Reflect: As social workers it can sometimes be difficult to resist the urge to jump right in and make changes that we believe will be helpful to others. However, this act can actually be off-putting to the very people we desire to assist. It can cause them to see us as outsiders looking in and it can also cause a lack of trust. If they do not feel involved in the changes that are happening then they won't always see the benefit of said changes. They may even feel like a charity case because they believe that we view ourselves as being better than them. We want our clients to feel comfortable with they changes that we help them create in their lives so it is extremely important to first ask our clients what they need or want us to do. We typically don't think about asking for help before giving it but in reality that is the best strategy we can take when working with our clients. They know their lives and their struggles far better than we do, so they are the experts on what changes are necessary. Once we ask what they feel needs to be done we can then help them connect with the resources in their area that will be able to help make the change that they desire. This type of involvement makes people feel empowered and leads to a positive (and equal) relationship between social workers and their clients.
Great post, Sara! I think you summed up the Social Justice discussion on being an ally perfectly. One thing I really like about social work is the necessity to relinquish "power" to accomplish the collective goal.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree! It's so funny how certain people can think they are being this huge help to an "underrepresented population" when in all actuality they need to be wanted to be any sort of help. Without an acceptance you won't get anywhere. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed how your observation and reflection tied together. It is always important that we make sure people want to have an ally before we assume the role.
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ReplyDeleteVery well written. Your post addressed an issue that I think most novice social workers struggle with. I guess it just goes against the conventional idea of what it means to help someone. Helping someone usually means giving something (either your time or expertise) to someone who needs it, or who is lacking in some respect. But like you say, the best way for social workers to help is by establishing what the need is first before we start offering what we think is best.