Watch the following TED talk:
https://www.ted.com/talks/srdja_popovic_how_to_topple_a_dictator
Now imagine Srdja Popovic was a professor of Global Social
Work. Integrating his principles with the principles from our readings, state
his approach to Global Social Work.
If you are inspired with some ideas for social change in
your country using his principles, please describe them.
Global Social Work has the potential to play a very important role with the increasing conflict in today’s world. As defined by the International Federation of Social Workers (2012), “The social work profession promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being.” This definition rang true in Srdja Popovic’s TED Talk, wherein he spoke about people power and the ability for people to be empowered and fight for their freedom through strategic tactics. His primary principles of leading the nonviolent movement in Serbia in 2000 were unity, planning and nonviolent discipline. These are a demonstration of nonviolent approaches to achieving peace while providing the people with power.
ReplyDeleteThe TED Talk demonstrated Popovic’s use of professional exchange. Healey (2008) notes that this dimension of international social work entails the exchange of information and experiences in an effort for people to utilize that information and improve social work practice and policy in their own home locations. Popovic shares not only his story, but also how the method of nonviolent action can make a difference in place as different as Serbia, Egypt, and the Middle East. This notion demonstrates that social work efforts and tools can be useful in various places across the world, however it is important for each location’s unique needs and scenarios to be taken into consideration. Another point that corresponds with Popovic’s principles is that international social work focuses on global solidarity, conflict prevention, and peace-keeping (Ahmadi, 2003).
Popovic’s approach also brought to mind the Grodofsky (2007) article, which highlights peace building and the notion of positive peace. Grodofsky (2007) defines positive peace as “the creation of a reality characterized by social justice, political participation, ecological balance and economic equity” (p. 47). This definition fits with Popovic’s assertion that people can take action in order to effect change. He referred to movements in which citizens participated in political action in order to make change through non-violent methods. Another point between Grodofsky and Popovic that aligns is that while government leaders may on a higher level end conflict and promote peace, they themselves cannot “deliver the goods of peace” (p. 47). Instead, Grodofsky quotes that, “in the aftermath of the signing of a peace agreement, an organic approach that ‘envisions peace building as a web of interdependent activities and people’ is appropriate” (p. 47). These actions all demonstrate the concept of freedom and how human choice plays a role.
-Kristina Kins
According to Grodofsky (2007), global social work can play meaningful role in peace building, nowadays. Social justice, equality, and diversity are fundamental to social work’s mission to combat discrimination (Thompson, 2016). Poverty and high inequality can raise dissatisfaction which follows violent discipline as only way to change formed conflict between government and people who has different point of view. Structural pressure limits advocacy in Social work field and it has to be eliminated (Bhuyan, Bejan, Jeyapal, 2017). Srdja Popovic’s TED Talk proves, that growing social or religious conflicts are not only raised by various environment conditions, but also by variant skills. Popovic (2011) states, that unity, planning and maintainable nonviolent discipline are three of most important skills which can sustain people power, especially government's or leader's who want to reach positive change. Furthermore, Popovic's TED talk presents humor as a powerful "game changer". He asserts that humor really hurts, as it can be taken too serious and is one of nonviolent ways to struggle with existing conflict. Moreover, observing last 35 years data which was introduced by S. Popovic, it is seen , that majority of different social transitions from dictatorship to democracy (50 different cases of 67) were achieved by nonviolent struggle.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, Grodofsky (2007) says, that peaceful community comes from creation of social justice, economic equity and freedom to express your political views. This opinion states the same point of view as it was written in Bhuyan's et. al. (2017) article. Even these two articles contradict Popovic's opinion, that change may start not from citizens, but from governent, that doesn't mean that both sides are not right.
In addition, Post (2005) writes about nationalist-separatists and social-revolutionary terrorist's differences, but claims, that both groups are tend to use violent disciplines, what shows, that years after years this discipline does not let to reach wanted change, even worse, violent actions increases higher violent phenomenon. It means, that integrating Popovic's principles which was discussed before, could be more effective in peaceful community creation.
In conclusion, talking about people power, I should mention that social workers play very important role in terrorism phenomenon. Moreover, I would like to add, that it is very important to understand which conflict's side social worker supports. Post (2005) talked about terrorism issue which is raised from childhood, as a duty to protect constructed family's approach, which states what is good and what is not. For example, maybe he/she supports his/her family's point of view and loyalty for family could be negative for positive community change. At least we have to recognize how fair could be social worker's point of view for vulnerable community and what negative or positive impact could be done for those who believe in social worker as a justice defender.
-Urte Jautakyte
Srdja Popovic is talking about a couple very importatnt things which correctly adapted can change the world. He highlights that people power is one of the most importatnt factors in the world in oder to perform successful nonviolent struggle. He also stresses that unity is a very important skill and the power is in everybodies hands. For example on August 1989 hundreds of thousands of people in the chain extended from Gediminas Tower in Vilnius through Ukmerge, Panevezys, Pasvalys through Independence Monument in Ryga to Hermann Tower in Tallinn. Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian residents held hands in a human chain through the Baltic states thus symbolically separating the Baltic States from the Soviet Union expressing a desire to be free. Supposedly that the total number on the road stood about 2-2.5 million humans, around one million were from Lithuanians. The unity made the impossible. And the most important this protest was nonviolent, as S. Popovic stresses it is the key power to win. The achievement of this nonviolent protest was that USSR conceded to Baltic people and acknowledged past crimes. It has become one of the most important steps on the way to the restoration of the independent Baltic States. Baltic Way internationally publicized a common struggle of all three countries. This paved the way for democratic movements elsewhere in the world as it was the positive example for other country's to restore their independence. This is how a strong brotherhood, unity and a common sense of purpose became an important political factor and finally reached the Baltic independence. I have to mention another one very important event for Lithuania. On January 1991 the Soviet Union used their armed forces trying to make the revoliution on legally elected government of the Republic of Lithuania and its independence. The revoliution was prevented by the people of Lithuania, they gathered to the capital Vilnius from all over Lithuania and defended the goverment with their bare hands, not using any guns or force. 14 young peacefull people were killed by Soviet army, more than a 1000 were injured. This is what I call people power, unity, enthusiasm to fight for freedom, for life.
ReplyDeleteAlso S. Popovic mentioned another very importatnt skill - humor. It is very powerfull thing. In our days the obesity problem is very big around the world. The British hard foundation is trying to battle this problem with humor. They made posters all around counrty. In the poster it is shown a hand which is made from chocolate bars and the middle finger is made from the longest chocolate bar and the poster says: show chocolate a finger.
In a nutt shell I can notice that social changes are not made by doing nothing. To get the results you have stand up and do stuff, even one small action can change a lot.
Neringa Sipele
The first idea that came to my mind was the fact that our society or social work (I’m talking about Lithuania) lacks unity. I can clearly see that when facing the recent crisis that happened in Lithuania there are two positions: a political position and a position where people are full of anger. It’s not a bad thing, because we can see our government cares for what is happening in Lithuania and looks for what could be changed to have a better life. Some Lithuanians might believe that my words are naïve, because our government’s representatives care only their own wellbeing, but in my opinion the main what I see is that people are trying to make changes happen - to change the current state economic, social life and etc., by organizing various public events. However, most of the times these people are perceived as some enthusiastic group who didn’t get much attention and aren’t taken seriously by the government. The main problem is that these people are too few. How can we change something and expect to have a better life just by sitting around and complaining? Srdja Popovic perfectly describes the current situation in Lithuania: „<...> Are they going to become the world wave? Are they going to find their skills, their enthusiasm, and their strategy to find what they really want and push for the reform, or will they just stay complaining about the endless list of the things they hate?”.
ReplyDeleteThe same idea can be applied to global social work. Based on what I’ve noticed, it seems that social work as a profession is hiding and waiting for the “perfect” time to show up and blow away our society’s problems. That can clearly be see when a 4-year-old boy was beaten to death by his parents. When everyone was talking and arguing about what is the best way to solve domestic violence, social work was somewhere in the background. I’m not blaming anyone, just wondering why did we get to such a situation? In my opinion people are tired and not only in Lithuania. People are tired of injustice, lies and took the most dangerous attitude – apathy. On the other hand, I’ve noticed that this is the same as when Lithuania regained independence: Lithuanians united themselves and won against the Soviet Union simply by singing songs. No violence, no pressure, just songs. To quote Srdja Popovic, I think that soon enough the situation will change and reforms will happen: „The nonviolent struggle is won in the real world, in the streets. You will never change your society towards democracy, or, you know, the economy, if you sit down and click. There are risks to be taken, and there are living people who are winning the struggle. “
Gerda D.
It is easy for me to feel similarly to how you feel about the current situation of unity in Lithuania when I think about America and the division that is still very alive here. Growing up, we are taught about the Civil Rights Movement and Era and how African Americans were treated so terribly by our government and our citizens. Today, the same treatment still occurs towards African Americans – but also to Muslim Americans, Latinx Americans and still even to Jewish Americans. The unity of the Left has grown and wavered through time. In 2008, when we elected president Barack Obama, I could not imagine the country every going backwards. But through his tenure as President, we saw a great rise in the sheer stupidity of the Republican officials who fought his every move and policy. These officials, only interested in their own beliefs, not the beliefs of the people, continued to push their hateful agenda, which eventually lead to the rise of our biggest national embarrassment, Donald Trump. Now more than I have ever felt in my life, is a divide that will be difficult to overcome. But America has done it before. I believe Lithuania can do it too. I suppose it starts with you and I and people like us, who work to help others and improve the lives of those who are less fortunate and do not have a voice.
DeleteSrdja Popovic puts immense emphasis on the power of nonviolent action for the sake of social justice and overthrowing dictatorial regimes. He lays out a set of rules and skills that can be learned and taught in order to perform successfully in the face of struggle. These include skills of unity, planning, and maintaining nonviolent discipline. This being said, he makes clear that any single act of violence within the larger nonviolent group can completely destroy the movement. He also makes clear that a struggle cannot be won by clicking a few buttons and typing a few things on social media, but rather is won “in the real world, in the streets.”
ReplyDeleteThe author Nader Ahmadi seems to support the approach of Popovic and I believe outlines the possible attitude Popovic would have regarding global social work. According to Nader Ahmadi in Globalisation of consciousness and new challenges for international social work (2003), “…not only does the globalisation of consciousness lead to similar patterns of exposure to problems, but it also opens up for the promotion of global solidarity, democracy and a greater possibility to prevent conflicts.” Based off of the way in which Popovic discussed the numerous examples of individuals coming up against their governments, such as those in the Middle East, Poland, and those under soviet rule, I could see him arguing that using his model of unity, planning, and maintaining nonviolent discipline would transcend borders due to the relatability of conflicts. In addition, in our now more globalized world, there is more information spread about conflicts abroad, giving other nations more knowledge about specific struggles, which would therefore allow them to better join the fight in solidarity. Examples of this could be seen after the election of President Donald Trump when protests broke out throughout the globe in solidarity with Americans.
When looking at Peace-building in violent conflict: Israeli-Palestinian Post-Oslo People-to-People Activities by Ifat Maoz (2004), I can also imagine Popovic, as a social worker, would find value in engaging in dialogue and people-to-people projects on the grassroots level. This, according to Maoz, aims to “to transform the relations between the sides through a process of constructive, open, and mutually respectful communication” (2004). In short, it seems Popovic’s model of nonviolent action fits into the scheme of global social work quite well, and with the social worker’s ability to unite populations and plan movements effectively; there would be a greater chance for positive, effective, nonviolent movements fighting injustice globally.
Popovic’s principles personally inspired me by giving a solid framework by which one could foster social change. Specifically, I was reminded of the situation of the US/Mexico border and the countless injustices occurring daily, as well as the lack of transparency existing within the government structures tasked with managing the border, such as Border Patrol and Customs. There are human rights violations occurring constantly, many of which I have been a witness too, or have heard about second hand by migrants who have come across the border or have been deported. While there is need for some sort of regulation of borders, the current state of our border policies, and the people who enforce them, does little else but endanger the lives of those crossing, as well as dehumanize. Racial profiling occurs constantly, and little of anything going on at the border is known unless you have experienced the border yourself. Therefore, if one were to apply Popovic’s principle of unity, planning, and nonviolent discipline, I could envision an effective call to greater transparency of institutions under homeland security in the border region, as well as the production of a more humanized outlook of migrants. Granted, this would take time.
I would just like to start off by saying how your response is great. Something that stood out to me in the first part was his quote on “in the real world, in the streets.” I think that one of our main problems is not actually being physically involved in what is going on around us. In class we talked about essentialization and how assumptions come out of that. We need to address the problem by learning and being a part of what is happening. Going off of this education is a key process. I think if at first nationally people can adopt unity, planning and maintaining a nonviolent discipline, we can than make it go international. I also agree with you and the framework for social change. In taking it step by step which like you said will take time, us as social workers can make it happen.
DeleteGlobal Social Work must work with a sense of unity of all persons and nations involved. Srdja Popovic discussed how with unity, oppressed populations were able to remove bad leaders from power. “People power” being the most important piece of the puzzle to ensuring the citizens of countries with bad leaders have a voice, and succeed with People Power, there must be unity of the people.
ReplyDeleteThere is no doubt that America is a severely divided nation with strongly held beliefs that range from extremely liberal to excruciatingly conservative. It was interesting to think about how the majority of Americans did not vote for Mr. Trump, yet he is our president. While his actions, policies and behaviors (Tweets) continue to show the majority of Americans that he is unfit to serve as our president, there is still a large population of conservative voters who truly believe he will rescue the country from failure and uncertainty. It will take the unity of the people who understand the danger of a Trump presidency and conservative government to oust the politicians who push laws and agendas that hurt every day Americans. It was also interesting to see Mr. Popvic discuss the mocking of bad leaders and how much it upsets them, as we see Mr. Trump firing off angry Tweets after every SNL episode that pokes fun at him and his appointees.
Mr. Popovic would approach a Global Social Work course by pushing for a uniting of people, regardless of borders or nationalities. Americans uniting with people of other countries, coming together to help everyone involved is the best and most effective way to make change in the world as a whole.
We have read about many forms of unity in communities that were facing adversity. From uniting against the United States military bases and operations to marching peacefully for changes in the government, peaceful unity is what will and has made the changes we need the most in the world.
The unity that we saw in the aftermath of the (Muslim) travel and immigration ban that halted individuals from seven countries was outstanding. Americans and others alike came forward to denounce the United States Government and attorneys flooded to the airports, with no real communication or organizing to do so, to help those affected by the ban. Judges, World Leaders everyday citizens spoke out against the government and we all were able to voice our peaceful opinion loudly enough that federal judges effectively halted the first draft of the ban, outraging the President of the United States. None of the protests at the airports sparked violence. They were unifying and peaceful, which is exactly what the country needed, in order to be effective at garnering nationwide support for a stop to the ban.
Notes: Principals: Nonviolence, Community outreach, unity, Humor, Mocking Leaders
The field of social work not only has the power to affect social policies made domestically and internationally, but to also empower people’s lives and promote change through community organizing and development. It is the impression of the writer that as a professor of global social work Srdja Popovic would also empower and encourage the people he works with to create change through efforts of community organizing and development. Srdja Popovic believes that change and democracy need to originate on a grassroots micro level. As a global social work professor, he would recognize and teach that when fostering change on a grassroots level there are limited opportunities to influence politics on a macro level. Grassroot movements have strong influences on the individuals and communities at a local level (Ahmadi, 2003). Popovic would also argue that people should work for change through in-person engagement and actions. For example, Popovic recognizes that the Internet and other forms of media provide useful ways for communicating with others. Through the Internet and other forms of social media, messages and information can be created and delivered cheaply, and quickly, while also allowing individuals to feel safe through anonymity.
ReplyDeletePopovic would tell his students, however, that no one can affect change to a society becoming more democratic or improving an economy by sitting in front of a computer screen. To democracy individuals have to take risks, be in places that make them nervous or scared, and most importantly, be motivated and active in a community by building face-to face relationships and engaging in transformative in-person dialogues (Maoz, 2004). Transformative dialogue occurs when people with differing opinions and beliefs begin to deal with disagreements and conflict. This is done by listening nonjudgementally to other people, expressing personal thoughts, and empathizing with the other person’s values, emotions, and experiences (Maoz, 2004). Through transformative dialogue, relations and perceptions of other people are changed and people form a stronger connectedness and acceptance to the experiences and beliefs others hold (Maoz, 2004).
As a professor of global social work Popovic would also teach students the importance of people forming unity and solidarity. Unity and solidarity create a sense of interdependence while still respecting people’s individual human rights and individuality (Ahmadi, 2003). Data shows when people have shared concerns there is often a higher demand for forming shared efforts to work for change (Ahmadi, 2003). When people are working together for the same concern or cause, social change can become more of a reality than when fighting for a cause alone. There is significant value to having “strength in numbers” when working for social change. In history there have been many instances where solidarity and unity have been used as a group effort to affect social change, such as oppressions against a minority group (Ahmadi, 2003). For example, solidarity and unity helped Martin Luther King Jr. with his fight against racial justice in the 1960s. When people showed that they favored Martin Luther King Jr.’s messages and took a stand against discriminating people of color, the movement toward racial equality grew. As a global social work instructor Pipvic would want students to learn from instances of community organizing and solidarity in history, such as the movement initiated by Martin Luther King Jr.
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ReplyDeleteAs a global social work professor, Popovic would also tell individuals to plan and understand social concerns in a variety of contexts before getting involved in social change or advocacy projects. Skills and knowledge brought to a situation are more important than the condition of a society. Individuals must first think and plan out a course of action by exploring what and where they want changes to occur, before acting (Ahmadi, 2003). A spontaneous and successful nonviolent movement is not likely in any part of the world. Nonviolent movements need to be envisioned and planned out (Ahmadi, 2003). As a professor of international social work, Popovic would argue that people need to learn about the globalization of social problems and social consciousness before demanding change (Ahmadi, 2003). Since globalization is affecting many sectors of human life, international social workers need to understand and promote social policies that work to integrate numerous cultures of the world (Ahmadi 2003). By learning how globalization is uniquely affecting countries, international social workers, such as Popovic, could greatly affect social change for individuals and communities. Popovic would teach his students that it is important to exchange ideas and create local social work networks with people of various countries. Only when we meet, share ideas, and create a mutual understandings can solutions be developed from presenting concerns (Ahmadi, 2003). Moreover, only when individuals understand social structures and situations of a country can they begin to push for reform. Reform cannot occur through complaints and misunderstandings, but through educational understanding.
ReplyDeletePeople throughout the United States have used many of the ideas Popvic explained to create inspirational "people powered" social change. For example, after Trump was elected president, thousands of individuals went to march in the streets as a way of protecting and voicing their concerns against many of President Trump’s ideas and proposed federal policy changes. One such area was women’s human rights. Data shows President Trump opposes abortions and believes sexual assaults and abuse are not wrongful acts, but a normal part of life. In response to President Trump, thousands of people unified around issues that would protect a woman’s body and her health. Women told each other personal stories and got to know one another, realizing change had to start small. Before going to protest and march on the streets, individuals researched how women’s lives would change if having an abortion was no longer an option for women or if the rates of sexual assault and abuse continued to rise. What started as a small idea and plan to gather people concerned about women losing their fundamental rights became a massive movement that quickly grew. Thousands of individuals took to the streets to nonviolently voice their concerns against President Trump’s proposed federal changes directly affecting women. The thousands of people who marched the streets across the United States realized that one violent action or behavior by a single individual could upset the solidarity and nonviolent messages brought to the streets. Participants of the women’s marches also realized they had to work in unison to create social change for women. Furthermore, participants recognized that their energy, humor, and enthusiasm for social change on the particular issue of women’s rights outweighed any fear they felt about marching in public.
References
Ahmadi, N. (2003). Globalization of consciousness and new challenges for international social work. Journal of International Social Welfare, 12, 14-23.
Maoz, I. (2004). Peace building in violent conflict: Israeli-palestinian post-oslo people-to-people activities. International Journal of Politics, Culture, and Society, 17 (3), 563-574.
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ReplyDeleteStarting off with a definition of Global Social Work that we discussed in class; The role of a global social worker is to promote social development via direct services like the micro and meso level and participate in international policy-making or planning organization. In doing so multiple factors come into place, as we see in our readings there are different ways around it. Some principles that stood out to me were Healey’s four key dimensions of Global Social work which include;
ReplyDeleteo Internationally-related domestic practice and advocacy:
♣ addressing problems that cross national boundaries (e.g., trafficking, drug sales)
♣ Working with international populations
o Professional exchange: using knowledge gained from other countries to improve practice and policy in home country
o International Practice: Social workers contribute to international development by working in international development agencies
o International policy development and advocacy: Social work as a worldwide movement influencing policy at the international level
I feel like each of his four practices are crucial in being successful. The first one is important because you can see the issues that both sides are having. Going along with that comes the second one of culture competency. In order to be able to work with one another, having knowledge about the people you are working with is better than assumptions. In having awareness you then can take part in Healey’s third practice. Finally, in utilizing all four of these practices you can have an international development.
I believe that Healey and Srdja Popovic would integrate nicely together. Popovic has three main principles of unity, planning, and non-violent principles. These can be set rules and skills that can be taught and developed. He believes that the power is in our hands. So, unity is having people come together and fight for what they believe in. Planning comes after that and being mindful of the tactics people use. A major part of is principles is non-violent discipline. Both principles from Healey and Popovic are positive and use the people’s voices and opinions. Social work regardless if it is global or national is about serving others.
In today’s society, I feel like America could really use Popovic’s principles. America was built on a democracy which is for the people by the people. In Popovic’s principles Unity is the first one he addresses. America should at best try to get all together when we have an issue with something and work together to try and solve it. The planning part is important because I feel like there is always a lot of talk about change, however nothing actually takes place. Instead of resulting in a war or crime, non-violent discipline can help shape how society operates.
The concept of dictatorial governments is not new to the Ugandans. Uganda has been ruled by several dictators in its history. The well-known one is Idi Amin Dada who ruled Uganda from 1971 until 1979 when he was overthrown by Milton Obote. The Obote was also overthrown in 1985 by President Yoweri Museveni Kaguta who has ruled Uganda up to date. Their approach was armed violent campaigns that devastated the economy. Therefore, listening to Srdja Popovic Ted talk on how to topple a dictator has been inspiring.
ReplyDeleteFrom my point of view, Srdja Popovic is using the principle of participation by the masses in the struggle of democracy and overthrowing the dictators. In his approach, he stresses involving people of to frame solution for their society. He cited that this approach of “people power” was successfully utilized by Mahatma Gandhi of India to drive out the British and was successfully used by Martin Luther Junior during the civil rights movement.
Secondly, he is using the principle of building civil society movements as a way to build democracy. Civil societies have a role of “ensuring the accountability” of the State in different spheres. For example, ensuring the right to access to information is a first step into the State accountability, in a country where the Official Secret Act predominates. When people have access to information, and can freely express their view, it’s hard to violate their rights and freedoms.
Also, I think he is using the principle of unity, conflict prevention, and peace keeping. He is totally against violent campaigns and armed campaigns. He emphasizes that nonviolent campaigns are nearly twice as effective as armed campaigns. He points out that in a nonviolent match of 100,000 if one idiot slows a stone, all the camera will focus on him and the match will fail. In regard to unity, he show the importance of uniting the different political parties in to one struggle. Throughout the talk, Srdja Popovic in advocating that maintaining unity and nonviolent discipline leads to success.
Some ideas for social change that can be relevant to Ugandans.
Mobilizing local leaders, civil servants law enforcement officers to resist dictators internally is another idea that inspired me. The president of Uganda and the NRM government has been in power for the last 31 years despite corruption, nepotism and vote rigging. Amidst all these scandals, local leaders, law enforcement officers and civil servants remain loyal to the government. The idea of organizing them internally to resist can be a stepping stop to topple our president who is ready to be a life president. Lack of internal resistance has resulted into leaders to support dictators. For example, in 2001, our members of parliament voted to amend the constitution in favor of removing presidential term limits giving a blank check to dictators to contest for life. As I talk, there is a move to amend the constitution and remove the 75 year age limits clause to favor the president to continue contesting. With internal resistance, the move can fail and eventually we shall get rid of him and his corrupt government.
I noticed that treating police, security forces and pro-government business community not as enemies but friends in the struggle is a great idea. We should not slow stones, abuse or insult them when they arrest or disperse demonstrators or rioters. We should instead go ahead and give them gifts, talk and chat with them in a friendly manner. Using this approach they become assured that even after government changes, they will be treated fairly. It was clear that “a dictator who can’t be sure his repressive orders will be obeyed is finished”.
Ahmadi, (2003) defines global social work as a partnership that can cross boundaries, nations, and diverse professionals. As global social workers we are promising to fight for justice, human rights, and to care for those less fortunate both in our country and across the world. To do this, we must first be aware of what is happening around us, then we must be aware of political climates and human rights violations, and lastly, we often must be willing to go outside of our comfort zone. In his talk, Srdja Popovic presents an approach to global social work that very much focused on social change.
ReplyDeleteWhen Popovic talks about global social work and discusses organizing for change, or “People Power,” four key principles shine through. First is the very important skill of analytics. Through analytics we can keep track of what our target is and also how close we are to a successful movement. The second principle is that of unity, or focusing on bringing people together under a single project or cause. Next is planning. By this, Popovic means to say that no successful movement was successful without some thoughtful planning and organizing. Lastly is nonviolent discipline. This is also extremely important as even one violent participant can steal the focus of the media and therefore draw attention away from the movement (Tedx Talks, 2011).
As Hugman, Moosa-Mitha & Moyo (2010) state, social workers must be careful when working across borders. Without making assumptions or playing on power relations, global social workers must be careful to not patronize the very people they are trying to help (page 630). An amazing movement that all these principles and ideas can be applied to is the Black Lives Matter movement alive and growing all over the United States and some parts of Canada. It is a powerful movement that impacts many of the clients we work with. As a global social worker I must be self-aware and must never try to control the work of the activists and change makers. I am welcome in this movement but I must enter in with an open mind, flexibility, and lots of cultural humility.
References
Ahmadi , Nader (2003) Globalization of Consciousness and new challenges International
Social Welfare, 12, 14-23.
Hugman, R., Moosa-Mitha, M., & Moyo. O. (2010) Towards a borderless Social Work:
Reconsidering notions of international social work. International Social Work
53(5),629-643.
TEDx Talks. (2011, November). TedxKrakow – Srdja Popovic – How to topple a
dictoator. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/srdja_popovic_how_to_topple_a_dictator
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ReplyDeleteSrdja Popovic centers around the idea of “people power” in order to make great social change happen in the world. He uses the examples of the social revolutions that Martin Luther King Jr and Ghandi started and the changes that were made because of the actions of people. In respect to Global Social Work, Popovic’s view can be very helpful in order to reach across borders and nations in order to help one another, which he even states in his talk. For people power to work, according to Popovic, there needs to be unity, planning, and nonviolence discipline. He agues that this is the best way to cause change because there are democracies that have been built off of this process. Nader Ahmadi’s article (2003) concerning globalization of conscientiousness follows a similar theory of creating cohesiveness between people and cultures to create social change. He states that “international social work…is a project of partnership between diverse social actors such as practitioners, universities and local governments cooperating beyond the boundaries of the nation-state”. Both of these points of view go hand in hand and lay a good framework for everyone who wants to make social change happen.
ReplyDeleteThe United States and the world is in a greater need of this now more than ever. With policies with the immigration ban affecting people around the world and the potential change in the healthcare system that will affect every American that isn’t in the top 20% of the nation and leave almost 14 million people without medical insurance. It is our responsibility as Americans and people living in this world to rise up against unjust systems that are oppressing our fellow man. It has worked before and with Popovic’s argument, could be the only way to get some real social change done in the world today. Power of the people will never die but only get stronger and it is our duty to make sure justice is upon every man and woman and that a more serious regime does not come into play that can harm everyone in the United States and the world.
(Part 1)
ReplyDeleteAccording to Lorenz (1997), “all social work is enmeshed in global processes of change” (p. 2). Global social work has developed as a response to the rapid rise of globalization in recent decades. Innovative advances in technology has allowed for easier international communication, migration and displacement of vulnerable populations is on the rise, social problems have become more analogous in underdeveloped countries, and the political, economic, and social actions of one country have a ripple effect across the world (Healy, 2008). There has been a globalization of consciousness that creates an opportunity for dialogue about how to confront social problems and build peace and democracy (Ahmadi, 2003). It is due to these aspects of globalization that the social work profession is called to have a greater international focus.
The main principles that Srdja Popovic outlined in his TED Talk align with many of the values of global social work. Popovic discussed the importance of nonviolent resistance and “people power” to work towards breaking down the unjust and oppressive political, economic, and social systems present throughout the world. Popovic draws on his personal experience organizing against the Serbian government to argue that people power has the potential to bring about vast and radical social change, yet this must be done according to set of certain “rules and skills” in order to be successful and have lasting impact. This set of “rules and skills” is one that has been the underpinning of nonviolent resistance for many years. Popovic points to the movements led by Ghandi in India, Martin Luther King in the United States, young people in Arab countries during the Arab Spring, and individuals who organized to force the Soviet troops out of Poland. Each of these movements were successful because they were based in the principles of unity, enthusiasm, and humor, were dedicated to nonviolence, and utilized innovative and strategic tactics to spread their message and put pressure on the sociopolitical systems. Without these crucial elements, fear and apathy can overwhelm movements and prevent individuals from coming together to work for peace and justice.
(Part 2)
ReplyDeletePopovic stated that there are many who believe that people power can only work within a certain social, economic, or political context. He challenged this belief by stating that this set of “rules and skills” of nonviolent practice can be applied in a variety of cultures, countries, and political contexts, and has been shown to be very successful. Fortunately, the rise of globalization has allowed for a rise in the ability to exchange professional knowledge, and Popovich’s intent with his TED Talk is to continue to spread the knowledge that he has utilized to promote social change so that others across the world can continue to fight for peace and justice. Popovic already sounds like a global social work professor. Global social work is centered around the principle of the professional exchange of knowledge across borders to promote more innovative and effective solutions to social problems. This not only includes the outflow of professional knowledge from developed countries to developing/underdeveloped countries, but also allows for an inflow of knowledge to developed countries (Ahmadi, 2003). Popovic would agree that this transnational sharing of knowledge is crucial to learning better and more efficient ways to address social issues.
If Popovic were a global social work professor, he would speak to the importance of social workers as promoters of unity, enthusiasm and humor. Social workers strive to not only work on a macro level, but also consider the needs and desires of individuals on a micro level. In order to promote and maintain unity, enthusiasm, and humor, we must find ways to intimately connect with, be present to, and walk alongside vulnerable individuals. Social workers are called to do this on a daily basis in their work, and nonviolent resisters are called to do this when they feel called to respond to injustice. Popovic has much to teach the social work profession about the opportunities to promote social change.
References
Ahmadi, N. (2003). Globalisation of consciousness and new challenges for international social work. International Social Welfare, 12, 14-23.
Healy, L. M. (2008). International Social Work: Professional Action in an Interdependent World (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press, Inc.
Lorenz, W. (1997, August 24). Social work in a changing Europe. Paper presented to the Joint European Regional Seminar of IFSW and EASSW on Culture and Identity, Dublin, Ireland.
I agree with your idea that a social worker should promote unity, enthusiasm and humor. Emphasis on the humor. In my opinion humor could be a way for a social worker to relieve stress and to prevent "burnouts". I have noticed a lack of enthusiasm or humor in the everyday social worker's life. However, there might be many reasons that cause this. For example, difficult clients, situations, work conditions etc. Your idea gave me motivation to not abandon these principles and have more enthusiasm in my daily work (Hopefully)
DeletePopovic’s approach to Global Social Work would incorporate a philosophy of human rights, the ideas of international practice and professional exchange, and the idea of self determination.
ReplyDeleteAn overarching theme to his approach of Global Social Work would be to incorporate the idea of human rights as defined by the United Nations’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948). Article 1 of the UN Declaration of Human Rights states that all humans beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights (1948). As Popovic was a student leader of a nonviolent resistance movement that opposed the violent policies and regime of Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic, it would make sense that a deep belief in the inherent dignity and importance of human rights would be guiding principle and approach to Global Social Work.
Healey (2008) discusses the ideas of international practice and professional exchange as two separate ideas or dimensions of international social work. Professional exchange includes (amongst other things) participating in professional interchange, identifying and adapting social welfare innovations and general exchange of social work related knowledge across cultures and contexts. The idea of international practice as discussed by Healey pertains specifically to some professional social workers “contributing directly to international development though employment…in international development agencies” (p. 15). Due to Popovic brief discussion of people power and referencing the impact that the non violent resistance of Ghandi and Martin Luther King Jr. had on resistance movements across the globe, Popovic would approach global social work with an emphasis on the importance of the shared knowledge and experience of others across the world. They may not be specifically social workers employed in international contexts, but rather taking what which we can learn from other countries and movements and how we can apply them within our own countries/contexts.
Finally, Popovic’s approach to Global Social work would incorporate ideas of self determination. While Popovic may frame it slightly differently, in essence the crux of the movement he was spearheading was about moving the people of Serbia towards a future and life that they want to live rather than one imposed on them by governments, structures and dictators. This was, in essence, encouraging them to move towards self determination or helping to “foster the ability of a client or people to make their own life choices” (Healy, 2008, p. 246). That said, I Popovic would not necessarily cleave only to the self determination within the context of individualism, but also take on the more complex understanding as discussed by Ewalt & Mokuau (1995), which incorporates the importance of group well being and collective action into the understanding of self determination.
Ewalt, P. & Mokuau, N. (1995). Self determination from a Pacific perspective. Social Work. 40(2), 168-175.
Healey, Lynn M. (2008). International Social Work: Professional Action in an Interdependent World. 3rd edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948): http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/index.shtml
Srdja Popovic in his TED talk was talking about several interesting principles, that can help combat with the social problems on a global scale. As the cornerstone of which can change the world, he mentioned people power. As Nader Ahmadi (2003) wrote in her article - people in different part of the world strive for similar goals and life ideals and are thus confronted with similar problems. I think people power opens up for the promotion of global solidarity, democracy and a greater possibility to prevent conflicts. Together people can do are very beautiful and strong things. For example „Baltic way“ Three countries (Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia), stood holding hands by making a continuous chain. Hundreds of thousands of people formed people power. Together we always can do more and better. People Power is about politics, about strategy and about social change.
ReplyDeletePopovic said that there are rules and skills which can be learned and taught in order to perform successful nonviolent struggle. Very important skills are such as unity, planning, and maintaining nonviolent discipline. Currently, Lithuania is experiencing a crisis of unity. It was very much in dire crimes, after which people began publicly claim that the death penalty would be returned. One single act of violence can literally destroy the unity in the society. In other words, society requires a positive peace, in order to be maintained unity. Grodofsky in his article about Peace Building, was writing, that Positive peace refers to the creation of a reality characterized by social justice, political participation, ecological balance and economic equity. Lately, Lithuania increasingly sees his country's shortcomings, Which do not allow society to live in peace. Making big changes in the amendments to the law to tighten penalties, social righteousness. Trying to stabilize the economy. For that, we need selection of strategies and tactics. It is important to plan and think about their actions, so as to avoid violence.
Popovic said, that „Humor is such a powerful game-changer”. Humor is like an opposite of violence. Social work is not inspiring theme to joke. It is therefore not surprising that social work relationships rarely exploration of humor or irony role. Humor allows for different worlds coexist together. (Mik - Meyer, 2005). Humor has the ability to develop strong social bonds and tricky situations enables joint action.
In a conclusion, I would like to say, that all these Popovi's principles, must be used in Lithuania. We must unite and to achieve significant changes in Lithuania. Together we can pe „people power“.
References:
Ahmadi, N. (2003). Globalisation of consciousness and new challenges for international social work. International Social Welfare.
Grodofsky, M. M. (2007). The Contribution of Law and Social Work to Interdisciplinary Community Development and Peace Building in the Middle East.
Mik – Meyer, N. (2005). Social Work, Structured Fun and the Jokes of Social Structure: The role of laughter. Department of Management, Politics and Philosophy Copenhagen Business School. MPP Working Paper No. 16.
TEDx Talks. (2011, November). TedxKrakow – Srdja Popovic – How to topple a
dictoator. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/srdja_popovic_how_to_topple_a_dictator
Lina Tokarskytė (sorry for my bad english skilss.)
1. After watching this Ted talk i believe that there are 2 element keys in global social work – people power and non-violent struggle that can change the world. I believe that the most important part about people power is that at first people need to believe that they have a power to change things, that people as a group can make wonderful things in the world. What is the most important that people power works the best in non-violent struggle. You don‘t need violence or aggresion to change the word. You just need the belief that you and all the people around has rights and power. It is important to note that you need to have some proper skills to use this power properly. As Srdja Popovic is saying planning, analytic skills and a good dose of humour is essential. But in the end everything comes to empowering people in non-violence way. When I think about my country, i remember these recent events when a child was killed by his parents and there were a lot of attention to this, but most of the people was trying to change things in violent way – everywhere in social media they posted all these nasty things about parents also people started to collect signs for petition that in the country should be restored death penalty. During this, other group of the people were doing calm protests in municipality with concrete desicions. And because of this non-violent approach i believe now we have this new law that protects a child from all kinds of violence. I also think about social workers community in Lithuania. Nowadays social worker image in our society is quite negative, but i also see, that we as social workers are not united, not interested to do things together, to use our power to change things and to help people understand about what is our proffesion and why it is important for people. So, to sum up, i believe this approach of global work is very practical and understandable. And i really believe that the only way to change the things in the world – to unite, believe that we have power to change things in non – violent way.
ReplyDeleteI think you summarized Popovic's point very nicely- that people as a group can make wonderful things in the world, without the use of aggression. This also plays into the idea that some people may not believe in themselves enough, or that they have the power to make a difference on their own, so they often turn to the use of weapons or aggression. The best way to counteract this is with they unity of non-aggressors, as you said. Here in the US too, when Trump became president there were many people who got on social media and talked about assassination, while others participated in non-violent marches and protests.
DeleteSrdja Popovic promotes “people power” and non-violent struggle. The social work profession “promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being. Utilizing theories of human behavior and social systems, social work intervenes at the points where people interact with their environments. Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work” (International Federation of Social Workers, 2012).
ReplyDeleteIf he were a professor of global social work, Popovic would advocate for unity and positive peace building. Throughout the TED talk, it was clear that already he encompasses the goals of a social worker. He would believe in advancing social justice within and between countries, fostering transnational cooperation, and building social structures that promote peace. There appear to be three “steps” or “parts” to achieving “people power”. The first, is analytic skills. The second, unity. He gives a personal anecdote of unity within his own country. “Let me give you an example. I come from a country called Serbia. It took us 10 years to unite 18 opposition party leaders, with their big egos, behind one single candidate against the Balkan dictator Slobodan Milosevic. Guess what? That was the day of his defeat”(Popovic, 2011). Nonviolent discipline is also crucial, as a single act of violence has the ability to destroy the entire movement. In today’s society, people tend to focus on the bad, so as Popovic said, if there was a nonviolent march of 100,000 people and one person threw a stone, all the attention would be on that one person. Ultimately, Popovic has a very unifying, non-violent approach towards “people power” to advocate for social change.
Dissecting Popovic’s non-violent approach, it can be concluded that he would be a great advocate of peace-building social work. The goals of peace-building in social work are to transform warlike behaviors in communities, prevent the relapse of violent conflict, as well as transformative dialogue (or a change in attitude towards those around) (Gergen et. all, 565).
I think that “people power” is very much so present in the United States right now, or at least we are in the beginning stages of it. With the current presidency there are many communities that are revolting in a nonviolent manner to promote social change. When Trump became president, thousands of people marched in the streets in a non violent protest. This wasn’t the only instance of unity during the past few months in the United States. When scientists were advised to not talk about climate change and the causes and effects of it in fear of losing their jobs, national parks took it upon themselves to tweet the facts instead. Further more, the devastating state of immigration and the travel ban that Trump instigated caused lawyers to offer free services to immigrants that were being targeted, and multiple cities nationwide had a “day without an immigrant”.
I want to begin that global social work is trying to promote the knowledge and evidence, resources and tools and political will and action needed to address key social services workforce challenges , especially within low-to middle income countries. Social workers are very important part of how Grodofsky say people power, because social workers can help to unite or to help how to solve social global problems without violence but with analysis of global society actions or social environmental changes.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching Ted talk first thought was that in Lithuania people power are asleep. Nowadays people are caring about them self, not about people around them. What is worst they started to show apathy. That is happening now in Lithuania I am talking about low salaries various crimes, and so on. People are just doing nothing to make a change. Grodofsky mentioned media. And that is really important theme. He sayed that is not enough in facebook just click “like” or share the news or comment something. If we want to do something we need to stand up for our self. Best example when Baltic countries unite against Soviet Russia and in non-violent way by holding hands made “ Baltic road” and showed that Baltic countries want and will be free. Because risk should be taken at those kind of times. Grodofsky highlighted that is important to watch demographic, there is more and more young people, and those young people should rise and fight in nonviolent way for a better future, because if we want something we cannot sit and wait we need embrace ourselves and people around us.
I think after all his Ted talk I was inspired by the way how Grodofsky used humour for a prove a point. That is what is missing in Lithuania because now people are just blend in and say nothing about current situation or they are angry and sad. But Lithuania forgot that humour is a big game changer and let us see and solve things for another perspective.
In conclusion people power and social work is really close to each other and should work as a one segment. Because ideas that Grodofsky mentioned social workers are using them as tool to work with society, maybe not exact same models, but they are really alike. Unfortunately in Lithuania social work is still young and we need to learn many things but maybe not today not tomorrow but eventually social work in Lithuania will took a really strong part and involves people to fight for their rights.
After watching this video, the fact that nowadays Lithuania lacks unity has become even more apparent to me. When our country was fighting for its independence on the 13th of January, the people demonstrated a case of incredible unity, their presence alone aided the restoration of Lithuania’s independence.
ReplyDeleteWhereas now I think Lithuania is divided into two parts: the state and the people. The role of social work is Lithuania is at an all-time low as well Assoc. Prof. S. Popovic does a great job identifying our situation: the state is doing their best for the wellbeing of every person by legislating and planning, and yet the other side – the people, together with social workers, are dissatisfied with the state’s policies, as insufficient amount of funds is being directed towards implementation of ideas, subsequently wasting the youth’s enthusiasm and their willingness and urge to act for the wellbeing of the country.
As a result, social work suffers because the majority of social workers in Lithuania are working in the non-governmental sector. Later, when tragedies occur and people die, said dissatisfaction towards the state becomes even more conspicuous and the role of a social worker becomes even more visible, for they are the ones to get most of the blame.
Nonetheless, such moments again spark unity among people – our society makes a conjoined effort to urge the state into taking certain steps that would lead to a improving the situation. This is what Prof. S. Popovich is talking about in this video, stating that society as a whole wields immense power to make changes.
Martynas Vitkus
Ill start by stating, that the video by professor srdija Popovich Was really inspiring. His approach to global social work can be applied in many situations globally around the world.
ReplyDeleteHis approach states different ways or techniques in which protests can be carried out nonviolently. He went further stating 3main qualities to a peaceful and nonviolent protest. There are as follows
Unity, planning and nonviolent discipline.
A great example in my country Nigeria is the bring back our girls campaign in the aftermath of the BokoHaram terrorist group adopted 276girls from a local boarding school on April 14 2014.it went viral online around the world #bringbackourgirls.late last year out of the 276girls a total of 21 were freed October 2016.
Another example is Nigeria erupted in protest in January 2012 when the government announced it was to remove the subsidy on domestic fuel supplies. Despite exporting 2.5 million barrels of oil per day, Nigeria doesn’t have the refining capacity to meet domestic demand and has to import petrol. The fuel subsidy uprising went on for almost two weeks and offered a glimpse of the country’s simmering social unrest.
‘On the first day people went to protest about the fuel subsidy removal. By the tenth day they were protesting about poverty, corruption and the theft of our resources,’ says Nigerian activist Ken Henshaw. ‘People think that the fuel subsidy uprising was spontaneous,’ he continues. ‘But it took months of preparation, organizing, educating people using the fuel subsidy issue. The uprising ended but a movement is building... we are just waiting for the next issue which will light the touch paper.’
Finally, globally I would like to mention the most recent peaceful protest I just saw is a great example of peacefully planned nonviolent protests. The movement was created in the aftermath of the terrorist event that happened in UK.it encouraged Muslims to put on blue tea shirts all written: I am a Muslim ask me anything. This is a moment that sends a huge message to the public that Muslims are normal people despite the negative narratives terrorist groups are creating about Muslims all over the years.