In the wake of the murder of George Floyd, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the rise of anti-Asian sentiment, many organizations and institutions have posted anti-racist statements on their websites. The statements typically condemn racism and describe the ways in which the organization is combatting racism and working toward allyship with communities of color. Walden University, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and regional NASW chapters have all issued statements.
But what might anti-racism look like for a single social worker? How would you convey your commitment to social justice and your professional beliefs and values? For this week’s second Discussion, you draft your own personal statement of anti-racist social work practice.
• Review the Learning Resources on racism and on the tools for anti-racist praxis, found in the Brock-Petroshius et al. (2022) article.
• Read and reflect on the sample anti-racist statements from educational institutions and organizations in the Learning Resources.
• Consider how you would frame and articulate your own anti-racist statement and the words you would use.
• You can use Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, or another software to present visuals in addition to your written statement if you would like.
Write a 150- to 200-word personal statement that reflects your anti-racist social work practice.
Explain the choices made in your statement. Specifically:
• Why did you choose the wording that you did?
• In what ways does the statement express your beliefs, intentions, and commitment to anti-racist practice?
Full Answer Section
I will use my professional skills to advocate for policies and practices that promote racial equity and justice. I will also work to build relationships with community members from diverse backgrounds and to foster a sense of belonging and empowerment.
I have chosen the wording in this statement to emphasize my commitment to:
- Active anti-racism: I believe that it is not enough to simply avoid racist behavior; I must actively work to dismantle systemic racism.
- Social justice: My commitment to social justice extends beyond addressing racism and includes promoting equity and fairness for all marginalized groups.
- Inclusivity: I strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all clients, regardless of their race or ethnicity.
- Lifelong learning: I recognize that addressing racism requires ongoing learning and growth.
This statement expresses my beliefs, intentions, and commitment to anti-racist practice by clearly outlining my goals and actions. I believe that by actively working to dismantle racism and promote social justice, I can make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and communities.
Sample Answer
As a social worker, I am committed to actively combating racism and promoting social justice for all individuals, regardless of their race or ethnicity. I believe that racism is a systemic issue that is deeply ingrained in our society and that it requires a multifaceted approach to address.
My anti-racist social work practice is grounded in the belief that all people are worthy of dignity and respect. I strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for clients from marginalized communities and to challenge harmful stereotypes and biases. I will actively seek out opportunities to learn more about racism and its impact on individuals and communities.