An Open Letter to Our Community
     
    As an association that is rooted in the collaboration and work of art therapists the communities in which we serve inherently affect us. As a community we have experienced difficulties with connection that parallel current events, which has led us to the point we are today.
     
    During the election process at the end of last year two candidates for president –elect shared their discomfort with the elections and recognized a disparity of power within the organization. As of this letter your 2016 IATA board has opted not to internally elect a president-elect yet.
     
    With these changes we have felt a call to intense reflection, investigation, and humility. This includes a close look at us within the system, as well as an open dialogue with the community.
     
    Your board is committed to undergoing anti-oppression training this year as a start to reflection and as a follow up with the community we have opened up this anonymous form on our website for questions, comments, stories, etc…
     
    In addition to this we will be hosting town hall meetings. These town hall meetings will function as a discussion regarding changing the leadership structure of IATA while also considering systemic issues related to privilege and marginalization in the art therapy community.
     
    These town hall meetings are also intended to reach out and rebuild community through shared experiences and to brainstorm a shared vision for an inclusive system.
     
    Town hall #1:
    May 12, 2016
    7:00-9:00pm
    NEIU El Centro Campus
    3390 North Avondale Avenue
    Chicago, IL
     
    Town hall # 2:
    May 22, 2016
    3:00-5:00pm
    4440 West 95th Street
    Oak Lawn, IL 60614
    ***Art Making and Board meeting to follow from 5-7
     
    Town hall #3:
    TBA
     

    Please use the space below to share feedback with IATA in the form of questions, comments, stories, etc...