RE: SCLB0652A Response to one colleague(WK3)

RE: SCLB0652A Response to one colleague(WK3)

Respond by to at least one of your colleague’s postings in two of the following ways: (Be detailed in response, use subheadings, and use course references provided)

• Ask a probing question.
• Share an insight from having read your colleague’s posting.
• Offer and support an opinion.
• Validate an idea with your own experience.
• Make a suggestion.
• Expand on your colleague’s posting.

Response to Chantelle

Population

“Individuals acting as Allies for Social Justice work with those from the oppressed group in collaboration and partnership to end the system of oppression” (Edwards, 2006, p. 51). This does not mean that the ally works against the dominant group, but instead works toward incorporating them in the social changes as well. Its involves looking at the grand scale and making changes that will encompass all. A population that I have worked with and been an ally for is Veterans who have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and their families. There are numerous social, emotion and physical challenges and stigmas that this particular population faces on a daily basis.

Quote

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s just not.

–The Lorax by Dr. Seuss

It’s a privilege to be able to bear witness to someone’s story when they may not have had the chance to tell it before.
-Lindy Alexander

I have chosen the two quotes above because to me they embody the social worker that I am hoping to be. In order for any change to happen, there first needs to be someone that cares enough to start the process of change, whether that be policy advocating on a grand scale or caring enough to acknowledge someone that feels invisible. I chose the second because especially working with clients who are extremely guarded, when they trust you enough to hear their story, it changes everything. Knowing the someone’s story is knowing who they are, where they have been and sometimes even provides insight into their actions which can change and form new perceptions.

Obstacles & Solutions

Working with any populations has its own set of challenges for a social worker to overcome, on all levels. There are always challenges associated with trust when working with a population that is not part of the dominant subset. This can lead to the client being guarded and closed off, making the engagement process difficult. A possible solution to overcome this would include being open minded, empathic, credible and persistent when working with a particular population. Another solution it to hold others and yourself accountable to the standards that are being strived towards. As explained by Edwards (2006) “as a means of monitoring their own unacknowledged oppressive socialization, these allies seek to develop systems and structures to hold themselves accountable and be held accountable by members of oppressed groups, without placing the burden for accountability on the oppressed” (p. 51).

Reference

Edwards, K. E. (2006). Aspiring social justice ally identity development: A conceptual model. NASPA Journal (National Association of Student