Updates from the Social Justice Branch, as of August 2023:

History of the Social Justice Branch

• In October of 2022, the Board created the Social Justice Branch (SJB) to continue the work started by The Anti-Racism Task Force (ART) and expand its focus to include issues of importance to our members, including social justice, anti-racism, and LGBTQ+ concerns.

• In October of 2022, ART began facilitating a discussion group for the Executive Committee on the book White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard For White People To Talk About Race? By Robin DiAngelo. The book group was continued by the SJB and was completed in June of 2023.

• In October of 2022, the Branch began the search and interviewing process for a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) consultant.

• In January of 2023, the board voted to hire Melanie Hood-Wilson & Associates (MHWA) for phase one of work on a DEI plan.

• In April of 2023, GWSCSW hosted a Town Hall meeting, open to all members, facilitated by MHWA. Members were invited to share their thoughts on what is working, what could be better, and ideas for the future direction of the Society.

• In June of 2023, MHWA submitted a Needs Assessment report based on a survey that was sent to all members and interviews with current members and past members who have recently left the society.

• Currently, GWSCSW is in the process of entering phase two of work with MHWA, which will involve implementing recommendations from the Needs Assessment report, including a communications plan.

• In the coming months, GWSCSW will host a second Town Hall Meeting open to all members, to discuss the upheaval from the hall, and provide the opportunity for all members to view and discuss the Needs Assessment Report.