Competency 3: Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice
Social workers understand how racism and oppression shape human experiences and how these two constructs influence practice at the individual, family, group, organizational, and community levels and in policy and research. Social workers understand the pervasive impact of White supremacy and privilege and use their knowledge, awareness, and skills to engage in anti-racist practice. Social workers understand how diversity and intersectionality shape human experiences and identity development and affect equity and inclusion. The dimensions of diversity are understood as the intersectionality of factors including but not limited to age, caste, class, color, culture, disability and ability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, generational status, immigration status, legal status, marital status, political ideology, race, nationality, religion and spirituality, sex, sexual orientation, and tribal sovereign status. Social workers understand that this intersectionality means that a person’s life experiences may include oppression, poverty, marginalization, and alienation as well as privilege and power. Social workers understand the societal and historical roots of social and racial injustices and the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination. Social workers understand cultural humility and recognize the extent to which a culture’s structures and values, including social, economic, political, racial, technological, and cultural exclusions, may create privilege and power resulting in systemic oppression.
Social workers:
- demonstrate anti-racist and anti-oppressive social work practice at the individual, family, group, organizational, community, research, and policy levels; and
- demonstrate cultural humility by applying critical reflection, self-awareness, and self regulation to manage the influence of bias, power, privilege, and values in working with clients and constituencies, acknowledging them as experts of their own lived experiences.
To help ensure that all groups are equally involved in social work practice, competency 3 enforces working against racism, promoting diversity, ensuring fairness, and making sure everyone is included in social work practice. Social workers should aim to eliminate discrimination, advocate for equal opportunities, and create environments where everyone is treated fairly. This competency challenges me to expand my knowledge on the discrimination that is taking place around me through personal research and through practice so I can further advocate for justice and equity. I am committed to continue practicing this competency by creating a just and inclusive environment for my clients that improves their wellbeing. An example of this is participating in Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) meetings through my organization where we discuss client cases to ensure that their cases are being treated fairly, ethically, and equally. I will also treat all my clients equally no matter their race, gender, sexuality, age, etc. I am committed to advance diversity in my practice as well as advocate for any clients that are not being treated fairly or equally.
During the school years I engaged in a variety of activities that helped me develop mastery of this competence. I have completed assignments that have helped me in my development of competency three and have practiced competency three in my practicum setting.
School Work: Development of an Organization
This assignment is for my Social Work Practice with Organizations and Communities class. As a class, we developed a pseudo-organization to promote literacy in educational systems for minority students at Orchard Knob Elementary School. The primary goal of EmpowerED, our class-created organization, was to address systemic inequities faced by minority children of diverse racial, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. We also examined disparities in resources, support, and access to quality education for these groups. Other goals included improving literacy rates and reading comprehension, as well as finding the best resources for teachers, developing training to teach the learning tools, partnering with parents and the community to improve the at-home learning process, and providing appropriate and appealing literature in school libraries to increase interest in reading for students. Our vision was to provide students of diverse cultural backgrounds with equal access to education and learning regardless of socio-economic status, race, gender, or ethnicity. This assignment helped me see the disparities that minority children in Hamilton county, TN face and the challenges created by this inequity. This assignment allowed me to apply my academic knowledge to create practical solutions. Even though it was only a classroom exercise, the study allowed me to experience the process of advocating for equity in education so that all children have the opportunity to learn in a setting free of discrimination.
Field: SART Meetings
Participating in a Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) meeting during my internship was an eye-opening experience which allowed me to collaborate with a varied group of professionals. Representatives from the DA’s office, law enforcement, sexual assault nurse examiners, and advocates regularly met to review Partnership’s sexual assault cases for the month. My role was to discuss my client’s cases and offer insights for assessment to ensure that our approach provided inclusive care. Working alongside professionals from various fields taught me the crucial role collaboration plays in meeting the needs of sexual assault survivors. We discuss ideas and create support for the unique circumstances of each survivor. This approach embodies the principles of equity and inclusion, ensuring that survivors receive assistance suited to their individual situations. Integrating principles of ADEI into practice demands continuous reflection and learning. Through my involvement in SART meetings, I had the chance to examine my own biases and learn from the experiences and perspectives of my colleagues. I believe this reflective practice has strengthened my ability to provide inclusive and equitable care, ensuring that survivors receive the support they need and deserve.
Other Evidences: Tabling Event
I did a tabling event for my internship at Clifton Hills Elementary School for an event called Celebracion de Las Colinas. We had brochures for Partnership and were able to talk to different families about the services that Partnership can provide. This event allowed me to reach out to minority families in the community and provide them with important resources for themselves or loved ones who may be struggling with domestic violence or sexual assault. Through my involvement in this event, I gained knowledge about the importance of reaching out to minority families and communities to provide them with essential resources and support. I also developed communication skills by engaging with people and discussing sensitive topics such as domestic violence and sexual assault. The event allowed me to recognize and address systemic barriers so I could advocate for equitable treatment and support for these individuals, regardless of their background or identity.