Nineteenth International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations

Abstract

Local communities throughout the world are increasingly confronted by the impact of globalization and the influence of significant geopolitical and socio-economic forces. These constituents, especially marginalized groups, are facing unprecedented challenges such as refugee migration, poverty, human trafficking, disease, natural disasters, gender violence, and conflict. Organizations currently in place to address these global issues are endlessly grappling with concerns over priorities, resources, and policy/political implications in their efforts to meet unparalleled human need. It is essential that a pedagogical approach underscoring a rights-based discourse as well as a framework to address privilege and the dynamics of oppression be integrated into professional education preparing students to work effectively with communities and organizations in a global context. This interactive workshop will examine graduate social work curriculum that highlights diversity, human rights, and social justice while emphasizing didactic strategies designed to cultivate a comprehensive knowledge base, encourage cultural humility, and develop a wide-ranging worldview through a critical lens. The primary objectives of the workshop are to share cross-cultural backgrounds in relation to similar teaching experiences, deconstruct content to enhance instructional methods, and glean unique perspectives through participant reflection and dialogue. The facilitators will provide a brief presentation of the overall course content and evaluative data measuring student outcomes then participants will have the opportunity through guided activities to assess course assignments, observe student videos, and experience first-hand course exercises. The ultimate goal is that this workshop will result in professional capacity building as a way to affect positive change in global communities.