A Dual Perspective

Don't assume

2010-01-16T09:12:00.000-08:00

In one of my classes last semester, representatives of community agencies were brought in to give students an idea of the different approaches and strategies used by social workers in the field. The sessions were quite helpful, and generated a lot of discussion and questions. After one of the sessions, a student raised a concern she had about the agency - their mission conflicted with some of her personal views. She voiced these issues in class, along with the observation of some widely-made assumptions across the field of social work.

I had a similar experience in a groups session with students at my internship. We were discussing environmental issues, and began talking about some of the causes of the environmental problems the world is currently facing. One of my coworkers voiced her concern about these issues, and the nature of these concerns was largely political. The discussion quickly became rather political, and I brought this to her attention (as well as the attention of all those in the group).

These two situations reminded me of a responsibility we have as social workers. Although the field of social work, in general, is much more progressive in its stance on many social issues, we must not make assumptions about the political and social views of those in our profession (or those we serve). The decision to align one's self with a certain political party has much more to do with that individual's stance on certain social or political issues that strike a cord in that person - these issues are varied in scope and focus - than it does with any undying support for that political party on every decision they make. The field of social work demands a desire to advocate for social change - a desire that transcends alignment with any political party or group. And if I'm being completely honest, this is not about political parties. This was just the impetus for my awareness of the deeper phenomenon of assumption. The bigger issue present is the willingness to assume that someone (or a group) falls into a particular category, and thus believes and does certain things that are to be expected from a person/group of that particular category. By doing this, not only do we often get people wrong - but we also often make it impossible for someone change our perception (and thus our reality) of who they are.

Along with not making assumptions, we have a responsibility to be cognizant of the power dynamic present in any helping relationship. The people we serve come from varying backgrounds, value systems, political views, and stances on social issues, and we have agreed to provide service of the highest quality to all that we serve; this service must not demean or undermine these characteristics of the individual. It's important for social workers (and any helping professionals, for that matter) to constantly speak and conduct themselves in ways that promote wellness in the lives of their clients. This wellness is brought about, first and foremost, by eliminating assumptions.

I definitely see the overlap...

2009-10-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

Before I enrolled in this program - as soon as I began showing an interest in pursuing an MDiv/MSW - it seems like people have been steadily expressing a certain level of surprise. "What are you gonna do with that," is what usually follows, as if I've attempted to join two diametrically opposed entities. It's been an unfortunate reminder to me that a huge divide between the Church and the field of social work; it's something I had seen in my BSW work, but I hoped would go away.

Equally unfortunate, in my opinion, to the existence of a divide between these two fields is the often justifiable nature of such a divide. Honestly, I understand the reason for the split - as much as I hate to admit it. The concept of honoring the self determination of the client, upon which social work builds its entire philosophy, seems to be at odds with the image of the stereotypical preacher that often makes its way into society: someone who comes in telling everyone how horrible they are, and that their current patterns of living will only lead to one eternal outcome... It's not exactly the type of thing that mixes well with a field devoted to meeting the client where he or she is. This image is unfortunate for many reasons, one of which is the fact that I don't think this is the role that a minister is supposed to play - someone speaking from a distance (using "us and them" language), pointing to the flaws of others in a way that assumes no flaws in one's own life. Unfortunately, however, this does happen...and I think both the faith community and the field of social work suffer.

Before I continue, I do need to say that there are some differences between the two fields that need to exist. Although the social work field began in part out of Christian charity organizations, there is a level of evangelism and disciple-making (pardon the church-speak) that is essential to Christian ministry - and these things clash with the essentials of honoring client choices, specifically with regard to aspects of faith. I completely understand and admit this.

The more time I have spent in both of these fields, however, the more I have been able to see a unifying principle that runs through both. Regardless of the origins of this tenet, both social work and the Church seek to spread the message that people are valuable, they matter, and that their life is important. (Forgive my over-simplification of these two extremely deep fields...) Not only have I been able to identify this common theme, but I have also found that each of these fields are enhanced by the other. One of the critiques I have seen of certain churches/ministers has been a severe delay in referring individuals to the proper professional help when a need presents itself. My experience in the field of social work has made me aware of the glaring need, as a human being, to provide individuals with the best possible services available. From the perspective of one in the Church, I also see this as the best way to truly love my neighbor as myself. I'm confident that this perspective will continue to catch on in the field of ministry as research continues to come out on best practices. Similarly, I have seen that the field of social work is becoming increasingly more conscious of the role spirituality plays in the lives of clients, offering better training for its clinicians in this area of practice.

Although there are certain necessary differences that exist between these two fields, I see them as more similar than they have been credited with being. As far as I'm concerned, the more progression and collaboration that occurs between these two fields, the better they both will be.

"It's not ok..."

2009-09-16T20:27:00.000-07:00

One of the many opportunities afforded me by my internship has been the chance to be involved with a national program that targets court-involved youth with substance use indicated. The ultimate purpose of this program is to create environments within communities that enable positive change and success in the lives of these youth. It's a wonderful program, and it now has more than twenty chapters around the country. My involvement with the program has come through working at my internship with the kids that are their target population - I will be designing and leading a focus group with some youth that seeks to find out what they need from their communities in order to be successful.

About a month after meeting with the program coordinator of the local chapter of this program, I was told that the national director was interested in talking to me about this...and that she wanted to hear our ideas for the focus group. To make a long story short, I emailed this woman, she invited me to meet with her, and we discussed these issues in person. What a blessing it was to meet with such a driven, passionate, and down-to-earth individual! I learned so much from her, and we only met for an hour!

As I listened to her give some advice on engaging the youth to participate in a focus group, I asked her to explain the motivation of the national organization in regards to this issue. What she said caught me by surprise, and it went something like this: "It's pretty simple. We believe that it's not ok for even one kid to lead an 'unsuccessful life.'" While I share her same passion for youth, I don't think this really sunk in until about a week later. The more I read statistics and hear stories about school failure, delinquency, suspension, and other related issues, the more I begin to think that there's nothing we can do to eliminate these problems - we merely try to reduce their occurrences. I fear that the nature of these stats can lead to a certain level of complacency arising in the minds of workers and care providers - we accept the fact that we can't help EVERYBODY. Although I realize it's important to keep a realistic perspective in any helping profession, I do think "reality" can damper my expectations that true change can come about in every person. The statement that this woman made reminded me of the importance of refusing to take 'no' for an answer regarding the success of our youth - "I'm not ok with the fact that some will drop out of school, become involved with alcohol and other illicit drugs, and live in poverty." She reminded me that these types of statistics should be a wake-up call to the ever-growing need for passionate, un-relenting work with at-risk youth (or any other client population, for that matter - societal failure knows no bounds). I also see this statement as extremely applicable within the church. How would the work of ministers look different if we, as a whole, weren't so willing to except the failures of some as "just the way they are"?

From this conversation, I took away a renewed passion to serve others in such a way that it could actually prevent them from societal failure. Although I realize individuals do have some level of input in the decisions they make from day to day, I also see that it's not ok for youth to grow up in a society that is complacent with their failure. Our work should reflect a dedication to effectively eliminate alcoholism, addiction, school failure, etc.

Here's hoping...

Summer

2009-08-19T18:15:00.000-07:00

It's funny. Entering grad school, I expected a few changes - the level of academic intensity and intentionality with which I need to devote myself to my work, as well as an increased need to establish balance between study and extra-curriculars. These expectations have proven to be accurate, although not as bad as I might have initially thought (hindsight is a beautiful thing). Something I didn't expect, however, was the frequency with which I am met with surprise from others who had just learned of my chosen academic program. Sure, grad school has its challenges - but do you have to make that face when I say the words "MDiv/MSW"? I'm not crazy, I promise!

Coming into this summer, I had completed two of the three years of the dual Master of Divinity/Master of Social Work program - both of those years were spent at Duke. This May represented the home stretch of my journey, and I was quite happy to begin my time at UNC. New classes, new supportive staff, and new classmates - I was definitely ready! The MSW work began with six weeks of a "Bridge" course, which is actually a collection of 3 2-week modules: Policy, Human Behavior in the Social Environment (HBSE), and Practice. Bridge seeks to connect my BSW work with UNC's Master's work (for Advanced Standing students). After six weeks of classes, I do have to admit - we did a lot! If I'm being honest, I think what surprised me more was the fact that I think I had forgotten a lot of the stuff I learned in my BSW program (It's amazing how two years away from a particular subject reminds you of just how much you actually learned...). Although we definitely worked hard during those six weeks, I found this EXTREMELY helpful; and not only that, but it was encouraging to me that this work can be done (If you're in school, I think it's so important that you remind yourself of that: You can do it - you're not the first person to pursue this degree, and you definitely won't be the last...). Not only was the work formative, but the professors were extremely knowledgeable, encouraging, and empowering; also, they each brought a unique perspective and passion to their subject.

It might sound a bit odd, but I actually felt refreshed after those classes (and a long nap, of course...). I feel empowered as I enter into this final year - I have a renewed knowledge base, the confidence and encouragement of such a supportive staff, and an incredible cohort with whom to share this experience.

Looking back on this summer reminds me of just how much has happened in this program. A whirlwind six weeks??? Absolutely. Two more semesters left??

BRING IT ON!