Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice

To “Engage in diversity and  difference in practice” is integral to my professional outlook of social work. I believe that the social work core values of “competence” and “dignity and worth of the individual” are fundamental to the competency of diversity and difference. I must be competent about diverse populations in order to be an effective social worker, but above all, I must view myself as a learner about them and their background and conduct myself with clients accordingly. Additionally related to diversity in practice, is the core value that all individuals are worthy of dignity. It is my mission to treat all clients with dignity, regardless of their position or background. This is what it means to be a social worker who is proficient in the competency of diversity and difference in practice.

Develop and Implement Strategies that Strive to Eradicate Discrimination in any Form

Field: I attended an online webinar that discussed how other colleges strive to eliminate disability discrimination on their campuses and the steps that they have taken to be an accessible campus. I discussed the information with my supervisor and journaled about it.

I attended a Transition Fair that was a good example of working towards eradicating the discrimination of disabled individuals in school. In Disability Access, we make sure that students get the accommodations that they need, and that the faculty on campus are held to the appropriate standards of non-discrimination as set by the ADA. I journaled about my experience in ALCEA.

Class: In my Integrative seminar class, we learned about different ways in which diversity of religion and culture play a role in social work practice. As a demonstration of my understanding of the role that diversity plays in social work, I co-wrote a paper for this class titled Integration of Faith and the Social Work Practice.

Other: I participated in an anti-discrimination initiative started by the Dalton State Diversity Coordinator in which we attempted to combat verbal discrimination through written messages of encouragement and inclusion that were posted on students’ doors in the residence halls.

Implement Evidenced-Based and Culturally-Informed Strategies with Diverse Populations

Field:I attended an Autism Conference in order to learn more about how I can support students with Autism on Dalton State’s campus. I then implemented what I learned when interacting with students and staff at my intership

Class: During my summer emphasis course, I had the opportunity to participate in a policy advocacy activity with a nonprofit organization called UnifiEd, whose goal is to help ensure every child has equal educational opportunities, regardless of race or socioeconomic status. During the event, we went into the surrounding communities, engaging with a diverse population of stakeholders in order to advocate for educational equality.

Other: I watched a documentary called “13th” that looks at the history of racial incarceration in the United States. I processed what I learned with my supervisor and journaled about it.