Competency 3: Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 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:
a. demonstrate anti-racist and anti-oppressive social work practice at the individual, family, group, organizational, community, research, and policy levels; and
b. 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.
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Engaging in Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in practice means actively challenging systemic inequalities, embracing diversity, and advocating for equitable treatment for all individuals. It involves fostering inclusive environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or other identities. I look forward to building genuine connections with people from different backgrounds, and to gain an understanding that goes beyond surface-level interactions. I am committed to confronting the complexities of systemic inequities, navigating power dynamics, and advocating for the voices that are often silenced by societal norms. My guide is my dedication to continuous learning, cultural humility, and unwavering commitment to social justice. In my practice, I aim to incorporate these principles into meaningful connections, acknowledging and addressing any discomfort that may arise from challenging established norms. I commit to staying informed about current social issues and continuously enhancing my skills through ongoing education and training. I will actively listen to the needs of those I serve, advocating for their rights and promoting their well-being through tailored interventions and support systems. Additionally, I will engage in community outreach efforts to bridge divides, foster understanding, and promote collaborative solutions to systemic challenges. Through these efforts, I aim to create meaningful change and contribute to building a more equitable and inclusive society.
Evidences:
Case Presentation
Integrative Seminar II Socw-442-A
I led a small-group discussion in my class, utilizing a client case from my field experience while ensuring confidentiality by removing identifying information. I facilitated collaborative problem-solving among peers, focusing on trauma-informed practice, gathering feedback, accessing research, and supporting each member’s practicum experience to meet established goals. My performance was evaluated based on preparation, facilitation skills, and achieving the objectives of processing the case scenario effectively.
This assignment deepened my understanding of trauma-informed generalist social work practice by leading a discussion and presenting a case from my field experience. The case I presented on was about a student I worked with that was someone I would not consider an outcast or who did not fit into society. This student was a white male who fit societal standards of attractiveness and had access to some of the highest privileges a person can have. However, this student showed me how potential undiagnosed mental health struggles and unmedicated ADHD can make someone become an outcast and be excluded from activities and experiences, even if they have certain privileges. I struggled when presenting about this student because his case was so difficult to address. The class suggested different interventions that could potentially help, but his case was difficult for them to address as well. Diverse clients have helped me understand that diversity can look different than what we might assume. This experience furthered my ability to gather evidence and support ethical, culturally competent practice by teaching me that diversity and being culturally competent goes beyond the traditional ideas of what these phrases might mean to someone like me.
In order to emphasize the value of diversity, equality, and inclusion (ADEI) in social work practice, I chose this project. I wanted to show how different clients might provide insightful information about the nuances of cultural competency and ethical behavior by presenting a scenario that questions conventional beliefs about privilege and social norms. Also, by collaborating to solve issues with colleagues from various backgrounds, I aimed at highlighting the importance of incorporating other viewpoints into trauma-informed care. This assignment gave me the chance to think more deeply about the larger effects of diversity in social work settings in along with helping me better comprehend trauma-informed approaches. This experience helped me to realize that ADEI demands a deeper comprehension of rather than just surface-level factors.
ADEI Presentation
Practicum, presented to colleagues
I developed a PowerPoint presentation on the importance of diversity and inclusion in student advising. This was done in front of my peers in my practicum to address ADEI in the office where we work. The content covered points of diversity, challenges faced by diverse student populations, and strategies for advisors to create an inclusive environment that supports every student’s success.
This presentation gave me a deeper understanding of the importance of fostering an inclusive environment. I learned practical strategies such as actively listening to students from diverse backgrounds and incorporating their perspectives into advising sessions. I developed the ability to facilitate open discussions about sensitive topics and create inclusive spaces where all students feel valued and supported in achieving their academic goals. The positive reception of this presentation by my peers highlighted its effectiveness and my mastery in this area.
Missions Presentation
Presented to College students, and Elementary Students
I made a presentation discussing my missionary experience in Denmark , and there are slides where I share my personal experience in seeing racism in Denmark.
This assignment provided me with a platform to reflect on and articulate my observations of racism in Denmark, contributing to my understanding of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) principles. Through preparing the presentation, I deepened my knowledge of systemic racism and its manifestations in different cultural contexts. Additionally, it enhanced my skills in effectively communicating sensitive topics and engaging with diverse perspectives.
I chose this assignment as evidence for my competency in engaging ADEI principles in practice because it demonstrated my ability to recognize and address racism in real-world contexts. By incorporating discussions of racism into my missionary presentation, I actively engaged with ADEI principles and demonstrated a commitment to challenging systemic inequalities. This assignment helped me develop mastery of this competence by providing an opportunity to apply ADEI principles in a practical setting and facilitating meaningful dialogue around issues of racism and social justice. Through this experience, I furthered my ability to advocate for equity and inclusion, contributing to my effectiveness as a future social work professional.
Competency Three
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