Social Justice

ADTA understands the health impact of systemic racism, oppression, disparities, power and privilege. As such, we commit to social justice and dismantling harmful structures and systems of oppression both within our membership Association and in the broader world. We are guided in this work by our professional Code of Ethics and Standards which state, in part: 

6.0 Advocacy and Promotion of Social Justice

Dance/movement therapists promote social justice with a recognition that a just society contributes to individual, family, and community health. (See 2.3. Multicultural Competence)

6.0. a. Dance/movement therapists cultivate awareness of and address oppression and disparities in power and privilege, resulting in barriers to wellness, at individual, institutional, and societal levels. Dance/movement therapists advocate for equitable access to services and culturally competent care.

6.0. b. Dance/movement therapists encourage clients to advocate for their rights to appropriate, competent, and respectful treatment and, with client permission, may initiate advocacy on a particular client’s behalf.

6.0. c. Dance/movement therapists foster respect and support in personal, professional, and public arenas, for those marginalized by mental illness.

Resources
Position Statements