‘Urn and Learn’: engagement and allyship in an introductory social work course

ABSTRACT

First-year students studying social work often need help to successfully transition to the demands of university life and the many facets of the profession. Professional socialization should also include allyship and engagement with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/gender diverse, intersex and queer communities (LGBTIQ+); developing a strong sense of community; and becoming committed to additional years of study. I present an activity called ‘Urn and Learn,’ a series of coffee and tea sessions embedded in an introductory social work course that aimed to promote both allyship with sexual and gender diverse communities and enhance the sense of belongingness to the university community. Improvements in student and instructor satisfaction were observed following this course. The benefits of delivering the Urn and Learn teaching activity are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• First-year experience
• BSW education
• LGBTIQ+ issues
• sexual orientation and gender diversity
• sense of community

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Trevor G. Gates

Trevor G. Gates is a social work educator with interests in global social work education, volunteerism, and allyship, especially with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/gender diverse, intersex, and queer+ communities. He completed his PhD in Social Work (Gender and Women’s Studies) at the University of Illinois (Chicago). Trevor has experience as a clinical social worker and addiction counselor specializing in affirming practice with LGBTIQ+ people.