05/31/2020
The statement from the American Music Therapy Association shared in its entirety below reflects the feelings and perspectives of staff at Music Therapy Services, LLC. We stand as allies with POC and reject racism in any form. We are here to listen and hold space for you.
“AMTA Stands Against Racism and Hate
May 31, 2020 03:39 PM
From the AMTA Board of Directors to the Music Therapy Community in the Twin Cities and Across the United States
In response to recent acts of violence and social injustice against Black people in Minneapolis and across the country, AMTA condemns historic and ongoing forms of racism that permeate our society and institutions. We are heartbroken that this is happening.
We stand against racism and hate in all its forms and acknowledge the trauma that repeated violence against people of color causes. We uphold kindness, social responsibility, dignity and respect, equality, accountability, excellence, integrity, and courage as our core values and recognize that we have a responsibility to uphold these values.
As we strive to do better, AMTA leadership acknowledges that we must be serious about examining our own biases individually, in our work, and in organizational structures. It is beyond time to give voice in support of our colleagues, students, and service users of color as we endeavor to embody the core values and principles of our aspirational Code of Ethics.
We recognize the important work and advocacy of our colleagues in The Black Music Therapy Network. To learn more about their work, click here. We encourage you to review statements of solidarity made by the Mid-Atlantic Region Cultural Humility, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion (CHADI) Committee (link and resources) and the Asian Music Therapy Network - U.S. (link and resources). These statements also contain resources to offer assistance or expand your awareness of racial injustice.”
The American Music Therapy Association is a resource and organization dedicated to professional music therapists. Benefits gained from using music as a tool include help educating, reducing stress, and improve the general quality of life.
