. These two friends and colleagues, a Black woman and a white woman, offered us the gift of witnessing an honest, intimate, and forthright conversation between them about race – on stage in front of several hundred people! |
