Social workers have a comprehensive understanding of diversity and its implications on society, as well as on individuals’ experiences. They are cognizant of the variety of characteristics and beliefs that make up unique identities. Although social workers see the beauty in what makes humans different, they also recognize the challenges that those in minority groups face. They possess an understanding of how diversity results in some possessing greater power and privilege, while others encounter poverty, oppression, and alienation. Social workers are able to comprehend how the structure of society contributes to discrimination and marginalization of people who exhibit differences. Being competent in diversity enables social workers to make greater impacts when working with communities and individuals.
2A – Develop and implement strategies that strive to eradicate discrimination in any form.
While taking Advanced Program Development, I helped my group design a program to serve LatinX and Hispanic high-school students in Dalton, Georgia, who have been impacted by second-hand trauma. Together my group and I wrote Generational Trauma Psychoeducational Groups Paper describing the program in detail. The program consisted of psychoeducational groups. Although the group content was not solely focused on addressing discrimination, this is certainly a topic that the psychoeducational groups covered. Furthermore, the program in its entirety was designed to empower a population that often faces discrimination. The theoretical foundation that was utilized for this was the Social Learning Theory, which affirmed the use of groups since educating has been shown to be effective through example and social interaction. In order to create this program, I created literature review in which I increased my knowledge of the challenges faced by this population. I also had to use knowledge regarding how to assess a setting and develop a program in order to eradicate discrimination. The values of social justice and the dignity and worth of the individual were especially present in developing a program in order to eliminate discrimination.
2B – Implement evidence-based and culturally-informed strategies with diverse populations.
In order to address discrimination in field, I created a handout that addresses discrimination and distributed it to those in the groups that I facilitate. In one group, the lesson plan included activities and discussion questions created to help educate the group on what discrimination is, how to respond to it in an appropriate way, and what it is not. The groups consisted of a variety of genders, sexual orientations, and ethnicities and needed to be presented in a way to meet each different population represented. After facilitating the group, I took time to write down my reflections on how the group went.
In light of the affective process, I believe that I am on the level of responding. I have more to learn regarding discrimination and the most effective ways of responding to it. When it comes to the cognitive process, I believe that I am at the level of applying. Although I do not have a thorough understanding, I was able to prepare a fact sheet and integrate the topic into the groups that I facilitate. I had to utilize my critical thinking skills to gather information and present it in an understandable and creative way.