SWPS Week 14
mimo_doll
SWPSWeek14.docxPART A
In class this week, we discussed what is referred to as a policy-sensitive practice (see Joining a Tradition of Social Reform for more discussion of this if you like), an absolute bare minimum expected of social workers (while our Social Work Code of Ethics actually calls for more as discussed in class). Thinking about your own current field practice or work, do you feel like you are already meeting this bare minimum? Be honest, and discuss why or why not, and how or how not. What barriers, if any, stand in your way of doing this (beyond the obvious time constraints which is a challenge for all of us I think). Once you have completed your MSW and are formally a “social worker,” how will you ensure that you are meeting this minimum and continue to hold yourself accountable to it for the duration of your career?
PART B
One of the articles in this unit, How to Be an Advocate in Bad Times, includes the following statement: "The biggest obstacle to better social policies is the pervasive public misunderstanding of benefits, services, and the people who depend on them. We are constantly on the defensive, fighting battles against myths about 'welfare queens' and public hostility toward what are regarded as giveaways." The article then calls upon all of us to join in a "conscious effort to set the record straight whenever misinformation about social programs or those who depend on them appears..."
In turn, I would like to call upon each of you to make a commitment to do that. Please share at least one myth about so-called dependency on “welfare” – one that you have heard before and know you will hear again, and one thing you have learned in this course that you will give your word not to forget, and will bring up whenever you hear someone suggesting the opposite. How can you also remember to educate others about others forms of “welfare” or “handouts” such as corporate welfare, and how will you explain it to others with your knowledge from the course?
· Amidei, N. (1987). How to Be an Advocate In Bad Times, in F. Cox et al (eds.) Strategies of Community Organization, (4th ed.) pp. 106-114 (ER)
· Jansson, B. (2008 5th ed.). Joining a Tradition of Social Reform, in Becoming an Effective Policy Advocate: From Policy Practice to Social Justice. Belmont, CA, Ch. 1, pp.1-36 (ER)
