Mid-Term Question #1: Consider the readings about the factors needed to help motivate people to participate in democracy and peace-making, collaborative efforts. Summarize what you could do in your community as a social worker to advance democracy and peace and why, given the readings, you believe such actions would be effective.
Ahmadi states that, “International social work should play an important role in consolidating democracy, social justice and the implementation of international conventions such as human rights, elimination of discrimination against women, rights of children…as well as preventing conflicts and supporting peace by promoting global cultural integration” (2001, p. 14). Based upon this definition, the concept of self-determination should be one of the guiding principles in social work practice in order to advocate for peace-making and democracy.
ReplyDeleteSince self-determination is one of the steps to help motivate people to participate in democracy and peace-making, it is important for social workers to give clients the opportunity to guide the course of their own therapy. As a social worker, using a functionalist model with a multicultural perspective where clients experience freedoms of choice, choose values and goals, and are allowed to make decisions about their goals allows people to become free from mental illness, such as depression. Psychological self determination where the individual is allowed to choose goals, be proud and confident and have a freedom of choice allows one to be able to participate is larger-scale efforts at a society level. However, for those who may never be able to accomplish self-determination, based on many different circumstances, it is important for us as social workers to advocate on their behalf in order to collaborate efforts at both the individual and the society levels.
Unfortunately, achieving self-determination is complicated in societies where personal freedom is not allowed. In current or ex-communist societies, such as Tibet, Russia or Lithuania, it is important to take into account that personal freedom and self-determination may come at a deadly cost. Jurkuviene and Prof. Ivanauskiene’s stories of freedom in Lithuania was moving and showed how it is difficult to achieve personal self-determination when there are societal influences that prevent it. Therefore, it is important to be culturally aware of the barriers which prevent self-determination when working with clients in our community. Being culturally sensitive to these barriers is the first step to help motivate people to become involved in democracy and peace-making.
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DeleteKaren,
DeleteThank you for addressing the important role of advocating for self determination and being aware of the cultural aspects in order to develop democracy.
-Michelle
Karen,
DeleteYou are right teaching self-determination is complicated and personal freedom is not allowed. I felt that when I was living in Kazakhstan because individual thoughts and behavior sometimes came with that price you are talking about. I had a local friend that was gay and he could not come out to anyone because he would go to jail or be beaten. But, with that being said like the first question about educating parents is the way to help change this concept and teach them about self-determination.
Karen,
DeleteThanks for great job and given very clear understanding about importancy of sel-determination and social workers role to developing it with our clients.
Zivile L.
One of the most important aspects of international social work is to understand and respect the culture and beliefs of the community that we choose to work with. The problem is that “[o]ver the past 30 years social work writers have been trying to raise awareness of the dominance of Western influences on social work and have been stressing the need for social work in the developing world to free itself from the ‘in-built assumptions and cultural biases of first world theories and models of practice’ (Gray & Fook, 2004, p. 626). If we are coming to help a community, then we need to be knowledgeable of the people and not force them to conform to our way of life. We are in their home trying to help them with their needs so we need to understand who they are and how they live. Jurkuviene and Harrison (2005) pose the idea that it is important to understand what freedom means to different people because they may all think it is something different which brings me to think that it is important to find out what the different community members think peace and democracy are. In order to promote democracy and peace making, we need to find out what people think those are. How do they define democracy and peace? Would they be opposed to them if they knew what they were and how they could help them? Then it would be important to understand why it is not currently in their society and to focus on those reasons in order to change them. In order to gain cooperation from the community, we need to show them that we respect them and we have to find out what their needs are. I would start out by gaining their trust and work on understanding who they are and what they need. Following, I would find out why peace and democracy is not a part of the community and I would start out slowly trying to show them positive aspects such as education. If we can show the community that we are there to help them grow and live a life where they can have opportunity and choice, they may take the steps necessary to bring democracy and peace into their life.
ReplyDeleteDanielle, you raise a very important point. We hear time and again, "start where the client is," and it applies on a global scale as well. Just as an individual client would reject a clinician who does not make an effort to understand the client's world, so too would a society having Western values applied to it without a thorough assessment of all angles.
Delete“The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence you murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. Returning violence for violence, multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.”
ReplyDelete~ Martin Luther King ~
This is a wonderful quote, thank you for sharing.
DeleteAgreed, you're welcome!
DeleteImplementing useful tools to create a culturally cohesive environment to a community is always very unique. Every community is different and everyone’s personal definition of democracy and peace-making is not the same. According to “What Kind of Freedom? A Narrative of Change” (Jurkuviene & Harrison, 2005) the author’s remind us the complexity of the word. Jurkuviene, who at the time was a master’s student at Vytautas Magnus in 1995, was the first to participate in recording her personal narrative on freedom. She wrote about her time witnessing the first- ever protest meeting against the Soviets. She later writes “For the first time in my life I asked myself what “freedom” means to me. This word was taken for granted both by us and by those who were on the opposite side of the barricades”. Sometimes these experiences in themselves cannot be taken for granted. I feel that as a Social Worker, immersing yourself out of your comfort zone is so important to understand the opposition. In Jurkuviene’s case she witnessed the oppressed. These experiences often can not be translated and conveyed to the full extent in words and unless you experienced an event like a huge protest it’s often hard to relate.
ReplyDeleteI feel experience is important in the sense that we as Social Workers can become agents of change by being able to accurately relate to certain communities who could really benefit from certain resources. For example, I often work very closely with individuals who are uninsured and are admitted to the hospital. Fortunately, I feel I won’t be able to relate to these individuals in the sense of being uninsured. However, I do go the extra mile to understand some of the trials these individuals will have to go through. I research the clinics they would be going to and what could be an extenuating obstacle for some of these patients and by being proactive we can avoid that obstacle.
Working at a micro level and not “biting off more than you can chew” as a social worker I feel is also crucial when working towards a specific change in a community. In the article “The Quest for a Universal Social Work: Some Issues and Implications” (Gray & Fook, 2004) reminded me of how difficult it is to work on a large scale because each community operates differently. Gray explains “radical feminists might interpret the treatment of women in many Eastern societies as being oppressive. Having recourse to international human rights charters enables them to apply their Western values to these contexts, conscientising Eastern women towards their way of thinking”. Just using an example of this makes it clear definitions of “social work practice” is nearly impossible to define – the definition has to be very broad because as I reiterated earlier, every culture operates differently so being culturally competent and open-minded are two crucial traits a social worker must possess when working with communities outside of their norm.
Gina,
DeleteI must agree with your idea that there are no two alike communities and all individuals have different definition about democracy, freedom and peace-making. I like that you are sharing a lot of ideas and understanding how we as social workers need to act. Furthermore its great that you are talking about your experience. In my opinion when we integrate practice and theory its a way to learn more easily.
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DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIn order to advance democracy and peace in my community, I would first try to gain a deeper understanding of where the community stands on the issues in order to form an idea of where they needed to go. It's essential to learn where a community starts in regards to a specific issue - such as peace and nonviolence - in order to go forward at all. I also think it would be important as a social worker to really learn and engage with the community for some time before trying to educate or implement any real changes with the people themselves. If this does not happen, many people could feel as if an outsider was trying to tell them how to live or what to do, which never turns out very well.
ReplyDeleteBonta’s article on cooperation and competition in peaceful societies (1997) gives excellent insight into the differences between nonviolent societies and their counterparts. The key to a community discovering the ability to embrace peace and nonviolence lays in the way the community views itself. It is important for individuals to stop seeing themselves as entirely individual and start to see themselves as part of something bigger – the community in which they live. Bonta describes a peaceful society as being one that is lacking in conflict and particularly tranquil and a nonviolent society as being almost completely without violence or with very few cases of violence (1997). I think it would be ideal to strive for a nonviolent community that was well educated and able to handle the few cases of violence appropriately and in a democratic way. Bonta focuses on competition bringing aggression out in societies and defines nonviolent societies as controlling competition and instead nurturing cooperation (1997). I think it would be effective to implement ways to control the spirit of competition in a community in order to nurture cooperation and peace because competition does seem to lead to aggression, which leads to violence in many communities.
In order to promote a more peaceful community, I would help the community to discover the common bonds individuals have with each other through creative outlets and positive interactions within the community. I would try to promote more community based activities for people and minimize the idea of individualism or competition as much as possible, highlighting the idea that people work much stronger as a unit and that peace is possible through unity of individuals. On a more macro level, this idea of peace through unity could ideally be implemented through equal access to basic rights for all individuals regardless of where they come from. I have seen this idea of community work in several different ways – large and small scale, and it has always been beneficial for those who are involved and people have been able to coexist peacefully.
I believe that you do need to gain a deeper understanding of what the community has to offer. Just like working with individual client you need to look at the strengths of the community as well as their weakness to strive for that true democracy and peace.
DeleteThe term grass roots imply that a group or organization originates from or maintains close connections with significant numbers of ordinary citizens or citizen leaders. A grass roots campaign, for instance, seeks to mobilize ordinary citizens to take part in an election campaign or a cause involving an important issue. In a democratic system, grass roots support is an essential legitimizing force. Ahmadi states, “Not only is social work one of the most essential means for implementing social policy, it is also an important channel for influencing governments’ social welfare policies. In this respect, the integration of its values and principles of countries where they are lacking today will be further major challenge for international social work.” Ahmadi further explains International social work has the potential to promote democracy, respect for human rights and social justice by fostering ideals of democracy at the grassroots level. Through community development and empowerment, international social work can implement emerging democratic ideas at the grassroots level and support the struggle for human rights. Traditionally, social workers see themselves as agents of social change and as interpreting social welfare on an egalitarian ideological basis. Having one foot in the system world and the other in the life-world, social workers have the possibility to reform and change them according to the ideals of justice and human dignity. (Ahmadi, p.18) This article reminded me that even though I don’t feel like I am making a difference I am even in small ways. Many of our clients live in extreme poverty. Ahmadi states, “True democracy can’t exist in the world as long as the current differences in the distribution persist. “Thus, poverty is a key obstacle to the establishment of real democracy in the world today. International social work should therefore promote social change and social policy development.’ (Ahmadi, p.18) programs as well. Once I graduate I will continue to make my voice heard in attempt to live in a better society. I understand that this will only be a small piece of what my work will look like as a social worker. We can effect change even though at times challenges seem insurmountable. I enjoyed the student from Ukraine talking about her volunteering experience. I don’t remember her name, but she explained they were just a group of people getting together to bring hope. I think the quote she was referring to was, “If I am not for myself, then who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, then what am I? And if not now, when?” The meaning of this bit of ancient wisdom has been translated in various ways and is still debated, but it seems to encourage rational self-interest, compassion for others and social activism. I enjoyed being reminded of that quote. Ahmadi says, “They have, however, a great possibility to influence the individuals and the local communities with which they work directly and in this way implement democratic ideas and respect for human dignity.” Allison, Heather and Kat have done a great job in class articulating these points. Along with our colleagues in Lithuania we all share common goals. “The basis of this new solidarity underlying international social work is the idea of human interdependency while respecting individualism and human rights. “This solidarity could be expressed in joint efforts against global poverty, the oppression of women and abuse discrimination, to give just a few examples, International social work could therefore contribute to setting new global human values and ethics. By emphasizing social work’s core values of human dignity, solidarity, democracy “ (Ahmadi, P. 18) we can achieve change.
ReplyDeleteI appreciated reading Bonta’s [1997] thorough article on the many nonviolent communities and cultures present in the world. I especially appreciated his critique of Western society’s implicit orientation towards competitiveness and dismissal of nonviolence as “weak.” The ability to look at how nonviolence and peace-building are built into every level of these societies, from socialization of children to business dealings to the structure of marriage and other social relationships, allowed for a sort of “blueprint” for how to build a nonviolent society from the ground up.
ReplyDeleteBut, as social workers, we are not building a new society but, rather, trying to engage in micro and, hopefully, macro-level actions aimed at providing alleviation of suffering and recognition of human value in society’s that we know are not nonviolent and do not always value cooperation or communality.
I currently live in a community of people dedicated to nonviolence and social justice within our house, in our neighborhood, and in the world. We work on issues ranging from assistance for youth at-risk of gang violence to support and education about the many prisoners in Guantanamo Bay, Abu Ghraib and other military prisons. Our experiences have not always been effective but I believe they are rooted in some common themes also present in our readings.
First of all, we recognize the importance of local community members and those affected by the lack of democracy and peace to define solutions to their struggles. Pham, et al [2004] found that, in many rural villages, there was more support for the existing, indigenous models of conflict resolution than there was for imposed Western models of conflict resolution. While there may be other reasons for this, it should be noted that many communities affected by oppression and violence have ideas for how to resolve them. Most of the time what is missing is not ideas or wisdom but resources. As social workers, we are often privileged with existing resources that may be useful to these communities if they can be presented in ways that do not circumvent existing community wisdom.
Secondarily, people cannot participate in democracy or peacebuilding if their concrete, material needs go unmet. Castro & Farmer [2005] give an example of how meeting concrete social needs creates a “virtuous social cycle” which allows formerly suffering and stigmatized people to become valuable members of their community and, thus, participate in peacebuilding and democracy.
As Healey [2005] mentioned throughout the first chapters of her book, the history of international social work is a blending of meeting direct needs and recognizing global contexts, as well as affirming local wisdom and using international relationships and resources. Our call as global social workers is no different.
I am interested in hearing more about the community you live in as well as the work you have done with the specific populations you have worked with. I especially appreciate how you talk about how some of the approaches you have taken are not always effective. It is important that social workers do not get discouraged when an intervention does not meet the needs of an individual or a community. Instead, it is important to learn from one’s mistakes and figure out how to better the intervention. One reason for high turnover and burn-out rate in social workers is that sometimes we feel that they are not making an impact. Rather than becoming discouraged (whether it’s because of the financial crisis or policies in our government) it is important to participate in both micro and macro-level actions.
DeleteIn addition, it is important that you pointed out the fact that people cannot participate in democracy and peace-building activities when their basic needs are not met. It is important to treat our clients and allow them to establish their own treatment plans instead of imposing our own goals for treatment. Too often, in fast paced settings, such as hospitals, patients are given such general treatment goals that do not always reflect input from the client. While social work jobs are often very demanding with high case loads, taking that extra minute to learn how to establish goals based upon their current needs will allow social workers to establish a therapeutic relationship with our clients.
Democracy, as defined by Jane Adams, is the concept that “everyone has a voice with those who govern them”. As a future social worker, I am able to relate with Adams definition of democracy because of the underlying theme of social choice. However, viewing democracy and freedom globally social workers are faced with great value based obstacles. In order to enhance democracy and peace-making efforts, the roles and responsibilities of social workers become more strategically complex and extends the significance of cultural competency and self determination.
ReplyDeleteWithin the creation of democracy and peace the need for more international social work practice is pronounced. According to Healy, international social workers should promote democracy and peace-making efforts through “internationally related domestic practice and advocacy, professional exchange, international practice and international policy development and advocacy” (2008, p 10). By understanding and practicing international social work, the motivation and commitment towards democracy and peace will be discovered. Healy describes the significance placed on international social work research as a means to develop cultural awareness. Through knowledge and education, social workers advance their cultural competency level resulting in a better understanding of the serving community. Cultural competency aligns with the ability to create motivation for democracy within communities, due to the understanding differences of values between the social worker and the serving community.
Reading the Ahmadi article and reflecting on past assignments, I am now more convinced that the current technological climate of our world is constructing an “ideal” way of life. From the construction of this “ideal” life, democracy and peace have ironically faced harder circumstances for survival. Ahmadi addresses the several concepts outlined throughout the definition of globalization. I found Ahmadi’s concept of economic globalization to be the most significant towards the depletion of democracy and peace. As a future social worker, I hope to advocate for policies which negate the future progress of this form of “neo liberal globalization”. Technology unconsciously has served the few and not the majority concerning the growth of the economy on a global level. On a macro level as a citizen, I am able to vote for politicians who view democracy and the economy should be integrated. On a macro level as a social worker, I am able to advocate or participate in more research covering the topic of neo liberal globalization.
As I consider the factors that would be helpful in fostering participation in democratic and peace-making collaborations, one of the pet terms of social work practice – empowerment – comes to mind. Empowerment implies the process of increasing people’s authority or ability to effect change in their own lives and environment. There are a number of factors necessary to facilitate a group’s empowerment to participate and collaborate in democracy and peace-making.
ReplyDeleteThe concept of “ecological competence,” or the competence resulting from “the interaction between an individual’s capacities and skills, motivational aspects and environment” (Breton, 2002, p. 23), speaks to the factors necessary for empowerment to be successful. It is necessary to take into account a person’s environment, motivation, and capacities if we are to effectively engage them in peacemaking and democracy. Pham, Weinstein, and Longman (2004) address the interlocking aspects of these three considerations in their discussion around trauma and reconciliation in the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide. They found that those who exhibited symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder were significantly less likely to demonstrate positive attitudes toward Rwanda’s national trials, as well as toward the notions of community, and interdependence The results also demonstrated the influence of other factors on a person’s openness to reconciliation – namely, education, perception of economic change, access to safety and “ethnic distance” (p. 610).
To foster ecological competence and empowerment, I propose a number of interventions to be conducted at a community level. In promoting collaboration, social workers can use their understanding of the history of a community to build relationships between divergent groups of people. Ahmadi (2003) provides an encouraging example of one such endeavor, in which Sweden and Bosnian social workers collaborated and recognized their common goals and ideals through their joint work in reconstruction after the war in the Balkans. Although the ethnic groups to which these practitioners belonged were previously in conflict, the social workers found common purpose and were able to establish peace and let go of any ill feelings. Just as ethnic distance may have enhanced resentment and alienation between groups in post-genocide Rwanda (Pham, Weinstein, & Longman, 2004), providing opportunity for controlled and purposeful ethnic proximity may help to increase collaborative efforts that lead to peaceable and democratic practices. Recalling Breton’s (2002) definition of ecological competence, this example from Rwanda illustrates how psychological capacity is interrelated to a person’s motivation for reconciliation and desire to engage in a collaborative environment. In an effort to increase the success of their efforts, social workers in communities deeply affected by trauma might conduct culturally sensitive interventions aimed toward healing and growth prior to implementing any peace-making measures.
As collaboration and democratic participation take hold in a community, programs might be implemented that work with children from a young age. Bonta (2004) speaks to the transmission of values of cooperation from childhood. Social workers might partner with community leaders to develop educational programs which teach children the importance of civic action, peace, and collaboration. A means of motivating people to participate in democracy and peacemaking is through giving children a safe space to develop and integrate these patterns of relating, as well as providing them with the tools to act upon these values.
(Part II)
ReplyDeleteCowger (1994) notes that “empowerment-based practice also assumes social justice, recognizing that empowerment and self-determination are dependent not only on people making choices, but also on people having available choices to make” (p. 263). Policy work – focused on increasing people’s freedom and choices – must occur simultaneously with group and community work (Breton, 2002) in order for peace-making and democratic efforts to be truly effective. The most effective practices for building peace and collaboration are those that are rooted in the empowerment of people groups and work from the ground up. By both meeting people where they are and promoting ecological (and political) competence, social workers can facilitate the empowerment of communities as they strive toward democracy and peace.
I think as a social worker our job is to work on empowering others to discover their own definition of democracy, peace, and ultimately self-determination. Even within the American culture, I cannot assume that everyone in the United States would have the same definition of self-determination as I have. Ewalt and Mokuau (1995) discuss various definitions of self-determination which includes allowing clients to lead a life that they choose, and creating one's own sense of freedom based on the ideals and sense of choice that this person chooses (p. 168). Along with this it is important to keep in mind that for some cultures, self-determination is not always viewed as an individualistic experience, but rather a collective perspective (Ewalt and Mokuau, 1995, p. 168). This concept of self-determination illustrates that there is not one fits all for each person or country.
ReplyDeleteGoing off of this notion, I think in order to advance democracy and peace as a social worker the first step is understanding what democracy and peace means to a community. Ahmadi (2003) discusses the need for values such as democracy and peace to be based on solutions that fit regional needs and can then move beyond just one region or community and be implemented in other countries as well (pg. 21). Starting on a small level helps to promote change in one place which can then extend to other communities as well. One way to do this would be to educate oneself on other communities or regions who have varying types of democracy and peace. This is not to push the values or ideals of other communities onto this one, but it is more to bring awareness as to other types of democracy and peace that this community may not have been exposed to. I think once a community has determined what democracy and peace means to them, they can then look at how these values can be implemented by brainstorming new ways that democracy can be effectively established to fit this unique community. Next, I think it is important to encourage collaboration with one another and look at ways that everyone can be involved so that this is not the social worker promoting change, but that it is the community who is taking leadership. Once a community is able to take responsibility for the results than they may be more invested in implementing change.
I think this would be an effective way to promote democracy and peace because it allows for the community to take charge and create their own sense of values and ideals that Ewalt and Mokuau (1995) and Ahmadi (2003) talked about rather placing the values of the social worker on them. The role of the social worker is not to advance democracy in the way that we may think about it, but to build change out of the communities own sense of self-determination. I think this collaboration would be valuable in building a positive community.
Emily, is important that you noted, that frst of all social worker should understand what democrasy and peace means to community.
DeleteNext, I liked your's idea that ,,community has determined what democracy and peace means to them, they can then look at how these values can be implemented by brainstorming new ways that democracy can be effectively established to fit this unique community". I also think that social worker do not have to forse or push for community new ideals, values. It is much more practisable to bring awareness, as you wrote.
I love your concept of the role of the social worker in helping to bring about change based on the community's sense of self. It can be difficult to put our personal preferences or desires aside when working with a very different group of people or individuals but it is so crucial to bringing effective change for a group.
DeleteFreedom and self-determination can help motivate people to participate in democracy and peace-making. In my current internship I work with impoverished birth mothers and most of them live in gang infested communities. When I meet these women I am always surprised by their resiliency and self-determination. These women are willing to give up their own child, so they can grow up in a healthy environment. This process is difficult for any birthmother, but the ones I have seen make their own choice and realize that this is what is right for the child. External forces often play a role in threatening their individual freedom (Lemmon, 1983, Levy, 1983), these external forces people in the society telling them to keep their child even though they are unable to afford, have resources and unable to get the proper education for their child. In the end birth mother knows what is right or wrong and is able to make their own choices about their unborn child.
ReplyDeleteAs a social worker I have learned from experience in working with birth mothers that a “individual knows or can come to know what he or she need in order to live and grow fully” (Weick & Pope, 1988, p. 13). To teach the concept of democracy and peace you have to understand clients individual thoughts and freedoms and how they define freedom. Also by using Mokuau’s self-determination concept can help teach communities about how to make their own decisions without external influences.
Susie,
DeleteI enjoyed your story about your personal experience with impoverished birth mothers and their self determination. It is important for those who are helping others to make choices (often social workers) to consider that the individual may often be aware of what is right or wrong for them. This is the true definition of self determination and you showed a very inspiring example with your story.
I also can see that the mothers you deal with may not be engaging in what is best for them but what is best for their child, resulting in more than self determination but also selflessness.
I am curious to know what other services are offered for birth mothers after they make the choice to give up their child and what is done to ensure that this is their decision, not influenced by others around them?
In an effort to advance democracy and peace in my community, I would work within the type of framework Ahmadi (2003) describes, one that “fosters ideals of democracy at the grassroots level.” It would be important to work with community members to first gain an understanding of the community. People are not going to simply embrace democracy and peace because a social worker comes in and says that they should. This brings to mind the concept of self-determination. As social workers, we do not want to impose our views of what is best on our clients and others. We want people to be free to do and/or be whatever they want (Ewalt & Mokuau, 1995).
ReplyDeleteI would approach the advancement of democracy and peace within my own community by forming relationships with community members and attempting to understand it at a better level. Once I have strong working relationships within the community, I would encourage them to address the inequalities that exist within the community. Ahmadi (2003) describes that with the inequalities that exist in the world, democracy cannot fully be established. Social workers are called to support the struggle for human rights and to contribute to social change and social policy development. This would be, in my mind, an effective way to begin advancing democracy and peace in my community because with the existing inequality in the world, democracy and peace cannot truly exist.
Democracy, peacemaking, and collaborative efforts are those that provide individuals and communities the opportunity of meaningful engagement within the process. Rwandan gacca courts are an example of this. Gacca courts took a traditional approach to law and developed it into a system that worked across the country to address the traumas and issues that arose after the genocide (Pham, et. al, 2004).
ReplyDeleteGacca courts were criticized by the international community, in part because it relied on local systems rather than ‘experts’. Yet, the use of these courts have been attributed to the lack of retaliation and the beginning of healing after the genocide (Farmer, P., (2003). Pathologies of Power). Gacca courts were successful, in part, because local methods were used to address national issues. These courts provided community members an opportunity to be experts in their own experience. Locals had access, an opportunity for meaningful participation, and the courts resulted in identifiable outcomes.
These three areas provide a starting point for social workers. Governmental agencies and well meaning NGO’s often negate the role communities can play in their own development. Experts, credentials, and education have a higher value than community or first-hand experience. A power imbalance exists as a result, which in turn minimizes and/or negates access to democracy. Social workers need to consider this imbalance when working towards democracy and collaborative efforts within their own communities.
Regardless of scale, social workers can work towards providing clients a voice, active participation (regardless of the setting), and a role in the development of results. Efforts should be made for practices to be community directed, rather than relying on outsiders to dictate best practices.
Ahmadi (2001) considers the promotion of democracy and peace to be main concerns of international social work. This paper makes multiple suggestions about how social workers can advance democracy and peace. For democracy, it is suggested that social workers should become active with policy making and planning. This gives the social worker a chance to influence the community and individuals in which they work and implement democratic ideas. By going directly to the community, social workers can work to implement democratic ideas using community development and empowerment (Ahmadi, 2001). Reaching out directly to communities can help prepare and motivate people to work towards common goals, such as peace and democracy.
ReplyDeleteBut to truly motivate people to work towards these goals, they need to establish a sense of self-determination. Once people feel that they have the capacity to choose their own values, goals and what they want to work towards, they are more likely to choose to work together with other community members towards one common goal that everyone believes in (Class discussion, February 2 2012). As a social worker, I could promote democracy and peace in Chicago by helping people establish a sense of self-determination. To do this, a social worker would need to allow clients to choose what they want to talk about in therapy sessions, whether they even want to go to therapy, and make decisions about what goals they want to work towards (Class discussion, February 2 2012). Fostering self-determination does not directly result in communities working together towards freedom and democracy, but it is a start. Self-determination was the driving factor that encouraged many people in Lithuania to march for what they believed their freedom to be. Because they felt they had the capacity to choose their definition of freedom, they were willing to die to flight for it (Jurkuviene & Harrison, 2005).
By taking a social justice approach, we can frame democracy and peace-making in a moral universal context. A social justice framework values human rights, calls attention to discrimination, and advocates rights for children and other marginalized groups (Ahmadi 2002). Social justice also begins to hold individual accountable for human rights violations in their communities.
ReplyDeleteAs we saw in the Pham, Weinstein and Longman article referencing reconciliation in Rwanda, individuals who felt invested in the trial process were more likely to exhibit a change in attitude regarding community members from a different tribal group. By feeling valued and heard and modeling the values of democratic freedom of expression, community members felt more invested in collaborative peace-making efforts. Again, we can see social justice at play in that individuals become accountable for ensuring these values are extended to all members of society so that peace is maintained with equal investment by all.
In another example by Muhammad Yunus we see that equal investment by community members tends to create a stronger collaborative effort across the board. Micro lending practices incorporate social business models, which benefits entire communities instead of an individual.
Contrariwise, principles associated with self-determination in democratic expression as it pertains to social work value individuality and autonomy. Ideally, in order to advance democracy and peace, all these elements must be present and nurtured in order to maintain peace, achieve social justice, and value the democratic freedom of expression.
While I feel uncomfortable with the idea that only democratic values should be pushed or treated as the most appropriate for all cultures, I do believe there are some beliefs rooted in democracy that benefits the maintaining of peace and creating group cohesion. An important democratic ideal that benefits peace is giving all members of society an opportunity to voice their opinions and be a part of the decision making process. This is not only important in the United States; it is also something that we as global providers should consider in our everyday work with all populations. It aligns with Nader Ahmadi’s (2002) perspective on international social work where he states that its major goals involve “the consolidation of democracy and human rights, the prevention of conflicts and the promotion of solidarity and peace through global integration.” So how do we ‘consolidate’ democracy and human rights in an effective (and sustainable) way when talking about peace and community?
ReplyDeleteDemocracy is, in simplest terms, an empowerment model, and we as social workers need to find ways to help empower individuals to be involved in the group process. We need to motivate people, particularly marginalized and ignored populations, to become involved in the democratic process. Often times, those who are marginalized and disenfranchised are the ones most affected by conflict and therefore, their voices are integral to the peacemaking process. I think one way we can address peace and conflict is by holding community forums which can create social cohesion and group (and individual) accountability. These forums must be created in such a way that creates safety and open communication that is culturally appropriate. This idea was perfectly illustrated in Pham’s (2004) article about Rwanda where Rwandans reported that the gacaca trials were the most effective. Rwandans felt they were effective because they had an investment in an outcome, felt more informed about the issues in the trial, and felt they were involved in the trial and discussion process. Gacaca trials are also a part of their culture. Being involved in the process and feeling a part of the community response to an issue created involvement and investment in the process.
Peacemaking efforts need to be addressed on a macro level as well. It is also important to confront other systemic issues; as we discussed in class and read in several articles, systemic violence/structural has extremely negative effects on the individual and on the community. This structural violence can disenfranchise and stigmatize the individual; systemic issues continue to oppress individuals who are most vulnerable and most in danger of being ignored in the process. As a provider, I must find ways to address these systemic issues whether through programming and/or policy change so individuals can feel as if their voice actually matters. It is difficult for change, in this case increase motivation, to happen if the environment does not support it.
I like your point that democracy values may not be the most appropriate for all cultures. I think by assuming that democracy is fit for everyone we undermine the concept of self-determination that is individual to each person or community. I think the idea of using community forums to build cohesion are a good way to create self-determination for cultures that are more group based. I think this would create a collaborative effort that would allow for this community to build their own definition of democracy or whatever form of self-determination is fit for them.
DeleteBefore one can begin to offer guidance to promote peace making, collaborate efforts, and democracy, one must first understand the society in which they will be hoping to implement these into. As we all know, every society is different and can have completely opposite values, belief systems, and social structures as another society or culture. When you take the time to really integrate yourself into the culture in which you will be working in you are able to have a very clear understanding of their practices and beliefs, which will then allow you to formulate the most effective ideas possible for change within that community. This approach is definitely following the “grassroots” way of thinking which was an approach mentioned in the text book (Healy) and several of the article readings.
ReplyDeleteGiven my statements above, within my own community (the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago), I would approach residents and business owners with ideas that are based in using collaborative teamwork to achieve goals, and that while we are working as a group to achieve these common goals for the community, there will still be individual benefits.
While reviewing the results of 600 studies Johnson (1979) found that cooperative environments are better than competitive or individualistic ones as they promote communication skills, ability to solve conflicts, and also help to enhance social and cognitive development (Bonta, p. 301). Members of the Rogers Park Community have worked hard over the years to reduce acts of violence and criminal acts in the area and essentially “cleaned up the streets.” Bonta (1997) found that when people are operating in a competitive frame of mind, their aggression tendencies increase (p. 305). Given that Rogers Park has worked hard to overcome violent and aggressive acts, it is important to use an approach that would promotes peaceful collaboration and minimizes competitive efforts. Additionally, the article “Trauma and PTSD symptoms in Rwanda: Implications for attitudes toward justice and reconciliation” by Pham, Weinstein, and Longman indicated that those Rwandans who felt invested in the trial of the genocide participants were more likely to also exhibit changes in their opinions of tribes different from their own. This demonstrates that simply by being involved in a cause can also affect one’s behaviors and views that occur outside of that cause.
Breton (2002) found that identifying a person’s environment and motivations are key factors that help in developing democracy and peacemaking (p.23). Within Rogers Park, I would ask residents what changes and goals they would like to see happen and what methods they had in mind to approach these goals in order to gauge the thoughts and motivations of people in the community.
Nothing makes me more excited than seeing the power that can come from numbers of people who are working together for a good cause. On the other hand, it is so scary to know that the exact same things can happen when people rally together around something negative. There is so much power in numbers, good and bad, and I think it's crucial for social workers to know how to approach groups of people in a community and how to encourage them to work together for something that they are passionate about or that is needed in order to benefit their community.
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ReplyDeleteIn article ,,Global poverty: no longer an untouchable problem” author says, that in international social work is important to understand and to accept the culture, issues in different communities. For international social work is matter to share individual ideas even these ideas, methods are spreader or popular just in few communities. By sharing social worker can get broader view and maybe some ideas to adopt in her/his practice. For sure in my opinion social worker first should have very well understanding about that community in which works. We can’t work and help to solve problems for community if we are just telling what to do, not interest in they needs, values, culture, freedom. Because even differences meanings of democracy and peace can exist in the community. I remember in one seminar where I participate, social worker – psychotherapist Dalia Puidokienė said, that social worker goals should never come a gaol for a client/ community. Because such kind of action will never be a successful. Community should rise up their goals, not social worker. In article ,,Self – determination from a Pacif Perspective“ we can found several understanding what is self – determination. In my opinion best way work with community: social worker should to capable client/community for changes and community should be responsible for actions. From my work expierence I may say, when I work with social risk families its important to teach and to motivate them to make their own decision. Than families takes the responsibility for changes, they life is more seccessful.
ReplyDeleteIn same article ,,Global poverty: no longer an untouchable problem” Cox (1990) state, that social worker should pay more attention to global problems. For global problems should be received international decisions. According Healy (2005), social work should move from social awareness to international movement. Social worker profession is power, what can make changes. I agree that such problems like poverty should be solved in international way. From my work experience I can say, that my organization where I work, try participate in international programs. Several times workers where in different Europe countries to get more experience about new methods working with social risk families, foster families, how to develop foster care in Lithuania that will be less left foster houses. I see gained experience are very useful not only for organization, but in broader way. We collaborate with others institution and share an idea, experience, knowledge that’s important for peace – making and democracy in community. But on the other hand than you share ideas you see that part of community is not ready for changes, even they see a need for changes. Because ,,decesion making is more complex than separating into exclusive categories what is in other people's interest and what is in one's own interest" (Patricia L. Ewalt and Noreen Makuau, p. 172).
Dovilė Lapinskytė
In my opinion, democracy and peace making is always strongly associated with freedom, but, as we see in the article “What kind of freedom? A narrative of change”by Jurkuviene and Harrison, freedom is not so easily defined.
ReplyDeleteJurkuviene was my professor in my bachelor studies, and she always emphasized freedom as a very important construct of social structure. Many times she was sharing her experience about the time that Lithuania was in Soviet Union, and her stories always impressed me very much. Why? Because she knows, what does it mean to lose freedom, to be under oppression of political decisions, that restricts every human possibility and right to express himself, to do what he wants to do, to talk what he wants to talk… Time of Soviet Union is a time of tension and fear. And, of course, this tension and fear was also knowable to professor Jurkuviene, but she always felt free in her mind, and this feeling was stronger than fear, danger, or tension. That’s why she was participating in that meeting in Mickevicius Square. She was looking for some changes, she wanted to do something visible and strong, that helps to reach some changes. So, to sum up, I think, freedom is not only a social construct, it’s a feeling that is internalized and differently defined of every human. To connect my thought with the article of Bonta (1997), If a person feels free, he is powerful , he feels motivation to achieve his goals peacefully and democratically.
Nowadays, in our societies and communities, there are many forms of freedom. You can talk what you want, express your ideas, you are able to do something, that your life could turn into better. So, in my opinion, democracy and peace could be reached by making the community stronger. I think, it is always easier to do some beneficial changes if all community is concentrated to do that. It is important to reinforce the sense of sociality, by strengthening community centers, inviting people to stress their ideas about what they want to change in their life. As Bonta says, it is important to divert the actions to cooperation and avoid intensive competitions. So, that is what I’m talking about- it is important to strengthen communities and their efforts of cooperation in reaching some social changes, that would be meaningful for members of the community.
Talking about my own experience, once I had practice in the hospital of oncology. I noticed, that nurses have so many job, they are so tired, they suffer from burnout syndrome, they are angry and always compete with each other, who will do what, who is a better nurse and so on, they fought with each other because of so many hours of working and emotionally complicated patients. So me and my colleague decide to do a seminar about burnout syndrome, and invited all the nurses of this hospital to participate in this. And when they came, they heard some information, took part in some role play games and other exercises, and in this atmosphere they understood, that this problem of overtime and too much work is a problem, that unite all of them, but not separates them, so they should not fight among each other, but to organize their efforts to reach some changes, and they started talking with their administration how some changes could be implemented. (Indre)
Healy (2008) discusses the importance of building the capacities of clients in order to create long-lasting empowerment; I see that capacity-building approach as essential when encouraging participation in democracy and peace-making efforts. The collaborative development of social and human capital that Healy (2008) proposes is critical in order for any program to be sustainable. Pham et al. (2004) demonstrate this need for on-the-ground collaboration and support in order for reconciliation and peace-building to effectively take place. Pham et al. (2004) discovered that the peace-building efforts that were most supported by the community – specifically by those individuals continuing to deal with after effects of trauma – were the indigenous judicial initiatives as opposed to international reconciliation initiatives.
ReplyDeleteI strongly believe that individual and community empowerment requires a collaboration between professionals and those individuals targeted by programs. Empowerment is also a central concept in democracy and any efforts focused on peace-building. All too often, I believe that policies and programs are put in place to “help” a community or population; however, those individuals whose lives will be affected are not consulted in the planning stages. This failure to encourage active participation from community members at all stages of the planning process means that peace-making efforts have minimal chances of succeeding. Wong and Tsang (2004) use the issue of mental health treatment among Asian immigrants to demonstrate the importance of engaging different culture-bound understandings of such issues as well-being and social practices. Informed culture-bound understanding facilitate individuals in asserting their conceptualizations of self-determination and agency.
There has been much talk in Ahmadi Nader’s work about creating regionally specific programs in the social work field, rather than a strictly nationally implemented model. I absolutely agree that region conscious social programs are a better way for social workers to aid their clients in the most productive and useful way possible. I can clearly see regional differences within my own nation during class discussions. For example, from my understanding the concept of “food deserts” is a relatively foreign one for Maine. It’s not a primary issue for us. However unlike Chicago, it’s very difficult to be mobile in Maine if you don’t have access to a car because public transportation is close to non-existent. The state is so rural that public transportation exists in only a few cities, and mostly the southern ones. In northern Maine there is no such thing as public transportation. Many clients I have worked with in the homeless shelters of Portland express frustration with the fact that they are unable to stray far from Portland to look for jobs or more affordable apartments in rural areas because of their limited mobility. This limited mobility also makes it difficult for clients to keep their appointments with agencies because they don’t have the means to get to the places they need to go.
ReplyDeleteNader talks about cross cultural programs that are rooted in the concepts of mutuality and partnership (pg 15). He makes of point of saying that the sharing of knowledge between nations should not be built on the well-developed nations bestowing upon the under-developed nations their experiences, but both a mutual exchange between the two. Nader also stresses the importance of social work reorganizing itself at the grassroots level, another indicator of the importance of regionally specific programs. I think his concept of mutually exchanged information between developed, and developing nations can be applied within the different regions of a nation as well. I am positive that there are specific regions of the United States with much more developed social service agencies and experience in solving social issues. While I believe that different regions have particular needs not applicable to the country in general, I do think that a sharing of knowledge between regions is a vital step in creating the best possible social work agencies. I believe that open communication from lesser developed agencies to agencies with programs considered to be top quality is essential. The increased variety of experiences, and social problems agencies face would create a larger knowledge pool enabling more creative solutions to be formed within social work agencies because there was a greater depth of experience and practice models to draw from.
Lithuania became a member of the United Nations, European Union less than 20 years ago. An older generation has lived in a free inter-war Lithuania, middle-aged generation is matured in the Soviet system, the younger generation has developed an independent Lithuania. As a social worker first of all I interviewed about clients perceptions of democracy, peace-making, collaboration. What does it mean for each of them? Ewalt, Mokuau's “Self-determination from a pacific perspective” describe self-determination as clients right to make their own decisions, their right to actively participate in the helping process, and their right to lead a life of their own choosing. Social worker may empower clients but they should be self-determined.
ReplyDeleteReading Ahmadi's article “Globalization of consciousness and new challenges for international social work” I found the idea that consciousness will be globalized soon. Consciousness is the manifest of globalization, when life's values and ideals will be the same in all cultures around the world . Perhaps this is due to the fact that people seek similar life goals, and confronted with similar problems. Due to globalization of consciousness makes it possible to expand the global solidarity, democracy and avoid conflict. Social worker's one of role is to advance to do it.
Thank you for your personal experience Edita. You brought up good points about self-determination.
DeleteEdita, I agree with your opinion - first of all to find out a customers perceptions of democracy, peace-making and collaboration. I agree that in Lithuania it is very important. Also I want to add that in Lithuania are people which do not understand that they can do choices. From my experience I could say that they think that not they, but the other people which are above them can do some choices. In Lithuania in the general population have a very interesting "position" - they are angry at work on their boss, they are angry at home on their neighbors which are living above or near them, they are angry at politicians, but only little part of them can understand that they can do choices to do some actions not only quietly angry and do nothing.
DeleteDevelopment and human rights are two major trusts of international social and humanitarian action in the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. Thus, first of all I would like to highlight the importance of the development which is a major focus of international practice roles for social workers, directed at poverty alleviation and improving human social and economic well-being. All people want to live in peace and harmony. Twenty years ago, a social work scholar from Zimbabwe wrote that:
ReplyDelete“The development of an individual as social being, is to aim his liberation and at his fulfillment. Development should be geared to be the satisfaction of needs beginning with the eradication of poverty, ignorance and disease” (Agere, 1986, p.32).
Therefore, it is possible to say that developing and strengthening a democratic system is an essential component of the process of development. Significance of democracy is argued in three distinct virtues: its intrinsic importance, its instrumental contributions, and its constructive role in the creation of values and norms (Sen).
In my opinion, development should begin from the person and the objectives of human activities are formulated in accordance with the internal motivations of each person. Firstly, this realization by the person is required. And yet, we can connect it to the freedom which is the independence of the social and political actors (including personality), as expressed in their abilities and opportunities to make choices and act in accordance with their interests and goals. Nonetheless, freedom is inseparable from responsibility and from the obligations to society and its other members.
In this regard, I believe freedom will be the core of all modern democratic regimes. The basic concept of freedom is that man, left to himself, does not depend on anyone, which means he is not a prisoner and believes that he is entitled to dispose of his life and time as he pleases. Freedom finds expression in the institutionalization of fundamental rights, the constitutions of states, international covenants and declarations. But with this freedom, people do not pay enough attention to inner freedom. And, in my opinion, the most important thing is to acquire inner freedom, and be at peace with themselves first. Because, being a free people, we lock our inner world into prison, and we believe that this is normal. Not paying enough attention to it, we take offense to this fate and blame it, for all its successes or failures, although there is nothing to blame.
Having achieved harmony with their inner world and finding an inner freedom, we become more open, kind, happy and successful people. We are looking for peace and life quite a different look. We get rid of complexes, hatred and evil, and let in a kindness and tenderness, love and care. We can move mountains and achieve all the goals we set ourselves. Then our whole world is going to meet, because we do not assume it negative energy. Anyone, absolutely anyone can open an inner freedom, and live in harmony with oneself and the world, if only he had a desire to become a happy man. Inner freedom is in us - is our success in life.
One of the main article (Ahmadi) ideas in development - that consciousness is soon to be globalized. Consciousness is the manifestation of globalization, when life's values and ideals around the world will be the same in all cultures. Perhaps this is due to the fact that people seek similar life goals, and confronted with similar problems. Thanks to the globalization of consciousness makes it possible to lead / grow a global solidarity, democracy and preventing conflict. International social work can have great importance in strengthening democracy, social justice and implementation of international conventions of human rights, reduction of discrimination against women, child rights protection, as well as trying to avoid conflict and peace building. Before studying, or engaging in other countries, social work, social workers must be familiar with the country's social policy and how it is applied in practice. International social work is like a project between different social actors: social work practitioners, universities and local authorities co-operating not only within the state. The social worker should develop an individual or community self – determination. Self-determination is the term which places inside: a possibility to recognize truth in self and others , a stable perception of and action to advance justice (fair, equitable treatment of all), the ability to think autonomously about oneself and one’s world (a free mind), the ability to advocate for fair treatment of oneself, competence in one’s chosen work, a capacity to experience the pleasures of intimacy (romantic and caregiving intimacy) (Ewalt, Mokuau, 1995, Tyson, 2012). This is the subject of social choice, which includes a wide range of issues that are inseparable from social justice issues, and group decisions. Social choice theory poses the following questions: Is it possible to take decisions about the undeniably unified society (such as "social welfare" or "public interest" or "global poverty"), while in terms of different individuals, brought different priorities.
ReplyDelete«The care of human life and happiness and not their destruction is the only object of good government» - Thomas Jefferson (1734-1826), the author of the Declaration of Independence, 3d President of the United States of America.
ReplyDeleteThis is a starting point of the idea of democracy in America and this can be perceived as a good example, also for other countries. It has been said, not only within a political context, but also in a social one.
Members of society can grow mentally and morally only in a democratic governance of the state. It would be fair enough to say that a person can be developed fully only in conditions of freedom of thought and freedom of choice. The process of achieving self-determination is the final result and the measure of success is not just individual, but it also a representation of the well-being of society as a whole.
But history shows that democracy does not come by itself, but we must fight for it. We as social workers need to motivate other people to fight for their rights, freedom of choice, freedom of speech and self-determination.
Ahmadi (2003) describes that with the inequalities that exist in the world, democracy cannot fully be established. Social workers cannot lead a movement, but we can help and support the society in the pursuit of democracy and the development of peacekeeping. Most countries have reached that level. But this does not mean that all people of these countries adhere to democratic views. Within each country and city, every family is potentially in danger and we, as social workers, need to see this and help to avoid it. It is good to remember that the public will be fully healthy when every member of society will be morally healthy. And I think it's a good motivation for peacemaking.
To effectively advance democracy, we must be critical of past efforts. There are valuable lessons to be learned from where inequality continues to exist, and we would be remiss in neglecting to take stock of these lessons and apply them to future work. Ahmadi argues that poverty stands in the way of true democracy, so with that in mind, can we call our own society a democracy? This is not to say that we as individual social workers are to be discouraged by our own government, even as we work within that system, but if we are looking to put forth a model of democracy, the failures of our version of democracy are as important as the successes.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, our version of democracy, even one that’s been revised with those lessons learned, is not necessarily appropriate for other societies. Cultural values about what constitutes the self are widely varied, and we must work within the existing mindset of the client population. We must assess the quality of the choices available to citizens – are decisions being made freely, or out of fear? Do citizens know their rights, or are they making “pseudo-choices” without full knowledge of their options? We must examine what resources are available to the client population in order to effect change on both the macro and micro level.
In order to be an advocate and a voice for others, social workers and other professionals have to consider the most important character in our efforts, and that is the people we serve. With that being said, I believe that we have to first consider the goals of the community’s efforts. Many times community workers are so passionate about solving the worlds problems and get so caught up in our own efforts that we may unintentionally forget that what may be problematic to one is the way of life for others. Sometimes we have to be slow to fix and quick to listen to the actual needs and goals of our communities that are being served.
ReplyDeleteBonta (1997) suggests that there are three types of goal structures: Competitive, cooperative and individualistic goal structures. When servicing populations I typically expect that I would focus on a cooperative goal structure in which all the goals and concerns of the individuals in the communities can become linked to make more macro goals that will both address the needs and service the whole. Many times individuals express their desired goals for the community without considering the goals and needs of everyone within that community; Bonta (1997) refers to this as individualism. When working with communities that are striving towards advancement of the community, as a social worker I would have to empower them to create a safe space and a “cooperative environment”. What structures are already in place and are effective and what services do the community need, rather than the individual.
Ahmadi states, “International social work can and should play an important role in consolidating democracy, social justice, and the implementation of international conventions… international social work can also be highly educative and practical.” I think in order to support this type of consolidation self-determination is a key agent in promoting the proper education to the community, region, state, national and international levels. It is through self-determination that the advocate or advocates share their passion for issues and promote them. Self-determination, however, may also cause an advocate to be blind to cross-cultural differences. Thus, as noted by Gray (1995), “social workers should commit themselves to an open, reflective approach with these minimal principles to prevent them from slipping into an ‘anything goes’ kind of relativism.”
ReplyDeleteI reside in a medium-rise apartment complex in a racially and culturally mixed area. I have lived in this complex for 5 years and have noticed that much of the residents dispose of their trash in unsanitary ways, including tossing out recyclable items. Through self-determination, I took it upon myself to talk to the building managers and the landlords to see if anything could be done with the recyclable items. I mentioned that many other buildings have recyclable programs and bins on their premises and that this type of program could benefit the tenants in our building (and the future of our planet/future generations). It took a few months of discussing the issue with the authorities, and last summer, my building manager started implementing a recyclable program. I have heard nothing but good things from my neighbors about the program.
It is true that the global social work aims are social justice, peace – making and democracy. First of all I want to start with Healey (Chapter 7) thought that social worker for the first step need to know the culture and to respect it. Just after this interblending we can start to work with community. All communities are different and they have different needs so for the social worker it is important to find out together with community members what problems they want to solve or what goals they want to reach. One member of community can have not the same definition of democracy like other. R. Jurkuvinene in the article “What kind of freedom? A narrative of change” is taking about similar situation then the people have different understanding of the same aim – freedom. In my opinion knowing all community members expectations and clear idea helps to work more effectively. Also we should not forget that social worker task is not to do for others but to empower individuals to take some actions by themselves. When the social worker starts to implement this strategy community members feeling free to choose and more self-determinate. According to Patricia L. Ewalt and Noreen Mokuau self-determination is a fundamental principle of social work. This is what stimulates development of democracy and peace – making. Self-determination empower people to act because they know that they can make their own decisions, to do and to choose what they want.
ReplyDeleteTalking about my work experience I need to say that self-determination I found out as very importance principle. I am working in a day centre which is like workshop for people with mental disabilities. Some of these people are very diffident and even in such small things like helping them to decide what to do or what color to choose for their needlework we leave self-determination right. I am for giving advice or discuss what they want but the final decisions belong for them.
The world becomes more and more exposed by globalization. As Ahmadi (2001) states that consciousness is the manifestation of globalization, when life’s values and ideals around the world will be the same in all cultures. Perhaps this is due to the fact that people seek similar life goals, and confronted with similar problems. Globalization makes possible to lead a global solidarity, democracy and preventing conflict. Looking through international social work based on Ahmadi it can have great importance in strengthening democracy, social justice and implementation of international conventions of human rights, reduction of discrimination against women, child rights protection, as well as trying to avoid conflict and peace building. In my opinion, this would be very strong for working in, for example, my community because unfortunately in Lithuania we have a huge problem with tolerance against minority communities. As in Ewalt and Mokuau (1995) article “Self-determination from a Pacific Perspective” the quotation of Dana (1981) emphasized how minority groups feel: “They typically experience less personal power, feel less control over their own lives, and they may also feel that they should not be directly responsible for themselves or experience greater control over their own lives”. This remembers me the situation of minority groups in Lithuania. It seems to me that I as social worker in community could try strength democracy principles. Another important point is self-determination emphasized by Weick and Pope (1988): “clients’ right to make their own decisions, their right to actively participate in the helping process, and their right to lead a life of their own choosing”. This description shows that social worker needs to be empowering all community members. Nowadays, in Lithuania we cannot imagine a life without freedom. It feels that ‘’freedom’’ is very related with democracy as Lithuanians understand. The article “What Kind of Freedom? A Narrative of Change” by Jurkuviene and Harrison (2005) define ‘’freedom’’ as everyone personal understanding, especially in special situations when a person seek to get free. Also freedom means “a respect for every human being, the right to self-expression” (Jurkuviene, Harrison, 2005). I think social worker in community should let people to understand what mean democracy, peace, freedom and self-determination for every member in community. This can help not only to empower people but also to extend the approach of a democratic State.
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ReplyDeleteI believe that for the social worker, working with the community, it is important to know and respect communities history, culture and values. Social worker, who knows and respects the culture of the community, focusing on human rights, could initiate actions that would enhance cooperation, peace and democracy. Patricia L. Ewalt and Noreen Moku wrote about self determination - the main aspect of social work. I’m totally agree with them. I believe the freedom of choose. Choose your own life, beliefs, and behaviors. Since the choice leads to a great responsibility, I think that it is important before choosing to give the customer more knowledge about his deal with the situation. Lithuanian society is indeed seen a number of stereotypes and people get fear of them. A social worker at this location could help to gain more knowledge about other cultures and groups, and get rid of the fear and stigma. Decreasing stereotypes and stigma, there a greater understanding among peoples, which is especially important in a global society.
ReplyDeleteBonta in his article mentions that it is possible to have a peaceful, yet competitively society if all of the other circumstances, beliefs, and attitudes of the society focus on nonviolence. In particular, the family can serve as a major educational resource, followed by schools and other organizations. It is important not only to change public attitudes, but also to make democracy, equality and social justice, the concept of understanding between the members of the public similar to those that they have the same goal of a peaceful society and values. Margot Breton said his straisnyje that work toward social change requires public action, the potential use of public actions that exist in all groups. "We need to reveal potential of society and enable them to cooperate. Collaboration is inseparable from the brokerage and mutual development of goals and values, Michael M.O. Seipel and their article Global poverty: An Untouchables No longer Problem reminded me of my own thoughts, that international cooperation should always raise the quality of social problems. So the social worker's activities should not be limited to working with communities, organizations at the local level. It is important that the government also responding to the social changes to a peaceful and democratic society goals.
DOVILE. V
(I PART)
ReplyDeleteWhile seeking to motivate peoples to participate in establishing democracy, peace and relationship based on collaboration. In my opinion first of all it is important to believe in yourself and in what you are doing. Also It is crucial to know the ways how to reach your purpose, to have means to reach you purpose and to provide possible results.
It is essential to recognize possibilities and challenges while taking changes both locally and internationally. So if you want to motivate people to participate in democracy, peace-making, collaborative efforts, it is mean that you must know many knowledge about whole social work profession, its history and evolution, also about it place in the whole world context. Many thoughts came to me head after four articles reading from others, whom was not less important. Its are:
1. Globalization of consciousness and new challenges for international SW by N. Ahmadi.
2. Defining social work for 21 st century: the international federation of social worker's revised definition of social work by I. Hare.
3. The past, present and future of international social work by A.K. Johnson.
4. A rewarding group worker's journey by Breton.
In general I would say that first three articles helped me to figure out what is important in executing international social work.
First of all that certain issues exist in the whole world and are solved similarly. So, it is essential to cooperate with well - developed countries that already have practical experience in solving certain problems. In this way we can to avoid other countries mistakes and I think that it is good thing.
Second it is important to realize that globalization constantly takes part in the world. It can be economical, cultural, political, social and informational. And this whole process "opens doors" to perfection and to different problems solving not only in local but also in international extent. So when We will follow process of globalization in whole world we can understand what are happening and what we can do.
Third it is important to understand the definition of social work profession, not only in local level but also in international level. Why? I think that all of us must to understand differences between social work definition in local level and definition of social work in international level. It is very important when definition of social work in law of one country is more different than similar in definition of social work in international level (for example in Lithuania). because it can to influence and interfere with our actions.
fourth, it is important to know the possibilities of profession of social work in the present time, to know it history in international and in local level and also to have thoughts about its future perspectives.
And I think that when you know all these things,you have got enough experience and knowledge, you also have enough self-confidence and it means that you can believe in your-self and in your action.
(II PART)And some thing more about factors which can help motivate people To participate in democracy and peace-making...
ReplyDeleteFor me social work profession associating with empowerment, with changes, with self-determination and with protection of Human Rights especially those people who are unable to do that.
So, I, as social worker, can to motivate people in two ways. I can do it through direct and indirect social work.
In direct way I could work with different groups members and different organizations workers in community. I can create the minded people teams, which could help me to motivate more people to participate in democracy and peace-making and so on.
In indirect way I could organized some social campaigns and prepared some social programs which can help me to involve more and more people in all country. Also I could to establish contacts with workers from organizations which are out side the country where I live. I believe that such actions would be effective because I have positive experience in my work place in such things and M. Breton article "a rewarding group worker's journey" remember it for me very well. I believe and I know that such things as working with groups are very useful to motivate peoples to participate in different areas. So I believe that groups meetings can help me to motivate people to participate in democracy and peace making too.
the most important thing for me is to know what you are doing to share with others what you know and what you are thinking and respect those who think differently than you do.
Inga
To advance democracy and peace in my community, I would gather members of my community to discuss what can be done to bring about peace. To start, I would incorporate the history, culture and values of the community into helping build a positive relationship with the community members. In order to do so, I would incorporate the rules of Community Health Education regarding community activism from Torres. According to Torres (2005), one of the rules of Community Health Education is “thou shall not tolerate the bad ‘isms”. So in order to foster democracy and peace in my community, I would need to guide them in realizing how allowing the negative ‘isms (i.e., racism, classism, sexism) has hampered democratic advancements and negotiations, and citizens would need to find a way to look past these inequalities. Furthermore, I would also have the people become involved by creating “strong social capitol and cohesive communities” by having the people work together to find common ground so they can reach a compromise that makes both members of the community happy, thus building self-sufficiency and peace (Grodofsky, 2007).
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