Misconceptions challenged during recent Social Work Student Society event

The Social Work Student Society hosted the Social Work Showcase Event in order to challenge misconceptions that social workers only work in child welfare and to demonstrate the many areas we are involved in.

Social workers contribute to social change though ground level work in fields such as financial aid, individual and family counselling, domestic violence, addictions, outreach, housing, and many others. We also work in areas of community engagement and policy development to advocate for vulnerable populations.

At the event we displayed photo voice projects from current students and some artistic projects from former students to represent our passions and initiatives in these areas as well as the values we uphold as social workers such as diversity and right to self-determination.

We included a multicultural element of social work by having a social work student from Kenya there to offer information on her Muslim culture and traditional Muslim dress for guests to try on.

We also demonstrated the innovation involved in social work through an art therapy table where guests could contribute drawings and write notes that allowed them a different outlet for self-expression and a way to de-stress for a moment or two.

We are so encouraged by the interest and support we received from faculty members, visitors and peers that attended our event. We ask that if members of the college and Red Deer community take anything away from this that it would be to develop a better understanding and appreciation of the social work profession and to aspire to demonstrate social work in your own lives.

Advocate for your vulnerable neighbors by informing yourself on social issues and spreading awareness in your conversations and actions, take opportunities to volunteer in the community when you can, and work to reduce discrimination in the way you speak about and treat the people around you.

Thank you,

– Keira Shendaruk, Social Work Student Society
Social Work Student Showcase