Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice
Advanced practicing social workers are to implement evidence-based strategies that are intended to empower the client. In other words, we are to eradicate discrimination in all forms by removing barriers that prevent humanity from advancing to a just society. Regardless of where the need is, community, state, or federal, advanced practicing social workers can demonstrate the ability to advocate for human rights. Our goal is to not be stagnant on injustices, but to continue our growth in understanding what social, racial, economic, and environmental justice really is. Advanced practicing social workers can advocate for injustice and advance humanity in any micro, mezzo, macro setting.
Practice Behaviors
2.1 – Demonstrate leadership in developing and implementing evidence-based practice with relevant strategies that advance human rights at the individual, family, group, organizational, community, research, and policy levels;
Field Evidence: I demonstrated leadership by addressing a challenging situation within the Department of Corrections and Community Services. The incarcerated individuals were to be kept in their cells all day due to the absence of Correction Officers that prevented them from escorting the incarcerated individuals to their programming and supervising at the school. I took the initiative to create and distribute packets that provided brain stimulation and entertainment to the incarcerated individuals while being confined to their cells. I briefly documented my actions in Week 2 of my December Monthly Journal. By proactively developing and implementing these strategies, I was able to support the well-being of the incarcerated individual and advocated for the human rights of these individuals in a sensitive manner that did not overstep the correctional officers. This was also what sparked the idea for my special project.
2.2 – Implement culturally-informed strategies with diverse populations.
Course Evidence: In SOCW-609, Advanced Social Policy, I actively implemented culturally-informed strategies with diverse populations through the development of an Comprehensive Policy/Advocacy Action Plan. The advocacy plan focused on the social issue of incarcerated individuals not receiving adequate mental health services while being incarcerated in the state of Tennessee. The plan includes a theoretical framework, research, brand and support mapping, coalition members, a media campaign, and strategies to raise awareness and promote change. By tailoring the advocacy plan to address the specific needs and cultural contexts of diverse populations affected by this issue, This plan aims to create a more inclusive and effective approach to advocating for improved mental health services within the county jail system.