Letter to the Editor: Latina Social Workers Break Barriers and Shine the Beacon on Irresponsible Firearm Ownership

by Elizabeth Brillon, LCSW

Dear Editor:

     Latina leaders advocating for responsible firearm ownership are worthy of equal access to hoisting the eternal beacon in saving human lives. It is an unpleasant feeling to be constantly treading water, gasping for air, and never reaching the land clearly visible on the horizon. Likewise, for those bystanders on shore attempting to assist actively, it can be a hopeless feeling to constantly call attention to the situation taking place and to be dismissed by those with the resources to rescue their constituency. Latina leaders in the social work profession offer a valuable link to transformative treatment.

     Competent social workers are on the front lines daily, breaking barriers and heralding the message of social justice to our political leaders in good faith. Social workers possess a soft, reasoned voice and the capacity to transition to an assertive, dynamic presentation to speak in concert with the huddled voiceless yearning for progress and equality. Social workers comprise members of marginalized populations, including Latinas trained in leadership advocating for responsible firearm ownership policies to prevent atrocities such as the shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas.

     Marginalized communities continue to be adversely affected by the deleterious effects of irresponsible firearm ownership. This atrocity barrels across the communities affected by profound holistic trauma, reverberating like a devastating earthquake throughout the inadequately funded public systems. In addition, systemic injustice permeates as a barrier to the promotion of critical and intensive support to meet the trauma needs of the survivors and their families.

     This Social Work Month 2023, let us continue to break barriers.

Elizabeth Brillon, LCSW, is a Latina business owner, a full-time doctoral student at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, and the Violence Against Women and Children Track Chair for the Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting. The author welcomes comments at: Elizabeth.Brillon@aribriassociates.com.