Competency 3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
Introduction: Social Workers are known to be strong advocates for equality and justice for everyone. They have the opportunity to work alongside those whom Governmental systems, society and the world has deemed as undeserving, unfit, or uncooperative. Due to understanding that there are unforeseen circumstances and dead-end situations clients face on a daily basis they work towards helping them locate, become knowledgeable of, and utilize the resources available. As a practitioner I want to uphold the NASW value of social justice by advocating for client’s right to social, economic, and environmental fairness. I believe that even though people’s past and current life point towards certain facts about them, it doesn’t determine their fate.
3.1 – Demonstrate leadership in advocating for human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice
Course Evidence: Social Policy for Children and Families: A Risk and Resilience Perspective by Jeffrey M. Jenson was the required text for my emphasis “concentration” course. One of the chapters I had to complete a reflection summary for discussed policies and programs to address poverty. In my reflection I noted several interesting facts about the toll poverty has on the country over the years, which prompted policies and creation of organizations to address this issue. One specific fact stated, “However, despite all of these programs, many eligible low-income at-risk families are not served” (Jenson & Fraser, 2016, pg. 37). The authors went on to discuss the role of Social Workers to be aware and mindful of gaps in services that may not be as beneficial for clients or barriers to their eligibility and advocate on their behalf for reform.
Additional Evidence: I attended Chattanooga’s International Human Rights Celebration to learn about other organizations that are promoting social justice and leaders spearheading efforts. Attending this event informed me of local partnerships and a way for getting involved on mezzo level. Every person is equal to the next, but for some there is a lack of equity. A group of individuals, neighborhood, communities, or similar focused organizations to stand up for the rights ensures people as a whole are able to have a good quality life. 
3.2 – Design and implement social action strategies
Course Evidence: My group’s idea was to create a community resource center in the heart of Chattanooga. Our organization proposal is set apart because other resource centers provide selective services, while L.I.F.E would have wrap around services for all age groups as well accommodate for diversity and disability. Our program was focused on taking action on a micro level by being conveniently located, offering a wide range of programs, and efforts to minimize gaps in services to benefit the citizens of the community.
Field Evidence: Participated in a community awareness event for prevention of child sex abuse.
Helen Ross McNabb – Child Abuse Prevention Walk at Coolidge Park. Handed out pinwheels to everyone we met informing them of how they can get involved with partner agencies that serve children in the community. This walk around downtown is important because everyone is made aware of their duty to protect and report any suspicion of abuse. Pinwheels were handed out because they are the national symbol for child abuse prevention.