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Hi Everyone,
As the Gallaudet University protest gains momentum,
so does attention shift toward issues of social
justice, the collective good, and leadership in the
Deaf community. All of these are at the heart of the
protest. For many of us, they hold personal meaning
as well.
Watching the protest unfold and our community’s
response, we are struck by the power of the shared
experience of oppression. Not only does it unite so
many of us in the Deaf community, it also connects
us to the larger world, reminding us that we are not
alone in our experience of oppression, nor are we
alone in our dream of achieving social justice in our
community.
This month, we share with you ASC’s open letter
related to the protest. Although the letter is
addressed to our mental health colleagues, its
message applies to professionals in other fields, as
well as anyone struggling with issues of neutrality.
We also include two articles, one about the collective
good and another about true leadership.
All our best,
Candace and Sharon
| Thought of the Month |
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If we are facing in the right direction, all we
have to
do is keep on walking.
— Buddhist Saying
To Live This Thought:
When you feel
strongly about something, stand up and make every
action count. Each step you take, no matter how
small, will bring you closer to your goal. Talk with
someone about your dream, write a letter, spend an
hour working with others who share your vision.
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| Collective Good: The Greater Cause |
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With all that takes place in our lives, it can
sometimes be easy to overlook the fact that we're
part of something greater than ourselves-a collective
consciousness, the Universe, a greater cause.
Because of our tendency to forget this, we might
make decisions in our lives that don't reflect that
responsibility that comes with this belonging. All too
often, we focus just on the short-term, tangible gain
to ourselves without worrying about its
consequences. Other times, we may discard the
greater cause because it seems like "hard work."
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| Supporting and Inspiring: True Leadership |
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When we call someone a leader, what we sometimes
mean is that they are the best in their particular
field; they are inspiring because of how much they
accomplish. To be highly accomplished is impressive,
but that isn't what leadership is about. True leaders
are not just high achievers; they also support the
people around them to achieve, and, in certain
cases, to become leaders themselves.
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Hiding Behind the Mask of Professionalism |
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Like many people in the Deaf community, the
Gallaudet University protest weighs heavily in our
hearts today, as we are sure it does in yours,
whether or not you have taken a public stand. As
Deaf-centered psychotherapists and alumnae of
Gallaudet University, we cannot sit back on the
couch in silence, hiding behind a mask of
professionalism, while grave social justice issues are
at stake.
Find out more....
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