Integrity, respect, accountability, diversity and inclusiveness are our shared values at AFN. Everybody counts every day. Our members are diverse and committed to caring for vulnerable, whether victim or offender. We take pride in living these values and we are all hurting, along with our communities and the country. AFN Statement to members:
Racism and objectification of personhood fueled the hate that murdered George Floyd. It is not only tragic, but unacceptable. The other recent killings of Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery confirm a disturbing pattern of systemic racism. AFN proposes to create an intentional focus on the ethics and values we espouse, underwritten by ANA Ethics with Interpretive Statements and the US Constitution that supports dissent, but not destruction and is tolerant of all views, giving voice and choice in a diverse membership. Unfortunately, increasing stress from COVID-19, unemployment during the pandemic, and continued destruction of financial lives highlights the systemic health disparities in African American and other populations of color. We cannot say anything that will heal the deep pain and fear in our unique communities, we can be part of the solution. First our members must have the difficult conversations that help us recognize injustice and racism, actively and purposefully pursuing liberty for all. Implementing MLK’s words, AFN supports the building of organizational character, full of integrity, respect, accountability, diversity and inclusiveness every day. AFN Members be vigilant! Do not let your concern subside. ...and for AFN members, your BOD encourages you to be the difference for positive change valuing all human beings in all their forms in all communities. Otherwise, no peace is possible.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28402827/?from_term=racism&from_pos=13
The Impact of Racism on Child and Adolescent Health.
Trent M, Dooley DG, Dougé J; SECTION ON ADOLESCENT HEALTH; COUNCIL ON COMMUNITY PEDIATRICS; COMMITTEE ON ADOLESCENCE.Pediatrics. 2019 Aug;144(2):e20191765. doi: 10.1542/peds.2019-1765.
I personally committed to a serious and honest introspective of my own lens (being a white US female). Because my own lens will see based on my perspectives, I cannot trust it to see from a POC's lived experiences.
Because of this, I have been reaching out to my friends who look different from me, who have had different experiences from me, and asked them to be really honest so I can be the best ally to change.
I have taken the time to listen and work on being a better listener. I have work to do and have committed to continue to speak up and speak out when I see wrongs.
Will you share what you've done personally or professionally? I'm listening and learning...
- Sheri
I agree 100 % ! WE ARE ALL OF THE HUMAN RACE !
As an organization we collectively need to talk about this and recognize the violence that is being fueled in our communities. To be silent is to condone the violence and hostile rhetoric. Lets be part of the solution!