J.E.D.I. is Social Work

J.E.D.I IS SOCIAL WORK

J.E.D.I. (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) is Social Work is an initiative that seeks to cultivate a community of practice within the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Social Work that advances a culture and climate based on these guiding principles.

J.E.D.I. is Social Work recognizes that Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are not just a part of the work but rather, it IS the work. It is more than what we teach in the classrooms: it is the way we speak to each other; it is the way we work together; it is the way we learn and grow together. More importantly, we know that it will take all of us to build the community that we want.

Our school is on a journey to LIBERATION. We aim to foster COMMUNITY, center HEALING, and build a sense of BELONGING. We aim to AFFIRM our communities' identities and experiences, while honoring everyone’s HUMANITY. We aim to ensure ACCESS and EQUITY for all!

J.E.D.I. Principles:

UMB’s School of Social Work is a community dedicated to preparing the next generation of Social Workers and promoting social justice. Our school is filled with students, faculty, and staff from all walks of life and that are dedicated to making this a place that is safe, affirming and celebrates everyone.

The UMB SSW J.E.D.I. Principles shares our core values and invites all of us to work toward the community we wall want to be a part of.

  • ACCESS

    We believe that access is a commitment to eliminating barriers to ensure that everyone in our community has equal and equitable opportunities to engage and thrive in all that our school as to offer. Access not only maximizes our community members ability to grow, but also expands the impact they have on the organizations and communities that they serve.

    Download Access Poster

  • AFFIRMING

    We believe that affirming is about creating a climate where peoples beliefs, cultures, identities, and languages are valid and celebrated. We know that affirming each other will not only foster a sense of safety and belonging in our community but it will also make sure that everyone is comfortable expressing their authentic selves without fear of rejection or marginalization.

    Download Affirming Poster

  • ANTI-OPPRESSION

    We believe that anti-oppression is about identifying and challenging policies, procedures, and systems that make it difficult for our communities to be inclusive and equitable. With honesty and courage, we seek to recognize oppressive systems in order to reduce its impact and rebalance power. We know that oppression operates on multiple levels, including individual and institutional, which means it is up to us to stay vigilant in our approaches.

    Download Anti-Oppression Poster

  • ANTI-RACISM

    We believe that anti-racism is not only naming and identifying racist behaviors and systems, but also advocating for changes at every level of our life, including socially and politically. We know that addressing injustices and supporting anti-racist policies is the first step to making our community safe for people of all races!

    Download Anti-Racism Poster

  • BELONGING

    We believe that a sense of belonging is important to making our community a space of self-expression and discovery. It means cultivating a feeling of acceptance, safety, and support so people can show up as their authentic selves. It is not just about being a part of the community, but about building trust and creating intentional connections that bring people together and honor the power and diversity of our community!

    Download Belonging Poster

  • COMMUNITY

    We believe that community is more than a passive space that everyone exists in, but rather an active space based on common goals, attitudes, and interest. It’s a space that respects and celebrates our differences, while challenging our perspectives. It requires that we are listening to each other and giving something of ourselves. Our community is forever evolving to ensure it’s a space for self-expression, self-discovery, and safety.

    Download Community Poster

  • DECOLONIZE

    We believe that decolonization is one of the most important things we must do in order to make our community more equitable and just. Decolonization is about unlearning beliefs, values, and ideologies that have caused harm through colonization. It’s about confronting racists and oppressive systems that uphold the harmful tenets of white supremacy and shifting power structures to ensure that marginalized communities thrive.

    Download Decolonize Poster

  • EQUITY

    We believe that equity is about promoting fair and just policies and practices that ensure everyone in our community can succeed. It's about acknowledging and addressing historical and situational barriers that have created an unfair playing field and removing them. We seek to ensure fair treatment, equality of opportunity, and fairness in access to information and resources for all!

    Download Equity Poster

  • HEALING

    We believe that healing is a necessary part of anti-oppression work. The effects of discrimination, racism, sexism, and other systems of oppression are all around us, but we also know that challenging these systems can be laborious and stressful. Therefore, it is important that we take time and space to rest, recuperate, and heal from the trauma of experiencing and fighting systemic injustice.

    Download Healing Poster

  • HUMANITY

    We believe that our humanity is what connects us to each other. Regardless of our race, sex, gender, or religion, we know that we have the right to respect in the spaces we share. Only through mutual respect, acknowledging our differences, and understanding one another can we evolve and create a community and society that benefits us all.

    Download Humanity Poster

  • INCLUSION

    We believe that inclusion is creating an environment where people’s differences are embraced, respected, and valued. Inclusion is not just about feeling a part of the community, but about being an active participant that contributes in meaningful and beneficial ways so everyone can reach their highest potential.

    Download Inclusion Poster

  • JUSTICE

    We believe that justice is about what is right and fair. It means that people have equal access to opportunities and aren’t treated differently because of the color of their skin, or where they were born. Justice is about interrogating our unfair systems, correcting them, and putting measures in place to ensure they are fair for all. We know that by making our community diverse, equitable, and inclusive, we are getting closer to a society that is just for everyone.

    Download Justice Poster

  • LIBERATION

    We believe in liberation for all people because it is the outcome that connects us. Liberation is about us releasing the chains that bind us to our current world so we can create the world that we want. Our journey to liberation is both personal and bound to one another, thus it is important for us to define what it means for all of us. As we build our way to a more equitable society, we know that liberation is our ultimate outcome!

    Download Liberation Poster

As we work to cultivate a social work community where everyone can thrive, we invite you to join us in signing this pledge to demonstrate your commitment to taking action in cultivating a J.E.D.I. community.

Click here to sign the J.E.D.I. Pledge

Everyone has a role in cultivating a J.E.D.I. culture here at the SSW. 

Here is how to get started:

  1. SIGN the J.E.D.I. Pledge 
  2. DOWNLOAD a J.E.D.I. Poster to display in your classroom, office, or other space 
  3. LEARN about ODEI’s Strategic Priorities 
  4. READ our monthly DEI Newsletter 

LEARN 

  1. REVIEW the Anti-Racism Resources 
  2. PARTICIPATE in the L.E.A.D. (Leading for Equity, Anti-Racism, and Diversity) Institute 
  3. ATTEND a training sponsored by the DEIC, ODEI, or the Intercultural Center 
  4. DEI Job Description

REFLECT 

  1. ATTEND an Affinity Space 
  2. PARTNER with an accountability peer to support your anti-racist and anti-oppressive practices 

ACT 

  1. SUPPORT the Book Lending Program 
  2. JOIN the next DEIC (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee) Meeting 
  3. SUBMIT an article to our DEI Newsletter by emailing Julia.Scott@ssw.umaryland.edu 

J.E.D.I. is Social Work Social Media

Do you want to share how you’re making the SSW Community more Just, Equitable, Diverse, and Inclusive?

Make sure to use the hashtags #JEDIisSocialWork and #JEDICommunity when you share on social media!!

 

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