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        Preamble:

        During the Psychedelic Integration Conference at Esalen in March of 2019, about 25 attendees met to explore how we can stand for equity and inclusion in the psychedelic movement. We were inspired to do so in response to the familiar realization that a disproportionate number of White people were in attendance, including most of us, and the speakers and panelists were all White and mainly men. While we value the contributions of these men, we also know that this movement belongs to and is informed by a cultural and gender diversity not often reflected at mainstream psychedelic conferences and gatherings. Indeed, the contemporary psychedelic movement is indebted to and informed by the stewardship of indigenous traditions across the globe who have carried these practices forward for centuries.  

        Recognizing our privilege to be present that week, and in honor of those who weren’t, we gathered our hearts and minds to vision our values of equity and inclusion into actionable steps for ourselves and the psychedelic movement as we’d like to see it; particularly in the face of the imminent mainstreaming of psychedelics in society. 

        The following statement and strategic outline are first steps towards a larger vision. It has been developed by a sub-committee of those who met during the breakout panel that was graciously added to the agenda by co-producers Dream Mullick and Allan Badiner, and signed by additional attendees and allies. Our intention was to seize the opportunity we have to leverage our privilege to build the world we want to see. We are inviting others to leverage their privilege as well; whether the nature of that privilege is in terms of gender, class, Whiteness, or the privilege to speak up without fear of persecution. The following plan of action still exists within, and is therefore complicit in, reinforcing systems of oppression. As such, it is imperative that we engage simultaneously in work to envision systems and ways of being that are inherently just and generative for all.

        We invite you to stand for any and all of the components outlined below that are in alignment with your values, and to join us in committing to their practice and development. 

        Statement:

        Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to our wholeness and, therefore, to our wellness. Our liberty is bound together; no one is free until each of us is free. When we say “equity” and “inclusion”, we are talking about the meaningful representation, participation, and leadership of, and benefit to, historically underrepresented identities in categories such as race, class, gender, sexual orientation, ability, and beyond. 

        We have work to do to become an inclusive, and therefore whole, community as the psychedelic movement goes mainstream. Our capacity to integrate the teachings that we receive from psychedelic medicines is essential to maintaining the integrity and sanctity of their gifts. The classic psychedelic visions of oneness, interconnectedness, and harmony with all life lead to the natural conclusion that equity is essential for all humans to thrive. If we recognize the power and value in the diversity of human experience and the ultimate dignity of all life on earth, then our movement must reflect that from the inside out.  

        Equity and inclusion mean that Black, Latinx, Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, LGBTQIA+, documented and undocumented immigrants, people with disabilities, and women are proportionately (in numbers that reflect the general U.S. population) represented:

        1. At conferences and events as attendees, speakers, presenters, and facilitators.
        2. In leadership positions and on the boards of organizations.
        3. As clinicians, researchers, writers, and teachers in the psychedelic field.
        4. In having sufficient funding for access to treatment and clinical training.
        5. In having equitable access to training in business and organizational development, leadership, and fundraising.

        To do this we must:

        1. Leverage our positions when asked to speak at conferences to foster accountability around equity and inclusion practices. For inspiration, see the Students for Sensible Drug Policy’s Event Participation Guidelines.
        2. Support scholarships for individuals from underrepresented communities to attend conferences and trainings.
        3. Support scholarships for clinical treatment.
        4. Support the development and use of a database of researchers, clinicians, and presenters of color that conference organizers can use as a resource. See database initiated recently by Chacruna here.
        5. Develop and support trainings and organizations that have as part of their mission to capacitate people from underrepresented communities in the areas of psychedelic therapy and research, leadership, fundraising, and business management. 
        6. Cultivate our self-awareness and relational capacities in ways that help us to counter unconscious bias and privilege, and work actively towards building systems of anti-oppression.
        7. Strive to increase the cultural attunement of those in the community, especially therapists and those in leadership positions.
        8. Work to ensure that messages and information are delivered in a culturally relevant and respectful way.
        9. Recognize that efforts to increase diverse representation are often limited to the inclusion of women and LGBTQIA+ populations, and ensure that Black, Latinx, and Native representation is our priority. 
        10. Engage in additional practices, such as those outlined in “13 Steps for Promoting Access and Inclusion in Psychedelic Science” 

        We recognize that this statement is valuable only so far as it functions to motivate clear and direct action towards measurable change. We commit to further clarifying strategies and benchmarks to achieve these goals, holding each other accountable as we move forward in the movement, and evaluating progress on an annual basis. 

        If you would like to have your name or organization added to this list, have additional ideas, feedback, or would like to get involved in moving any piece of this vision and strategy forward, please email: [email protected].

        Full NameTitleAffiliation
        Jessica KatzmanClinical PsychologistHealing Realms
        James Henry, MDPsychiatrist Sage Integrative Health; Karunava.org
        Alex BelserPsychologistYale University, New York University
        Jae Sevelius, PhDPsychologistUniversity of California, San Francisco
        Kile Ortigo, PhDPsychologist Center for Existential Exploration
        Harvey Schwartz, Ph.D.Psychologist Polaris Insight Center
        Gregory Wells, PhDPsychologistPolaris Insight Center
        Sara OuimetteLicensed Psychotherapist 
        German Ascani, MDPsychiatrist Evolve Mind Wellness
        Anna ErmakovaConservation ScientistImperial College London
        Jim Matto-Shepard PhDPsychologistTemenos Center for Integrative Psychotherapy
        Felicia Matto-Shepard, MFTMarriage and Family TherapistTemenos Center for Integrative Psychotherapy
        Angie Leek, LMFT/LPCLMFT/LPCHolos Counseling
        Jeff LeiferSocial ArchitectCircadian Labs
        Christina Ingenito, LCSWPsychotherapistTemenos Center for Integrative Psychotherapy
        Brooke Balliett, LMFT Psychotherapist California Center for Psychedelic Therapy 
        Megan Rundel PhDPsychologist  
        Anne Wagner, PhDClinical PsychologistRemedy, Ryerson University
        Julie Holland, MDPsychiatrist  
        Heather Valdez, LCSWClinical Social WorkerSage Integrative Health; Sage Institute
        Kristine Panik, MDPsychiatrist University of California, Berkeley
        Emma Stamm, PhD Cand.PhD Candidate in Cultural and Social ThoughtVirginia Tech
        Stella Lefevre, Psy.DPsychologist 
        Darrick May, MDPsychiatrist  
        Ian-Michael HebertMA Integral Counseling PsychologyHolos Global
        Andrew Penn, NPPsychiatric Nurse Practitioner/Associate Clinical ProfessorUniversity of San Francisco, School of Nursing
        Hannah McLane, MD, MA, MPHPhysician and PsychoanalystSoundMind Center, Philadelphia
        Mike MargoliesFounderPsychedelic Seminars
        Gisele Fernandes, MFTPsychotherapist and ProfessorCIIS
        Shirelle NobleOperations and Strategy Auryn Project
        Will Barone, Psy.DClinical Psychologist, Researcher 
        Carl Spitzer, MDPhysicianTemenos Center for Integrative Psychotherapy
        Scott Shannon, MDPsychiatrist University of Colorado, PRATI
        Susan Williams, MFTJungian Analyst/ MFTAffiliate: Sage Integrative Health/Sage Institute
        Wendy Feng, MDPsychiatrist  
        Jennifer C. Jones, PhD, LCSWChief Diversity & Inclusion Off. & Psychotherapist/Clinical Supervisor & Gestalt Training FacultySoundMind Center, Philadelphia, PA & Philadelphia FIGHT & Gestalt Training Institute of Philadelphia
        Jason Sienknecht, LPC CAC IILicensed PsychotherapistWholeness Center, PRATI
        Dustin Robert Dippen MDPsychiatristHummingbird Psychiatry
        Marcela Ot’alora GLicensed PsychotherapistMAPS, Aguazul-Bluewater Inc
        Bruce D PoulterResearcherMAPS, Aguazul-Bluewater, Inc
        Allan BadinerWriter, Conference ConvenerPsychedelic Solutions
        Irina Alexander, AMFTTherapist Sage Institute
        Alex Yale, MDResearcherPRATI
        Rob Colbert, MA, PhDCo-FounderThe Nowak Society, The Psychedelic Research and Training Institute (PRATI)
        Shannon Hughes, MSW, PhDCo-FounderThe Nowak Society, An Enduring Love, The Psychedelic Research and Training Institute (PRATI)
        Emily Williams, MDPsychiatrist University of California, San Francisco and California Institute of Integral Studies
        Lauren (Lilo) Fishbein, MA, RPCo-FounderThe Nowak Society
        Katie KlumbBoard SecretaryThe Nowak Society
        Nathan BloodsworthCo-founderThe Nowak Society
        Dylan Rivard, LPCVolunteer CoordinatorThe Nowak Society
        Stephen Thomas, MSWClinical Social WorkThe Nowak Society, The Psychedelic Research and Training Institute (PRATI)
        Valeria McCarroll, MFTMarriage and Family Therapist 
        Sandra Fortson, MSW, LCSWLicensed Clinical Social WorkerThe Psychedelic Research and Training Institute
        Camille BartonDiversity & Inclusion ConsultantMAPS Advisory Council, RE:GENERATE
        Jamilah R. George, M.Div.Clinical Psychology PhD Candidate; MAPS MDMA TherapistUniversity of Connecticut
        Brianna Bendixsen, MAResearcher, PsychotherapistWholeness Center, The Psychedelic Research and Training Institute (PRATI)
        Allison Feduccia, PhDSenior Clinical Data Scientist, Co-Founder and DirectorMAPS Public Benefit Corporation, Psychedelic.Support, Project New Day
        Chris Stauffer, MDPsychiatric ResearcherVeterans Affairs Medical Center; UCSF
        Meghan Kennedy, LCSW, CPTRTherapist, Co-founderSana Healing Collective – Chicago
        Jamie HarvieExecutive Director and FounderInstitute for a Sustainable Future, Commons Health , PRATI 
        Brian Anderson, MDPsychiatristUniversity of California, San Francisco
        Greg KearnsFounderForth Road Health
        Vilmarie Fraguada Narloch, PsyDPsychologist, Co-FounderPsychedelic Safety, Support, and Integration – Chicago; Sana Healing Collective 
        Chad DoeFounderMaia PBC
        Delara ChizariPhD Candidate in NeuroscienceHarvard University
        Karen Peoples, PhDPsychologist/PsychoanalystMAPS MDMA-Assisted Psychotherapy, UCSF
        Gibrán X. RiveraGuide & FacilitatorEvolutionary Leadership, LLC
        Bennet A. Zelner, PhDProfessor and Adviser University of Maryland and Transformative Capital Institute 
        Danielle M. Herrera, AMFTPsychotherapistSage Institute for Psychedelic Psychotherapy, Harm Reduction Therapy Center
        Phil Wolfson MDPsychiatrist/PsychotherapistThe Ketamine Research Foundation
        Karen M. Cooper, RNResearch Nurse, Clinical Sub-InvestigatorWholeness Center, The Psychedelic Research and Training Institute (PRATI)
        Mareesa StertzFilmmaker/Conference Organizer/ProgramminPsychedelic Leadership summits, The Healing Powers, The Aware Project
        Michael GosneyPublisher, event producerSynergetic Press Associate Publisher, Communitas.Zone network co-founder
        Sarah ScheldTraining and Supervision AssociateMAPS Public Benefit Corporation
        Maria Mangini, PhDFNPF H Lucido MD
        Daniel ShankinFounderMt. Tam Psychedelic Integration
        Danielle NegrinExecutive DirectorSan Francisco Psychedelic Society
        Kyle Buller, MSCo-Founder Psychedelics Today 
        Marta Kaczmarczyk Coordinator and Facilitator
        Riverstyx Foundation Philanthropy mushroom, peyote, ayahuasca, coca, toad, poppy
        Andrea Rosati, MD, PhD Psychiatrist University of California, San Francisco
        Denise Renye PsyD Clinical Psychologist, Sexologist, Yoga Therapist Whole Person Integration, Inc.
        Timothy Crespi, LPC, CADC Therapist Somatic Center Portland
        Erica Heartsong, RN Registered Nurse Esoterica Meditations
        Stefana Morgan, MD Psychiatrist University of California, San Francisco / Queerdome
        Brad Burge Director of Strategic Communications Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies
        Andrew Rose Mindfulness Teacher and Programming Director MINDSPACE
        Rachel Aidan, PhD Cand. Co-Owner/Director of Operations Synthesis
        Derek Rubinstein Clinical Psychologist
        Students for Sensible Drug Policy
        Betty Aldworth Executive Director SSDP
        Julie Barron, MA, LPC Therapist, Founder/President Transpersonal Michigan-Ann Arbor/ Michigan Psychedelic Society
        Laura Vetrano MA, LPC, EDMR II, Brainspotting Practitioner PRATI
        Richard Tyo Registered Psychotherapist Outside the Box Education and Psychotherapy
        Tessa Levine Therapist in Training Graduate Student Association for Psychedelic Studies
        Rebecca Rothberg Therapist in Training Graduate Student Association for Psychedelic Studies
        Brian Peacock Therapist in Training Graduate Student Association for Psychedelic Studies
        Madrone Love Therapist in Training Graduate Student Association for Psychedelic Studies
        Kelan Thomas, PharmD, MS Psychiatric Pharmacist and Associate Professor Touro University California; UCSF
        Fede Menapace Strategy and Operations
        Mitsuaki Chi Founder Psilocybin foundation, Truffles therapy, Tripsitters
        Leti Passemier Founder Psilocybin foundation, Truffles therapy, Tripsitters
        Jessica Nielson, PhD Assistant Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at the University of Minnesota Founder and Board of Directors for the Psychedelic Society of Minnesota
        Brian Pilecki, Ph.D Clinical Psychologist Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, & Training Center
        Dream MullickProducer, WriterPsychedelic Solutions
        Jason Luoma, Ph.D. Clinical psychologist/researcher Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, & Training Center
        Laura Riley, LPC Licensed Therapist Somatic Center Portland
        Sara Gael Director of Harm Reduction, Zendo Project Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS)
        Eleonora MolnarPsychetherapistED of WVC Canada
        Sam ChapmanCampaign ManagerHealing Advocacy Fund
        Bob OtisSacred Garden Community
        Lucia Huangosmind
        Ana HolubMA
        Paul CosulichMA
        Julia LehrmanLSCW, RYT
        Jonalyn BlahaPsy. D.
        Emma KnightonMA, LMHC, RYT
        Ron McNutt
        Shannon DwyerPMHNP, BCHelios Psychiatry
        Kimberly ZeszutekMA, LPC, NCCFiltering Light Consulting
        Leia FriedmanMS
        Emily CribasPhd CandidateIntercollegiate Psychedelics Network (IPN)
        Matthew HicksND, MSSynaptic Integrative Health and Training Institute
        Gabrielle Agin-LiebesPhdUniversity of California, San Francisco
        Nathaniel PutnamLSCW
        Courtney WatsonLMFT, CSTDoorway Therapeudic Services
        Kenneth J. BrenimanLCSW
        Connie MageeMS Ed. LMT
        Elizabeth ConeLCSW PsycotherapistRiverbird Clinic
        Anthony BackMDUniversity of Washington
        Sara Reed M.S., LMFTCEO | Mind’s iHealth Solutions, Inc.
        Hailey GilmoreClinical Trial LeaderMAPS Public Benefit Corporation
        Christi MyersMS, EMT-PFounder, CEO Flow Integrative
        Jim WindusLMHC
        Jessica L. ArmstrongPh.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist The Head and The Heart Psychotherapy Center A.P.C.
        Dr. Yaqui A. Martínez-Robles Existential Therapist and Founder. (Círculo de Estudios en Terapia Existencial (México and Colombia))
        Keli YergerLicensed Marriage & Family Therapist, AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist

        Art by Mariom Luna.


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