Abstract: Submission #192

Abstract Social Work in the United States began as a profession committed to serving the needs of the community, particularly those who were poor or marginalized, often in collective ways. However, over time social work began to align with the individualistic views of broader society. There are currently strong debates as to whether the profession should return to focusing on collective action and community work, or whether it should continue to prioritize individual empowerment, and schools of social work are often criticized for failing to equip students with skills for community organizing, macro practice, and understanding the broader implications of systemic injustices.

Guided by NASW Code of Ethics 6.01 (Social Welfare) and IFSW Ethical Principle 3.5 (Building Solidarity) and grounded in the wisdom of Paulo Freire, bell hooks, and Christopher Emdin, this presentation will highlight the dynamics of teaching a collective focus in US college classrooms. Attendees will gain insights into both institutional and individual challenges faced and strategies used to effectively build collective mindsets despite these barriers. Additionally, social workers will be able to compare and contrast their own strategies and classroom settings while building awareness of international teaching experiences.