Dear Social Work Community,
As we get ready to celebrate the holiday season with our loved ones, we want to share the joy and warmth of this occasion with you and your family. However, as we come together to cherish the spirit of togetherness and love, we must also acknowledge the unfortunate reality of the ongoing humanitarian crises unfolding across the globe, particularly in Israel and Gaza.
Our hearts are heavy with the loss of innocent lives, including thousands of children, families, and individuals. This crisis compels us to turn our attention and compassion towards those in need, demanding our immediate concern and collective action.
As social workers, we are steadfastly committed to standing against violence and oppression. Our chapter’s solidarity extends to all communities and children impacted by this tragedy, and we fervently advocate for a ceasefire. History has taught us that war is never the solution; it merely begets more suffering. Every child, regardless of their skin complexion, nationality, or geographical location, deserves to grow up in a world free from the shadows of violence and genocide.
In the timeless words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “A social injustice anywhere is a threat to social justice everywhere.” As advocates and social workers, we implore you to engage with your elected congressional representatives, urging them to support a ceasefire. To assist you in this endeavor, we have provided this sample script to amplify our collective voice. Together, we can utilize our collective voices to create the necessary pressure for positive change.
As we celebrate the holidays with our loved ones, let us also take a moment to reflect on the values of peace, justice, and human rights. We must safeguard the rights of our children to thrive in an environment free from violence and despair. Together, we carry the responsibility to foster a just society for all.
May this holiday season strengthen our resolve to make a difference and pave the way for a better future for every individual, regardless of their background or circumstance.
We wish you a peaceful and joyous holiday season.
In solidarity,
Kimberly Warmsley, MSW, LCSW
Executive Director
