At all levels of Social Work, diversity and difference are encouraged and celebrated. Though they may possess a personal bias, Social Workers are committed to treating clients with respect and courtesy, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, political opinion, or country of origin. Social Workers understand the price of diversity should come at the cost of oppression or hate. We understand the acceptance of all people must be done so through patience and not forced conformity.
Practice Behaviors
- Recognize their understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to advocate for human rights at the individual and system levels.
- Discuss ways to present themselves as learners and engage clients and constituencies as experts of their own experiences.
- Engage in self-awareness and self-regulation to manage the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse clients and constituencies.
Evidence
Academic Experience
In my junior year of the Social Work program I interviewed Diana Kouri in order to learn about her life. Prior to this assignment, I thought I knew all there was to my friend: her family, her personal goals, and where she wanted to be in the future. However, my perception of Diana was changed at the conclusion of our time together. This assignment showed me the importance of listening to the narrative of my peers.
I sat down for an interview with my field instructor for an interview about the integration of faith within social work practice. She gave me insight into how she navigated the workplace, whether it was a Christian or secular setting. From her answers, I gained a better understanding of how I wanted to conduct myself in the future.
Field Experience
In the Fall semester, Dylan and myself had the pleasure of working closely beside the Feed My Sheep Committee. We discussed the way in which the food pantry could be advertised to the surrounding churches in a positive, yet informative way. Together, our team created a poster for Feed My Sheep which highlighted the need for the church’s support, the University’s solution to food insecurity, and how the church could help.