Social workers as change agents
Reflecting on our journeys toward transformational change
As social workers, we are called to engage in transformational change. As relational beings, living and working in an ever-changing world, we are presented countless opportunities to embark on journeys involving pragmatic and life altering changes in ourselves, our families, friends, colleagues, people we serve, places of learning, workplaces, institutions, communities, and our world.
Throughout these transformational journeys, it is essential that we, as social workers, embrace and fulfill our roles as advocates, change makers, initiators, leaders, and supporters. We need to employ our values, knowledge, skills, and practice wisdom, challenging ourselves to stay true to our commitment to co-creating a socially just world, one small step at a time.
Yet, we cannot take these transformational journeys alone — especially in the face of multiple forms of oppression and systemic injustice. It is essential that we build strong, collaborative, and respectful relationships with companion change-makers. To fully engage in collaborative change-making, we must listen — truly listen — as we explore, recognize and acknowledge the effects of, and talk openly about, our individual and collective identities and social locations, places of privilege, and shared and divergent experiences. These journeys require that we bring our humility, courage, respect, integrity, authenticity, generosity, kindness, and sense of humour, ensuring that we are accountable to ourselves and to each other.
Through these adventures in change-making (at times fun-filled; at times harrowing; rarely boring), we experience personal and professional challenges, opportunities for growth, moments of hope and inspiration, and simple and profound lessons. And we are blessed with memorable moments, in which we bear witness to the magic of personal and social transformation.
To start the conversation, integrating theory and practice, Sheri will share three stories of journeys toward transformative change - personal and professional evolution, enacting change with 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, and speaking out for decolonization and reconciliation. Interspersed throughout our time together, via small group discussions, participants are invited to critically reflect on and share stories of their adventures as change-makers.
Resources
Sheri M McConnell, PhD, RSW
A genderqueer lesbian feminist white settler from the prairies, Sheri McConnell has lived on Treaty 4 (Regina, SK) and Treaty 6 (Saskatoon, SK) lands, and on traditional Algonquin (Ottawa, ON) and Beothuk (St John’s, NL) lands.
As an assistant professor at the Memorial University School of Social Work, Sheri facilitates teaching/learning, engages in research, and is team lead for the BSW, Nunavut (Nunavut Arctic College - Memorial University partnership). Sheri also offers supervision and counselling with Coastal Health NL.
As a registered social worker and a feminist, her practice is centred in respectful relationships, equity and social justice, decolonization and reconciliation, personal and community healing and well-being, and social action and social change.
Sheri possesses a range of social work and human services experience in advocacy, clinical practice, community engagement and activism, consulting and training, program development and evaluation, and group work. She has worked primarily with women, Indigenous peoples, and 2SLGBTQ+ people around their experiences with child sexual abuse, the criminal justice system, substance use, and other forms of personal and systemic oppression.
Sheri lives in St John’s, NL with her partner of 23 years and their niece.