International Service-Learning Trips: A Framework for Developing Cross-Cultural Competence

The International Federation of Social Workers (2017) calls for social work professionals to be empowering agents who understand the context and diversity of their client populations. At the same time, research on evidence-based practice suggests that cultural immersion is one of the best ways for students to develop much-needed cultural competence and appreciation for diversity (Anderson, Lawton, Rexeisen, & Hubbard, 2006; Pence & Macgillivray, 2008). This article proposes that students would benefit more from having the opportunity to get hands-on experience in needs assessments, appreciative inquiry, program designs, implementations, and evaluations of grassroots sustainable development programs than simply being involved in charitable endeavors. Furthermore, it proposes that international exposure through well-crafted international service-learning trips can assist in the development of cross-cultural competence needed to empower individuals and communities to produce social change. International service-learning trips have great potential to help prepare students for successful careers with culturally diverse populations nationally and internationally. The educational model presented in this article stems from best practices developed during several international service-learning trips and international study tours. Such trips and tours were based on a human rights sustainable development approach and not on a charity model. The article discusses the phases and activities recommended for the development of a successful international service- learning trip and provides recommendations for the pre-, during, and post-trip experiences

The Social Worker\u27s Role in the Context of Forced Migration: A Global Perspective

It has become increasingly more difficult to encounter news of today’s events and not become aware of the people who are suffering behind the scenes unfolding on our television sets, radio newscasts, screens and newspapers. Due to the multitude of media reports, we are more aware of what is happening in the remote corners of our world than we were only a few years ago. This awareness includes the fates of the people suffering from displacement due to conflict and violence. This paper seeks to explore available professional literature and present an exploratory study of the issues faced by today’s displaced populations as well as potential ways in which social workers can play a pivotal role in responding to these issues

Global Interdependence and its Effects on Social Work Education in the United States

Social workers in the United States are confronted on a daily basis with challenges reflecting the imprint of globalization. Nevertheless, research shows that most of them are not trained to deal with the global realities of the 21st century, including how to use a rights-based sustainable development approach. This article proposes the use of a rights-based development model as opposed to a charity-based approach. It provides a rationale for implementing a global perspective in social work education that addresses sustainable development consistent with social work values and unique mission. Furthermore, it proposes that it is paramount to adhere to a global perspective in social work education, especially in light of growing global interdependence in economics, communication, and human migration. The article discusses the implications of trends in online/distance education learning to global social work practice, and outlines implications of globalization and the growing global interdependence to social work theory, welfare policy, and practice. It also stresses the need to include this content in field education. The article concludes with a discussion on how to incorporate global content into social work curricula and how to overcome the barriers that may emerge in this process

Biblical Foundations of Modern Social Work Values and Practice Competencies

Modern social work values and practice competencies establish the foundation from which social work educators teach future practitioners much needed knowledge and skills for competent practice. The profession’s two major organizations provide the platform upon which this paper was crafted. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) provides the profession’s Code of Ethics, which presents the values and ethical principles guiding social work practice; the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) provides the competency-based framework for social work education. Through the ages, the Bible has presented guidelines regarding: working with the poor and other vulnerable populations in their social context, addressing issues related to the inherent worth of human beings as created in God’s image, and teaching individuals about the value of knowledge and wisdom that comes from studying the Holy Scriptures. These same values and principles inform today’s social work practitioners and educators through promoting an understanding of, and value for, human life, dignity, and the individual experience in each complex social context. The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of how social work values and graduate practice competencies, even though presented in a secular context in their original sources, clearly align with timeless biblical principles

Balancing Justice and Mercy: Redemptive Ways of Dealing With Adolescent Substance Abuse

This article will briefly describe the range of policies relating to drug or substance possession and use that are found in the boarding and day academies of the Lake Union Conference (in the North American Division). Next, we will deal with the areas of screening, discipline, and referral to appropriate services. Finally, using case examples of two very different student experiences with illegal substances, we will offer some policy recommendations for dealing redemptively with substance abuse by students

Student\u27s Assistance and Contribution to their Community after participating in an Emergency Prepardeness Inter-Professional Collaborative Practice Simulation

Poster presented at Teaching to Transform for the New Reality of Nursing Practice. The 12th Annual Nursing Faculty Development Workshop at University of Kentucky. Lexington, KY in May 2016