Our code of ethics guides social workers to "promote social justice and social change with and on behalf of clients" and to be "sensitive to cultural and ethnic diversity and strive to end discrimination, oppression, poverty, and other forms of social injustice." But how have our roles been co-opted and used in ways that have contributed to structural racism and oppression?
We brought together speakers to help us understand how structural racism has impacted social work both historically and currently and how this plays out in the systems that employ social workers.
These are painful truths for those of us, both BIPOC and white social workers, to acknowledge and confront. They challenge our professional identities and demand that we take action to change our practices and institutions. We wanted to create a space within the social work community to speak truth to power, starting with looking inward.
This webinar was offered as a collaboration between the SoCal Social Work Women's Council and the California Social Action Social Justice Council, and offered 2 continuing education units. SoCal Social Work Women's Council, provider #146765 is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists to sponsor continuing education for LCSW’s, LMFT’s, and LPCC’s. SoCal Social Work Women's Council maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.
Webinar References:
Aldana, A. S Vasquez, N. (2020). From Colour-Blind Racism to Critical Race Theory: The Road Towards Anti-Racist Social Work in the United States (pages 129-149). Red Globe Press, London, England.
Chun Wetterau, S.(2015). Using critical race theory to improve practice. Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults CAYA Newsletter NASW blog.
DeGruy, J. (2005). Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing. DeGruy Publications, Inc. Portland, Or.
King, M.L. (1986). A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches. Washington, J.M. (ed). Harper Collins: New York, New York.
Freire, P. (2005). Pedagogy of the Oppressed. The Continuum International Publishing Group.
Ryan, W. (1976). Blaming the Victim, Updated edition. Vintage Books, a subdivision of Random House, New York, New York.