the most important things to remember? Could you distill this advice into a brief list?
That was s topic introduced two years ago in the Bill's Coffeeshop Newsletter (www.uiowa.edu/~socialwk/bills/newsletter). The discussion here grew out of a presentation I gave to a social work class. It was titled "Ten ideas for social work" and offered in a social policy class. I offered nine ideas:
Be tolerant
Widen your circle
Have high expectations
Stay young
Find people you can trust (and trust them)
Take time to be alone
Read a daily paper
Support a public library
Have hope
Students in the class were invited to contribute their suggestions for a tenth. Many of their suggestions appeared in the Newsletter. Readers contributed more. Among the ideas:
+ Have a good sense of humor + Never stop learning + Understand and celebrate difference + Write a letter instead of an email + Be a good listener + Be passionate about your work + Let things affect you, move you.
Now seems like a good time to reintroduce this topic. So we're asking you: What's your idea for No. 10 on this list of "Ten ideas for social work?" What would you suggest to be included on a list of essential wisdom for those going into social work?
To respond, just click on the comment button below this column.
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18 comments:
Wow, that is quite the list that you have going! It is hard to think of things because I don't know if they are relevant but I will list them anyways. I would say to try something new. This could be anything from eating an ethnic cuisine to seeing a play for the first time. The point is to try something that you haven't done or have been afraid to do so that you become more diversified. Another idea would be to learn about a specific culture or religion. I know that may sound like alot of work but it can really be fun. My favorite thing to do is people watch so I would definately recommend doing that. It really helps you to understand people and why they do certain things. You can do this anywhere but, the local mall is a good spot. Another one of my favorite things to do is talk to strangers! Yes, I never learned the rule as a kid. Ok, I did, I just didn't listen very well! Talking to strangers can be very exciting because you can learn so much from other people's experiences. You would be surprised how many people are just dying for someone to talk to. This is also something that you can do just about anywhere. Well, that is all that I can think of for now. Hopefully those ideas apply to what we're talking about!
Pam
Love your ideas, especially the last one: Talk to strangers. I agree that there are so many people in this world just wishing for someone to listen to them. I have often thought that's one of the functions of a coffeeshop -- a place where people agree to lsiten to each other.
Indeed, a coffeshop definately fits the talking to strangers technique that I mentioned. I am constantly talking to strangers where ever I go and sometimes it is so rewarding. I find the elderly population to be the most interesting and usually in the most need of conversation, as well as young adults. I was waiting to get my blood drawn last week and talked to a cute little old lady while her husband was having his arm poked. It was so amazing to listen to her because I could feel the peace in her voice and she had such a calming presence. Days like that really make me appreciate life and help me to realize that there is something to be learned from everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
Its hard to say just one idea when there are so many out there that wouild be important for a social worker. A couple ideas that may apply are: having patience, responsibility, set goals to achieve, and creativity. These are just a few and the only few i can think of right now. I am sure there are many more ideas out there, so hopefully others will come up with them!
It is very hard to pick just one more to put on here. I would like to see:
Have faith
Expect Diversity
Never stop trying to be a lifelong learner.
There are three of the many ideas that I have to put as number ten. I hope this comment has a lasting effect on people as I know clients do. Also, I really enjoyed everyone's ideas and comments. They bring a sense of experience, knowledge, and understanding.
Traci
Wow! Some great ideas. I especially like "creativity" from Lacy, "Expect diversity" from Traci and "Try talking in person" from Matt.
Laci's makes me think of Corita Kent, an artist who wrote a book called "Learning by Heart." Isn't that how we learn to be social workers?
Traci's has me thinking again of Kenneth Clark. I talked about him in class for his book "Prejudice and your child." But I was so impressed meeting him a few years ago. He had been through so much in his life, but he remained optimistic about the prospects for racial harmony and diversity. No one can turn this back, he told us.
Matt's "talking in person" is such a good idea, too. If only we could gather each night at a coffeehouse or around a campfire and talk about our day...
Thanks to all. I look forward to reading more.
Oh, you can find some other ideas on this same topic by looking at recent issues of the Bill's Coffeeshop Newsletter:
www.uiowa.edu/~socialwk/bills/
newsletter
be patient and leave work at work. learn to let go
jessica k
Keep an open mind and don't be judgemental.
Kari A
The tenth one would be to keep an open mind when learning about life through my social work educational training.
Joeleen
The tenth should be keep your mind open to all cases
Crystal A
Having the strength to stay positive....having the patience to understand all walks of life...having the drive and determination to learn and accept those walks of life...let go of biases and things that we have let ourselves learn....there are a millions things can be attributed and hopefully learned...
tammy granados
I think a good thing to add to that is not to be judgemental. Do not judge a person by their backround and personal life and be unbiased.
Kristina Thu
Be non judgmental. Every case is different and so don't judge a book by it's cover.
Cyndi & Ashley
Listen, don't just hear but listen to what someone is saying.
B Kirk
Everybody who has left a comment has said wonderful things. It is hard just to list one and the ones I list might be repeats, so sorry! I think one would be give hugs! Everybody needs a hug! I am all for hug brigades. Definitely being open minded and not judgemental is also very important. Social work is a stressful field, so taking time to yourself and taking time to relax is very important to avoid burn out. Respect diversity is huge in this field as well because we will encounter clients from all different backgrounds, races, religions, etc. Give hello's to everybody you encounter whether it's the cashier at the grocery store, the man holding the door for you, the stranger you pass while walking on the sidewalk, and everybody else who comes into your life every day. The list is great, so keep it going!
Sarah J
I think that all the ideas on the list are wonderful. I think that another good one to be added would be "to have patience". I think that is something that we could all have a little bit more of at certain times, especially when we find ourselves to be overwhelmed and stressed out. Also always consider others feelings.
I think staying strong and having an open mind would help you be a great Social Worker.
Ashley
Be sure that you can handle anything given to you. In social work, you never know what will come at you next so it is good to be on your toes!
~Kristi S.~
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