Committee on Race, Equity, Accountability & Leadership (REAL) Issues

MISSON

The Race, Equity, Accountability & Leadership (REAL) Committee is dedicated to dismantling racist practices within social work and social work programs and fostering a culture of equity, justice, and empowerment within communities, led by NASW-TX REAL committee members who identify with communities that have been oppressed or marginalized by racist actions. Our mission is to actively challenge systemic racism through education, advocacy, and coalition building. We strive to create inclusive spaces where the voices and experiences of all individuals are valued and uplifted. By promoting accountability and leadership that reflects the diversity of our communities, we aim to create lasting change and ensure that every person receives equitable treatment and opportunities.

Special thanks to the NASW/Texas staff and our champions, Kimberly M. Lauriston, Robin Fay Johnson, Nakia Winfield, Joyce James, Dr. Michele Rountree, Dr. Martell Teasley, Naomi Brown, Mike Manor, Dr. Alan Dettlaff and Sandy Bernabei for your assistance in the creation and/or work of this new committee.

Kimberly Lauriston, LMSW, Co-Founder

Robin Johnson, LMSW, Co-Founder

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Sonya Carson, Ed.D, LCSW-S
Andrietta Gayles, Ed.D, LMSW (she/her)

Elviniecka Carrington (she/her)
Zandra Bernal, UTPB Social Work Student

GET INVOLVED

Anti-racism is an important part of social work ethics and we are glad that we can serve as a resource. REAL is extremely excited and ready to bring more educational opportunities and town halls to social workers across the State of Texas. As we continue strengthening our anti-racist framework as a whole, REAL needs you in order to operate effectively and fulfill our committee’s mission and objectives within our organization. We need strong leadership in several regions.. (Look up your branch and/or region using this map.) If you are interested, please reach out to have assistance in steering a committee within your region or to join us in this opportunity to advocate and educate within our profession!

Time commitment: 5- 15 hours per month

Apply Now!

The REAL Committee is led by members who identify with communities that have been oppressed or marginalized by racist actions. Social workers with white privilege are invited for membership with the REAL committee as allies through listening and learning engagements within the committee.

If you are interested in joining the committee or hosting an event, please contact the REAL committee at real.equitycommittee@gmail.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Coming Soon in 2024: Summer Townhall and NASW Conference REAL presentation

PAST EVENTS

REAL Committee Town Hall "ABC's o Diversity" webinar, July 17, 2024. Watch here!
Social Work Advocacy Day, REAL Race Symposium: “Examining The Racial Impact of Proposed Legislation”, March 6, 2020, Texas Capitol Building
"Social Determinants of Health: The Impact of COVID-19 on Communities of Color", June 7, 2020, Virtual Webinar
Virtual Webinars: "Racial Equity Accountability and Leadership in Social Work Practice during COVID."
- "Racial Equity Accountability and Leadership in Social Work - Impact on Policing" - July 15, 2020
- "Impact on Education" - August 19, 2020
Social Work Advocacy Day, REAL Race Symposium: Structural Racism within Social Work - March 3, 2023

RESOURCE LIST

It is a goal of the REAL committee to provide the tools necessary for social workers to have informed, effective dialogues about race in the US. Social workers, due to our strong ethics and experience working with marginalized populations, should be on the front lines of these critical conversations.

This list is a compilation of resources and recommendations from the community. Some may speak to you, others may not. If you have a recommendation, please email us to submit it.

Download Resource List here.