A Controversial Commitment

Abstract

This paper documents the process in creating and implementing a required anti-racism field assignment which includes an action piece. The purpose of the assignment is to provide clinical social work students an opportunity to develop anti-racism skills as part of their professional learning.

Data are drawn from a series of focus groups conducted with field advisors, supervisors, and students. Qualitative analysis revealed both unique and common themes between groups highlighting controversies, problems, and achievements associated with the assignment. Examples of the completed anti-racism field assignments included the translation of essential medical literature into diverse languages used by the patient populations; a needs assessment survey of agency staff; launching of a collaborative diversity conference; and the creation of an Agency based Anti-Racism Task Force.

Recommendations for future changes have included: (1) increased clarity related to the definition of anti-racism as well as the purpose and goals of the project; (2) development of curricular supports to strengthen the academic base for the project; (3) increased distinctness and clarity regarding the roles of the faculty field advisor and supervisor; and (4) provision of training supports for faculty field advisors and supervisors.

Key Words:

• Anti-racism
• field learning
• field education
• social work pedagogy
• racism