Policy And Advocacy: Identify obstacles present in the quest for racial equality

LEARNING RESOURCES

· DiNitto, D. M., & Johnson, D. H. (2016). 
Social welfare: Politics and public policy (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

· Chapter 12, “The Challenges of a Diverse Society: Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration” (pp. 471–528)

· United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner. (1969). 

UN International Convention on the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination.Links to an external site.
 Retrieved from http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/CERD.aspx

· Chapin, R. K. (1995). 

Social policy development: The strengths perspective.Links to an external site.
 
Social Work, 40(4), 506–514. doi:10.1093/sw/40.4.506

· TO PREPARE

· Watch the 
Charleston: The Days After video found in the Learning Resources.

· Not in Our Town. (n.d.-a). 


Charleston: The days after

Links to an external site.
 [Video file]. Retrieved September 12, 2017, from https://www.niot.org/niot-video/charleston-days-after-0

Post

· Identify obstacles present in the quest for racial equality.

· Explain how you as a social worker can work toward racial equality in policy implementation.

Respond to two colleagues in one or more of the following ways:

· Explain how your identified obstacles are similar or different.

RESPONSE1

Identify obstacles present in the quest for racial equality.

Explain how you as a social worker can work toward racial equality in policy implementation.

Charleston: The Days After video. It is evident that there are numerous obstacles present in the quest for racial equality. One obstacle highlighted in the video is systemic racism, which perpetuates discriminatory practices and reinforces inequalities within society (TED). Another obstacle is implicit bias, which refers to unconscious prejudices and stereotypes that influence individuals’ behaviors and decision-making processes (Greenwald & Krieger, 2006).
As a social worker, I can contribute towards achieving racial equality by actively working towards policy implementation. This can be done through advocating for inclusive policies that address disparities faced by marginalized communities, such as people of color. By utilizing evidence-based research, collaborating with community members, and engaging in policy analysis, social workers can help shape policies that promote equity and justice.
Additionally, social workers can work towards racial equality by facilitating dialogue and promoting cultural competency among professionals in various sectors. This could involve providing training workshops on understanding privilege, dismantling biases, and developing culturally sensitive approaches to service delivery. By fostering awareness and sensitivity around issues of race and ethnicity, social workers can support the creation of more inclusive environments.
In conclusion, addressing obstacles to racial equality requires collective efforts from various stakeholders including social workers. Through policy implementation and fostering cultural competence, we can strive towards creating a more equitable society.

References:

DiNitto, D. M., & Johnson, D. H. (2016). Social welfare: Politics and public policy (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

Chapter 12, “The Challenges of a Diverse Society: Race, Ethnicity, and Immigration” (pp. 471–528)

Greenwald AG & Krieger LH (2006). Implicit bias: Scientific foundations. California Law Review, 94(4), 945-967.

Not in Our Town. (n.d.-a). 
Charleston: The days afterLinks to an external site.
Links to an external site.
 [Video file]. Retrieved September 12, 2017, from https://www.niot.org/niot-video/charleston-days-after-0

RESPONSE2

Identify obstacles present in the quest for racial equality. 

There are many obstacles present in the quest for racial equality, such as hate crimes, police brutality, racial profiling, and any other racial discriminations. In the video Not in Our Town, is an example of a horrific hate crime that took nine lives and is not the first or last time something like this will happen, because of these obstacles. If everyone could treat each other like human beings despite their race there could be a chance for more racial equality. 

Explain how you as a social worker can work toward racial equality in policy implementation. 

As a social worker I can work toward racial equality in policy implementation by advocating for racial equality. I also can become culturally competent, so I can educate others. For example, The National Association of Social Workers is an organization that supports change in racial equality. 

Reference 

 
Not in Our Town. (n.d.-a). 

Charleston: The days after Links to an external site.
Links to an external site.
 [Video file]. Retrieved September 12, 2017, from https://www.niot.org/niot-video/charleston-days-after-