As you look back at your evolution over the length of the course, what do you see? Perhaps you see someone who has taken the first steps in becoming an ally to marginalized populations. Indeed, social work strives to support individuals who are oppressed. Not to stand and watch while others are harmed, but to speak out against hate and discrimination, even if you are not a member of the affected population.
Being an ally and engaging in diversity, human rights, and social justice work is rewarding, even necessary, but it also can be difficult and draining. Accordingly, as the course comes to a close, you address self-care’s role in the context of all that you have learned. When considering self-care, recall how, in the event of airplane malfunction or crash, a passenger is meant to apply their own oxygen mask before assisting someone else. Only by truly caring for ourselves can we give to others.
In this final Discussion, you record a new video that describes your journey through the concepts and emotions of this course.
resources
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity. Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
WEEKLY RESOURCES
To prepare:
· Reflect on your growth and deepening understanding throughout this course. Then, consider the areas in which you still need to grow. For example: Is there a concept that you need to develop? If so, what do you need in order to develop it?
· Review the article in the Learning Resources that outlines the self-care element of the Code of Ethics added in 2021. Consider self-care’s importance in the context of diversity work.
Assignment
· Discuss your story as a cultural being. How has your story emerged throughout the course? Compare your early ideas to the new ideas that are emerging for you now.
· Describe any emotions that have surfaced for you and the importance of self-care as you reflect on diversity, human rights, and social justice.
· Explain overall how this course will inform you as a future social work practitioner.