Twenty-fourth International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations

Abstract

Rural communities in East Texas experience unique challenges which impact the quality of life for community residents. Social workers use a systems lens to create community change strategies. The profession addresses social, economic and environmental justice in practice. Typically, communities in this region are challenged by the scarcity of resources and services, unemployment and poverty. For example, in the deep rural areas there are child care and food deserts making it difficult for people to experience quality of life. Not having access to food is an environmental injustice. The authors observed the need to create sustainable community strategies, based on social and environmental justice, to address these ongoing challenges. In this presentation, we will share ideas to focus on environmental justice through ensuring the voices of the community is heard. Community residents often show resistance to professionals entering their communities, asking questions, creating interventions and writing reports without them having a voice. They do not necessarily want to engage in research or community outreach activities, which can make it difficult to collaborate with residents. We will provide specific examples that ensure that all voices are heard based on appreciative inquiry approaches. The workshop will increase participants’ knowledge on how to use specific strategies to address social and economic justice and will include examples of undocumented migrants, day laborers, residents of colonias and residents who have been marginalized in thriving communities.

Presenters

Emmerentie Oliphant
Endowed Professor of Community-based Research and Director of Doctorate in Social Work, Stephen F. Austin State University, United States

Wilma Cordova
Professor and Interim MSW Coordinator, Social Work, Stephen F. Austin State University, Texas, United States