Social Workers have a responsibility to advance social, economic, and environmental justice at all times, not when it is convenient. The primary objective of the profession is to promote equality, even if it comes at the price of encroaching on someone’s comfort level. By leading equity initiatives, social workers are demonstrating a commitment to their family, friends, community, and country.
How social workers advance human rights is by using their voice within their spheres of influence and remaining abreast of social issues. In order to be informed on issues relevant to the population served, the social worker must assess what is most important to their client base, how the information will impact the population, and what the outcome will be if change is enacted. As social workers mature mentally and emotionally, they will find that advocacy and social work go hand in hand.
Practice Behaviors
3A. Demonstrate leadership in advocating for human rights, social, economic and environmental justice
During the first semester of the program, two peers and I decided to tackle the policies behind bill HR 507: Put Trafficking Victims First Act. In this assignment we were tasked with conducting a literature review in addition to creating a ‘fast fact’ sheet that explained the bill, current deficits in the delivery of services, and our proposed change. We designed an organization targeted at providing trafficking victims with prolonged mental and medical care in Chattanooga. We called it: Eyes and Ears Chattanooga.
On April 1 I attended a live interview with my field instructor, the purpose of the interview being to discuss the challenges faced by college students during the pandemic. Prior to the interview I conducted a brief literature review on positive mental health practices in regards to depression, isolation, and the coronavirus/quarantine. I addressed healthy practices for young adults to remain in contact with one another, setting simple routines to retain some sense of normalcy, and talking to mental health professionals when needed. The interview can be found on Instagram, the promotional picture can be found here.
3B. Design and implement social action strategies
Social media is a powerful tool when used correctly. It can be a voice for marginalized communities, elevate struggles and successes of diverse people, and can open a discussion into topics such as mental health and personal wellbeing. In January of 2020, I had the opportunity to run a 30 day social media campaign for my second internship, Suspire, in which topics of mental health were covered. The content can be found under #Suspire30DayChallenge on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
