Abstract
Transformative Social Work is a scholarly refereed journal designed to advance knowledge mobilization in the field of social work. This paper shares how social work researchers founded a new open access journal as a pathway to transform societies and respond to human dynamics in a changing environment. Recognizing the intersectional identities of our global population, this journal takes a future-focused social justice perspective on theory, research, education, practice and policy. The profession of social work urgently needs to transform social work research, practice and policy to meet local and global challenges associated with climate change and environmental degradation, social and health inequities, workplace issues, Indigenous reconciliation, and pressing social issues related to poverty and sustainable development. This calls for ‘social narrative makers’ that bring together students and researchers in academic publishing. The journal offers a publishing space to consider ‘transforming social work’ through a critical and proactive social agenda, that considers equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization. This paper discusses a student-supported online journal as an experiential learning opportunity for students to create a sustainable resource for ongoing professional development. New training and mentorship opportunities were created for students to participate in the development and management of the journal in order to acquire new skills in academic writing and publishing, policy and practice excellence, and disciplinary leadership.
Presenters
Julie L. DroletProfessor, Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2023 Special Focus—Literary Landscapes: Forms of Knowledge in the Humanities
KEYWORDS
Academic Publishing; Social Work; Research Training; Mentorship
