It is my understanding that the nature of social world is driven by interpretations of the words used, to the interventions social workers practice. Every individual is formed by their ecological systems (Urie Bronfenbrenner) also known as social environment, or the nature/nurture, whether it influences ones thought process or emotional responses creating a paradigm where subjectivity influence too many of an individual's choices. From ones spirituality, life experiences or education; therefore, objectivity is truly a challenging state of being, but obtainable.
As I look to practice social work, I will draw from the knowledge, experiences, and lessons lived by my kin (family & friends past, present and future) without realizing it; because my subconscious instinctively takes charge. Taking into account the need to be culturally responsive to another individual, family, or community is imperative to all things within the profession of social work. Before a social worker begins to facilitate the helping and healing process with clients (,individual, family or community) it is my belief to first ask oneself; what is influencing the intervention and is it in sync with the client's values and cultural beliefs?
Before I try to answer this question, I first must understand the difference between cultural competency and cultural responsiveness. Secondly, to better understand what resources are available and responsive to a particular client. Thirdly, help facilitate and action plan that encompasses all things the consumer believes is in their best interest and supportive to their helping and healing process.
Cultural Competency vs. Cultural Responsiveness
Throughout the past 5 years, I have been a member of the Humboldt State University student-body and during this time, I have taken part of discussions and working partnerships which have framed the idea of achieving "culturally competency." I believe that a person (like myself), who is a white male cannot achieve cultural competency outside my own culture. Also, I believe the assumption of achieving cultural competency sets the stage for a divided discourse between individuals, communities, and cultures. I have come to realize this with the help from my field-placement supervisors (Yurok Tribe Social Services, Two Feathers Native American Family Services, and Humboldt County government agencies), professors, and professional peers who are Native American; thank you for being wonderful teachers.
The First Draft of the Moral Mind—“The initial organization of the brain does not rely that much on experience…Nature provides a first draft, which experience then revises…’Built-in does not mean un-malleable; it means organized in advance of experience.” (Gary Marcus, 2004) for more information, please follow this video link
http://www.ted.com/talks/jonathan_haidt_on_the_moral_mind.htmlAs I look to practice social work, I will draw from the knowledge, experiences, and lessons lived by my kin (family & friends past, present and future) without realizing it; because my subconscious instinctively takes charge. Taking into account the need to be culturally responsive to another individual, family, or community is imperative to all things within the profession of social work. Before a social worker begins to facilitate the helping and healing process with clients (,individual, family or community) it is my belief to first ask oneself; what is influencing the intervention and is it in sync with the client's values and cultural beliefs?
Before I try to answer this question, I first must understand the difference between cultural competency and cultural responsiveness. Secondly, to better understand what resources are available and responsive to a particular client. Thirdly, help facilitate and action plan that encompasses all things the consumer believes is in their best interest and supportive to their helping and healing process.
Cultural Competency vs. Cultural Responsiveness
Throughout the past 5 years, I have been a member of the Humboldt State University student-body and during this time, I have taken part of discussions and working partnerships which have framed the idea of achieving "culturally competency." I believe that a person (like myself), who is a white male cannot achieve cultural competency outside my own culture. Also, I believe the assumption of achieving cultural competency sets the stage for a divided discourse between individuals, communities, and cultures. I have come to realize this with the help from my field-placement supervisors (Yurok Tribe Social Services, Two Feathers Native American Family Services, and Humboldt County government agencies), professors, and professional peers who are Native American; thank you for being wonderful teachers.
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