Diversity and differences are recognized by social workers as experiences that shape and form our identities. Social workers recognize that there is a wide variety of differences among, culture, age, color, class, disability, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, class, marital status, immigration status, political views, race, religion/spirituality, as well as others. Social workers strive to understand and learn that these differences may be accompanied by oppression, poverty, marginalization, privilege, power, alienation as well as acclaim. The forms and mechanics of oppression and discrimination are understood by social workers who recognize that these cultural structures and values may marginalize or created privilege for certain individuals. Social Workers:

• apply and communicate an understanding of the importance of diversity and difference in shaping life experiences in practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels;
• present themselves as learners and engage clients and constituencies as experts of their own experiences; and
• apply self-awareness and self-regulation to manage the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse clients and constituencies.

Field Evidence:

Working in a hospice home allowed me to work and interact with many individuals from different backgrounds and beliefs. I had the opportunity to develop and design a survey for staff and volunteers of Welcome Home of Chattanooga to take. This allowed me to learn more about the many differences that make Welcome Home one big family. I also had the opportunity to visit and build relationships with multiple agencies in the Chattanooga area to understand what they do and what services they provide. These agencies included Metropolitan Ministries, the Aim Center, the Samaritan Center, the Community Kitchen, and the Homeless Health Clinic.

    

Academic Evidence:

While taking Human Behavior in the Social Environment I was able to write a biopsychosocial paper about myself and my own development. This allowed me to become self-aware of the way I was raised and how I developed as an individual. During my Junior Practicum class, I had the opportunity to do an Organizational Assessment Presentation on a local agency here in Chattanooga Tennesee: La Paz.