Our Values

Anti-Oppression: We are committed to dismantling oppressive systems, promoting equity, and advocating for the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their background, identity, or lived experiences.

Our dedication to anti-oppression drives us to challenge systemic biases, privilege, and discrimination in every aspect of our work. We actively strive to create a workplace and a world where everyone can thrive, free from oppression and prejudice.

Anti-Racism: We are unwavering in our commitment to actively confront and eradicate racism in all its forms, acknowledging that it harms individuals, communities, and society as a whole.

Our anti-racism stance goes beyond mere words; it is reflected in our policies, practices, and the way we engage with the world. We are dedicated to being allies, advocates, and catalysts for lasting change.

Equality: We strive for a society where every person, regardless of their background, has equal access to opportunities, resources, and rights.

Our dedication to equality means promoting fairness, justice, and equal treatment for all. We work tirelessly to break down systemic barriers and create pathways for everyone to reach their full potential.

Inclusivity: We actively seek to include, embrace, and value diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences to foster innovation and growth.

Inclusivity is not a buzzword for us; it's a fundamental principle. We are committed to creating spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging and where the richness of diversity is harnessed for the benefit of all.

Safety: We prioritize the physical, emotional, and psychological safety of all individuals, striving to create environments where everyone can express themselves without fear of harm or discrimination.

Safety is paramount in our commitment to anti-oppression, liberty, and anti-racism. We work diligently to provide spaces where individuals can thrive, free from threats, violence, or prejudice, and where their well-being is safeguarded at all times.

Liberty: We value individual and collective freedom, recognizing that true liberty requires the removal of systemic barriers that limit access to opportunities and resources.

At our core, we believe that liberty means the freedom to be one's authentic self without fear or discrimination. We are committed to fostering an environment where diverse perspectives are celebrated, and voices are heard.

Empowerment: We empower individuals and communities to advocate for themselves, amplify their voices, and drive change.

Empowerment is at the heart of our mission. We provide the tools, resources, and support needed for individuals and communities to take control of their destinies and shape a more equitable future.

Transparency: We operate with openness and honesty, fostering trust and accountability in all our interactions.

Transparency is the cornerstone of our commitment to anti-oppression and anti-racism. We are dedicated to sharing information, acknowledging our mistakes, and learning from our experiences to continuously improve.

Collaboration: We believe in the power of collective action and working in collaboration that we put it in our name.

We actively seek partnerships and alliances to amplify our impact and address complex issues that require a united front.

Continuous Learning: We are dedicated to ongoing education and self-reflection, recognizing that our journey toward anti-oppression, liberty, and anti-racism is never-ending.

We embrace a growth mindset, acknowledging that learning is a lifelong journey. We continuously seek to expand our understanding, challenge our assumptions, and adapt our practices to align with our values.

Compassion: We approach our work with empathy, care, and a deep commitment to understanding the experiences and needs of others.

Compassion is the driving force behind our values. It guides our actions, motivates our efforts, and reminds us of the humanity that connects us all.

These values and descriptions serve as the foundation of our organization, guiding our actions and decisions as we strive for a more just, inclusive, and equitable world.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) 

 At the Colorado Social Work Collaborative, we are steadfast in our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. We recognize that the journey towards fostering a more equitable and inclusive mental health environment requires dedication and ongoing effort. Our commitment is unwavering, and we pledge to advocate for and support the following marginalized and oppressed groups:

• People of Color: We stand in solidarity with individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, acknowledging the systemic discrimination and racial disparities they have faced.

• Black and African American Communities: We are committed to addressing the specific challenges and injustices faced by Black and African American individuals.

• Indigenous Peoples: We recognize the historical and ongoing impact of colonization and discrimination on Indigenous communities in Colorado, the United States, and around the world. We vow to be allies in this journey.

• LGBTQ+ Community: We embrace individuals with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions, affirming their right to mental health care that is free from discrimination.

• People with Disabilities: We strive to create an inclusive environment that acknowledges the unique needs of individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, sensory, or developmental disabilities.

• Immigrant and Refugee Communities: We acknowledge the unique challenges faced by immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, including language and cultural barriers, and we are dedicated to addressing them.

• Religious and Faith Communities: We respect the diverse beliefs and practices of various religious and faith groups and affirm their right to culturally competent mental health care.

• Women and Gender Minorities: We actively challenge gender-based discrimination and are dedicated to addressing disparities in mental health care.

• Reproductive Rights: We stand for individuals' autonomy over their reproductive choices, including access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care.

• Socioeconomic and Socioeducational Backgrounds: We understand the impact of socioeconomic disparities, lack of access to education, and economic disparities on mental health and commit to breaking down these barriers.

• Aged Populations: We acknowledge the unique needs of older adults, who may face isolation and mental health challenges, and are dedicated to providing support.

• Mental Health Stigma: We work tirelessly to challenge the stigma associated with seeking mental health care, providing a welcoming and nonjudgmental environment.

• Intersectional Identities: We understand that individuals may belong to multiple marginalized groups and pledge to address their unique experiences with sensitivity and empathy.

Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice is at the core of our practice. We aim to create a safe, affirming, and accessible space for everyone, where respect, dignity, fairness, and the right to make choices about one's own body are paramount. We recognize that fostering a more equitable world is an ongoing journey, and we are committed to continuous learning, self-reflection, and improvement in alignment with our values