Connecting with Providers, Community and Youth During the Holidays
November is here... the weather is changing, the smell of baking fills the house, the clocks will “fall forward”, and for some the sweaters are coming out! This is a season of storytelling and sharing of culture and traditions. There are several opportunities that lead families, friends and communities together to recognize the value in togetherness.
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) November 1-2
This is a time of reconnecting spiritually and memorializing loved ones who have passed on (deceased). Some of you may have noticed the beautiful sugar skull paintings, candles and pictures of loved ones who have passed on. This artistic memorial is recognized by the Hispanic/Latine/x community. This holiday is rooted in Mexico and celebrated among those of Mexican heritage in the US and around the world for the last 3,000 years! Despite the timing of Halloween, there is no connection between the holidays. In fact, they are vastly different, Halloween is a night of costume, candy and maybe a little fright and food.
Veterans Day- November 11th
It is another significant day that honors those who have served in the US Armed Forces. It is important to recognize with a head nod, smile or a “Thank you for your service: to the brave parents, children, grandparents, friends, neighbors and coworkers that sacrificed and dedicated their lives to serve our country.
Thanksgiving Day- fourth Thursday of the month
This is the celebration of American, a time of gathering of friends and family to share food, space for many. In some homes, there may even be a tv blaring the football games in competition with someone snoring on a couch somewhere, not to mention the prep for the largest shopping frenzy of the year! This day is not celebrated by all, as it is also recognized as a reminder of genocide of millions, theft of land, violence, and colonization on the indigenous Native Americans. Some recognize this day as the birth of systemic racism. Be creative, decide within your family, community, or workplace what you want to call this day of gathering together!
How can you support and connect with your community this month:
Ask questions. If you see a picture of a sugar skull or picture of a loved one who has passed on or served in the military, be available to listen. It is a wonderful way to learn more about what/who is important to your colleagues, friends, etc. Offer support or a listening ear.
Learn. Take time to read about the specifics, roots and even changes in how this time of the year impacts individuals and systems. This can help us to do our part to prevent further harm, be a part of a healing process for some and practice inclusion to recognize a person's whole self.
Gathering. Each celebration mentioned above emphasizes a sense of gathering and recognition. We understand that the pandemic has had a tremendous impact on the ability to gather safely. We have seen the world tap into creativity using virtual platforms to promote safe lunch dates, hospital visits and day-to-day conversations. While others are practicing in-person safe distance celebrations such as drive by birthday parades, walks and outdoor eating! Let’s to commit to adding these topics to discussions, check-in and even meeting intros!
Why is it important to recognize and understand the history and meaning of the holidays celebrated within our community?
Well, I am glad you asked, and the answer is easy... because we are Better Together! The paradigm shift of inclusion can lead to a more diverse healing centered and holistic approach to overall family wellbeing. Practicing what you learned can also help to bridge linguistic gaps that reinforce exclusion, racism (or racist phrases such as scalping references, “bottom of the totem pole”, etc.) and perpetuation of harmful systemic approaches to serving people.
The Child Welfare system impacts all race/ethnicity/genders. However, we also recognize that the same system disproportionately impacts indigenous, black, and brown children more than other children/families.
Trauma informed decisions, placement and care of children should include supporting their individual heritage and cultural beliefs instead of practicing a one-size fits all systemic approach. We recognize that children are without placement (CWOP), removed from their home/culture/community, adjusting in another home or center during this time is critical. In addition to considering the state of mind of the parents without their children who may have also been victims of violence/abuse or systemic racism leading to more challenges at the intersection of child welfare.
This is an opportunity to look at court orders, multi-disciplinary agency policies and community engagement efforts. Imagine spaces where we say, “Is there anyone who has passed away that you would like to honor on Día de los Muertos or celebrate Veterans Day” or even “What traditions do you have that you would like to do or yummy foods to eat on Thanksgiving?” We must act on every opportunity to have conversations about how the pandemic has also affected visitations, or even taken lives of the people we care about.
Today, Mental Health during the holidays in addition to the tri-pandemic of COVID, racism and violence/abuse are on the rise. The National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that 64% of people with mental Illness report holidays make their conditions worse. Stressors are higher than ever!
How can we create an ecosystem of support to encompass all the unique needs?? Glad you asked... Join us at the Mission Capital Child Welfare Convening on November 12, 2021!