The members of the Mid-Atlantic Region executive board are making personal commitments toward creating positive changes for our region.
“We, the members of the MAR-AMTA Executive Board, acknowledge and apologize for the harm that we have caused and continue to cause by prioritizing the comfort of white, cis, abled, and allistic music therapists over historically marginalized music therapists, students, and stakeholders…We recognize the importance of being accountable and responsible for the implementation of change within MAR and look forward to hearing from the community throughout this process….”
MAR Statement in Response to AMTA Apology
The full MAR statement can be found here: MAR Statement in response to AMTA Apology
AMTA Code of Ethics
AMTA’s Code of Ethics lists eight core values as “Kindness, 2. Social Responsibility, 3. Dignity/Respect, 4. Equality, 5. Accountability, 6. Excellence, 7. Integrity, and 8. Courage”
According to the AMTA Code of Ethics, music therapists must:
- 1.1 provide quality client care regardless of the client’s race, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, ethnic or national origin, disability, health status, socioeconomic status, marital status, or political affiliation.
- 1.2 identify and recognize their personal biases, avoiding discrimination in relationships with clients, colleagues, and others in all settings.
- 2.3 be aware and accepting of client’s individual factors and cultural differences in the treatment process.
AMTA Code of Ethics can be accessed here: https://www.musictherapy.org/about/ethics/
Affinity Groups for Music Therapists
- Black Music Therapy Network
- Latin American Music Therapy Network
- Music Therapists of Color
- Asian Music Therapy Network-US
- LGBTQIA2+ Music Therapy Affinity Group (closed to allies)
- Disabled Music Therapists Collective
- South Asian Music Therapy Network
- SWANA
- Chinese Music Therapy Network
- Cantonese Music Therapy Network
- Malaysian Music Therapists Association
- Trans and Non-binary MT group
- Jewish Music Therapists
- LGBTQ and Allies FB group
Community Resources
We will be working to compile a list of community resources directly related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Anti-racism, and Anti-oppressive practice that will be provided here.
Anti-Oppressive Accountability Ad-Hoc Committee
The Anti-Oppressive Accountability Ad-hoc committee was formed in October 2020 and given the following charge:
“Review and examine the oppressive structures that perpetuate harm to historically and systemically marginalized stakeholders of the region, explore alternative organizational structures, and present initial findings to the board.”
The full AOAA report and more information on the committee can be accessed here: Anti-Oppressive Accountability Ad-Hoc Report