ABOUT THIS YEAR’S CONFERENCE
We have seen the very best & the very worst of humankind over the past 2 years. The world has grappled with immense trauma, grief & loss on an unimaginable scale, while the struggle to achieve well-being for children & families across all communities goes on. The absence of true diversity, equity, inclusion & social justice continues to impact communities of color disproportionately. Yes, we have made some—mostly limited—progress, but so much more remains to be accomplished. We have been challenged to change our ways & innovate: to keep what is working, eliminate what is harmful, & build upon what can be improved. So…what have we learned? Where do we go from here? What comes next?
CMHACY’s vision for our 42nd annual conference is to explore how the events of 2020 & beyond have impacted the well-being of children & families, particularly in communities of color, & to come away with a plan to improve access to resources & to promote diversity, equity, inclusion & social justice, so that ALL children & families can live safe, healthy, & productive lives.