Dear Community,

The changing of seasons marks the nearing end of the fall academic semester. However, the recent court cases amplify why activism especially in social work can support change in local and global communities. It also mirrors the challenging complexities of social work education in the classroom, field, administrative departments, and the Silver community. As an educator, the work by Nathaniel Mary Quinn, NYU Tisch alumni, and artist, inspires me to explore the challenges and opportunities in my work.  In his recent exhibition, Not Far From Home; Still Far Away, Nathaniel visualizes his work through the lens of empathy and vulnerability as he shares his deep love of Black humanity. His work examines the distortions of humanity and personhood of what we see and what is unseen. He offers his reflection of his understanding of self and others. Without the ability to self-reflect, we limit our connection to humanity. Therefore, my work must engage in activism through advocacy for criminal justice reform, political action, public education, and policy development. Together, we can make the conscious decision to be proactive in the practice of social work activism. 

Likewise, let us mark and celebrate Native American Heritage Month, Diwali, and Hanukkah this November.  Let us create and share space for the collective memories of Indigenous people, the religious celebration of knowledge over ignorance, and the remembrance of the loss of lives, freedom, and the systemic oppression of BIPOC communities.  Let us continue to bring humility and activism into our work as we recommit to our most solemn professional principles of respect for the dignity and worth of people and communities. As the seasons change, let it serve as a reminder for community care as we heal, repair, learn, and strengthen our human interactions together.

Sincerely,

Richeleen Dashield
Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

How, when, and to whom are we communicating important information? Are we only communicating when it is easy or also when it is not?

On October 21, during NYU Alumni and Parents Weekend, the Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Richeleen Dashield gave a presentation on Silver’s DEI Framework. The presentation served as a transparent update for remote members of the community showing the initiatives, workgroups and committees, and activities meant to further infuse the principles of DEI within the school. Have a look at what our committees have been discussing by reading the most recent minutes from our community planning meetings and Social Justice Praxis Committee.

How are we following through on our responsibility to antiracism? What actions are we taking to ensure all members of the Silver community are protected against bias?

Our Real Conversations series continues on December 10 at 4:00 PM with Cultivating Joy and Play as a Form of Resistance. So often, the weight of racism and institutionalized change is shouldered by BIPOC individuals. In this session, we want to help BIPOC students think through ways of unburdening themselves of the work of antiracism and making room to prioritize their own needs through joy and self-care. Though these circles are intended for BIPOC students, we encourage all students to listen to the Spotify playlists curated by Peer Advocates Aadya Bhatia and Gerri Connaught. 

How are we holding each other accountable for antiracism?

How are we creating an environment for healing and working together? Are we resisting isolation and allowing ourselves to be seen?

Whether you are a faculty, student, alum, administrator, and staff, everyone has a role in advancing global inclusion, diversity, belonging, equity, and access. The BeTogether Ambassadors program coordinated by the NYU Office of Global Inclusion (OGI) provides a framework for those seeking more opportunities to transform our campus. Join to receive the latest updates and guidance for how to take action to create globally connected inclusive communities. Applications are open now and will close on December 17.

The Silver Linings Podcast, recently created by Sejal Mehta (MSW ‘22), focuses on the power of hope within the social work field. The first episode featured Dr. Kirk “Jae” James and the second episode featured Ebonee Mears (MSW ‘20). Silver Linings will continue to air every other Monday on @WNYU Radio’s Soundcloud platform at 12pm.

Kirpa Singh, a first-year MSW student and second generation Indian-American from California, has been practicing social work for five years, and published a mental health novel in May of 2021. Her book, Reality Check, is a fictional story about an Indian-American high schooler named Priya who is diagnosed with Schizophrenia and must learn to navigate reality after living in a fantasy. At the start of her senior year, Priya is tasked with the seemingly impossible goal of navigating school while balancing her mental illness. As the struggles of teenage life become overwhelming, can Priya manage to stay in reality, or will she fall back into fantasy?

Join us for a conversation with the NYU Center for Global Spiritual Life on the benefits of mindfulness, meditation, and integrating a continuum of care into our well-being practices. This training empowers you to utilize tools for self-regulation to foster curiosity, empathy, connection, and groundedness in your daily life.

We have developed a list of resources to support and stand in solidarity with the East Asian, South Asian, Southeast Asian, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian students, faculty, staff, and local communities. Check out the full list here.

If you have antiracism resources you would like to share for the next edition of the newsletter we have limited spots available. Please email silver.DEI@nyu.edu with the subject "DEI Newsletter Submission."