COMPETENCY 3- Human Rights and Justice

Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice

Advancing human rights, social justice, economic justice, and environmental justice are critical aspects of an effective social worker.  As an advanced social worker, the rights of all of my clients are important, regardless of difference. I will strive to advance human rights by advocating for safety, freedom, equality, privacy, adequate health care, health equity, education, and a standard of living. I will ensure that my clients feel safe and heard, while promoting autonomy. I will utilize research to understand the aspects of oppression and discrimination as well as designing and implementing social action strategies to meet client needs. I will develop knowledge and skills to engage in practice that effectively advocates justice and equality for all. 

PRACTICE BEHAVIORS:

3a: Demonstrate leadership in advocating for human rights, social, economic, and environmental justice.

Academic Evidence: In the course Advanced Social Policy, I wrote a paper with my colleagues that included a literature review and media campaign which criticized (cognitive level: Evaluation) and demonstrated leadership in advocating to repeal the Tennessee Protest Law (HB8005). Highlighted in the Policy and Advocacy Action Plan are issues surrounding racism, police brutality against protesters, and voter suppression. Through this Policy and Advocacy Action plan, I collaborated with my group in advocating for human rights, social, economic, and environmental justice. I demonstrated (cognitive level: analysis) the NASW core values of the importance of service, social justice, dignity and worth of a person, and competence.

Field Evidence: During my time at the City of Refuge, I was able to identify the population at the City of Refuge and formulate (cognitive level: synthesis) a document which integrated grant opportunities from several resources. This City of Refuge Grant Opportunities document compiles information including grant names, websites, applications, and general information on the grant. Ultimately, this document assisted the City of Refuge in advocating for marginalized populations and health equity in Dalton, GA.

Other Evidence:  I was additionally asked to attend (affective level: receiving) several workshops on grant writing to enhance my ability to advocate for marginalized populations served at the City of Refuge. This is documented in my Sonia Monthly Field Journal for November.

3b: Design and implement social action strategies

Academic Evidence: In the course Advanced Social Policy, I wrote a paper with my colleagues that included a literature review and media campaign which advocated to repeal HB8005 Tennessee Protest Law. Within the Policy and Advocacy Action Plan there are social action strategies including the formation of a coalition of volunteers and organizations. A main goal of the coalition was to  raise awareness about the racial discrimination, voter suppression, and abuse of protestor’s rights which were highlighted in HB8005. This literature review and media campaign helped me understand how to create advocacy plans and social action strategies. I demonstrated the NASW values of social justice, dignity and worth of a person, and competence.

Field Evidence:  In the field, I have the opportunity to assist with designing and implementing a program focusing on health and well-being for all despite socio-economic status in the Dalton community. In the  Grant Program Summary and the Uphill Wellness and Workforce Development Program Proposal Plan social action strategies are highlighted. One strategy includes advocating for at risk youth and education on holistic health and wellness by educating the general public.  Another strategy outlined is partnering with community resources such as schools, primary care offices, and churches.