Global connectedness and sustainability in social work education and practice Anna Metteri, Sinikka Forsman, University of Tampere, School of Social Sciences and Humanities

Content Introduction: global and local Global collaboration through IASSW and IFSW Preliminary thoughts of sustainability in social work Metteri & Forsman

Why are global connections important for social work education and practice? What do you think? Metteri & Forsman

Connecting the global to the local (Healy 2004) How global economy influences local social problems? Including colonial history How local policies are being influenced by international policies and decisions? Contextualisation of social work theories and methods Creating solidarity across borders Critical reflection on power relations across borders Adressing majority – minority issues From cultural sensitivity to solidarity 4

International Association of Schools of Social work, IASSW International Federation of Social Workers IFSW Purpose and activities of the IASSW, see the home page Regional associations e.g. Association of Schools of Social Work in Africa, ASSWA Sub regional associations e.g. Nordic Association of Schools of Social Work IFSW, regional and national associations Shared documents: Social work definition, Ethical principles, Global standards for social work education, Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development (other partners: ICSW and ICSD) Metteri & Forsman

Social Dialogue Free online magazine of social work, on IASSW home page Articles on contemporary social issues Social worker profiles News Theme of the next issue: Social work without borders 6

Global definition of the social work profession, and what it means in practice in different contexts Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work.. Metteri & Forsman

Global definition of the social work profession Underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities and indigenous knowledges, social work engages people and structures to address life challenges and enhance wellbeing Metteri & Forsman

Ethical principles in social work Ethical awareness is a fundamental part of the professional practice of social workers. Their ability and commitment to act ethically is an essential aspect of the quality of the service offered to those who use social work services. Some ethical challenges and problems facing social workers are specific to particular countries; others are common. Metteri & Forsman

Human rights, dignity and social Justice Principles of human rights, dignity and social justice are crucial values in social work. Various UN declarations and conventions on human rights are relevant to social work. Universal Declaration of Human Rights The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights The International Covenant on Economic Social and Cultural Rights The Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Racial Discrimination The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women The Convention on the Rights of the Child Indigenous and Tribal Peoples Convention (ILO convention 169) Metteri & Forsman

Globally oriented future social workers Social work professionals need the skills to respond to ever-ingreasing global social and environmental challenges (e.g. migration, wars and conflicts, environmental and natural disasters) Social workers serve vulnerable and oppressed populations Metteri & Forsman

What is sustainability in social work?? Sustainable social work contributes to creating vital and safe communities, societies and environments for future generations to strenghtening participation of people in decision making to foster dignity and respect for all peoples (Global Agenda theme for ) Metteri & Forsman

Ethically sustainable social work means self-reflection, shared reflection and dialogue in communication. accepts that all human beings make mistakes. Ethically sustainable organization is transparent an open (not perfect). Why ethical reflection is needed: The loyalty of social workers is often in the middle of conflicting interests. Social workers function both as helpers and controllers. The conflicts between the duty of social workers to protect the interests of the people with whom they work and societal demands for efficiency and utility. The resources in society are limited. Metteri & Forsman

Necessary social work skills in todays world Social workers work from ’person in environment’ – perspective, and they need to combine individual and community/system level approach Social workers need to understand the interdependence between people and their sociocultural, economic, and physical environments Social work education should help students to identitfy root causes of social problems, rather than to ’blame the victim’ Social work education should help students to see social inequality and poverty as underlying causes of social problems and ecological degradation Metteri & Forsman

Necessary social work skills … Social workers should recognize strengths in diverse and oppressed groups and harness their potential for action and empowerment Social work education should help students to develope ability to demonstrate self-awareness of personal bias: e.g. racial, religious or socioeconomic prejudices and stereotypes Metteri & Forsman

Think of the three most important challenges from the perspective of sustainable social work in your country? Metteri & Forsman

Thank you for your attention! Metteri & Forsman