More Than Words: Using Photovoice in Multi-Disciplinary Settings to Illustrate Client and Student Experiences

Author Abstract: Photovoice is a participatory action research strategy that places the lens in the hands of the participant. Participants submit photos with accompanying narratives that illustrate their personal experiences regarding the assigned topic. This strategy can be used in individual, group, family, classroom, and youth group settings, with any age, or in qualitative research studies, to help participants share perspectives that are sometimes difficult to verbalize, and assist in creating change based on perceived experiences. Presenters will introduce photovoice, offer examples of implementation, and give attenders opportunities to practice assessing photovoice submissions

Identifying Factors that Predict Policy Practice Among Social Workers

The social work profession has long touted a dual focus on service within micro and macro realms of practice, preparing social workers to serve marginalized populations at the boundary between the powerful and the powerless. Research, however, has shown that macro social work, or policy practice, has diminished. Current research has been inconsistent in identifying predictive factors of increased policy practice. With recent efforts by the profession to bolster waning policy practice among social workers, it is vital to identify factors that predict higher engagement. Theoretical frameworks suggest that professional socialization in policy practice as a group norm, having resources to participate in policy practice, being psychologically engaged in politics, and engaging in recruitment networks tends to increase policy practice. Based on these frameworks, professional socialization, policy practice preparedness, type of employment, and social media use were considered as potential predictive factors of engagement. The purpose of this study was to analyze these factors that may predict policy practice among social workers. Survey research was used to gather data from practicing social workers in Illinois (N = 93). A hierarchical multiple regression analysis empirically validated that higher levels of perceived professional socialization and policy practice preparedness both predicted higher levels of policy practice. Additionally, social workers who reported primary roles as administrative were more likely to engage in policy practice than direct practitioners. The results point to a need for the social work profession to bolster knowledge and skills in policy practice, reinforce professional identification in policy practice, and mobilize leaders to recruit and mentor direct practitioners

Snapshots from the Fringe: Utilizing Photovoice to Discover Commuter Experiences at ONU

Abstract Commuter students can make up about 75% of the student population on university campuses, but researchers have shown that retention is a great challenge among this population. This qualitative research study utilized photovoice to discover the experiences of the commuter population at ONU. Photovoice is a strategy used in participatory action research. Participants submitted photos that reflected their own lived experiences as a commuter student from their perspectives. These photographs, accompanying narratives, and a follow-up focus group led to the discovery of themes and proposed action plans that might improve their experiences. This workshop describes Photovoice and the results of this study

Snapshots from the Fringe: Utilizing Photovoice to Discover Commuter Experiences at ONU

Abstract Commuter students can make up about 75% of the student population on university campuses, but researchers have shown that retention is a great challenge among this population. This qualitative research study utilized photovoice to discover the experiences of the commuter population at ONU. Photovoice is a strategy used in participatory action research. Participants submitted photos that reflected their own lived experiences as a commuter student from their perspectives. These photographs, accompanying narratives, and a follow-up focus group led to the discovery of themes and proposed action plans that might improve their experiences. This workshop describes Photovoice and the results of this study

When No Means Yes: Transformation through the Trials of Life

Refusals, failures, and suffering are difficult for social workers and clients, yet no is often exactly what God has planned. This workshop, presented at the North American Association of Christians in Social Work, explores God\u27s Divine planning and redemptive work that allows us to conceptualize closing doors and opening windows, personally and professionally. Utilizing trials to empower clients, maintain our healthy boundaries, and facilitate transformation and redemption will also be explored

When No Means Yes: Transformation through the Trials of Life

Refusals, failures, and suffering are difficult for social workers and clients, yet no is often exactly what God has planned. This workshop, presented at the North American Association of Christians in Social Work, explores God\u27s Divine planning and redemptive work that allows us to conceptualize closing doors and opening windows, personally and professionally. Utilizing trials to empower clients, maintain our healthy boundaries, and facilitate transformation and redemption will also be explored