Ethics and Boundaries: Social Justice and Advocacy

The National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics states the responsibility of social workers to advocate for social justice, but how can we put policies into practice? Learn successful implementation of change in this half-day program.

Create Change Through Social Justice and Advocacy

Social justice and client advocacy are at the heart of a social worker’s mission and cause. They are a voice for those who may experience oppression, age restrictions, health conditions, and more and are unable to represent themselves. Not only are social workers supporting clients on a case-by-case basis, but they are working to create real change for the benefit of society moving forward. 

One of the important elements is empowering clients to become an advocate for themselves through hardships. By empowering their clients through guidance and direction, social workers are creating a positive outcome for both their clients and their communities. In this program, you will learn how to shift from an aspirational standard of social justice to creating real change. You will learn to make connections through case examples and group discussions by utilizing critical thinking. 

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the connections between practice and policy.
• Explore the ethical dimensions of social justice and policy advocacy. 
• Become familiar with strategies for implementation of the standards. 

This program satisfies the Wisconsin Social Worker’s Ethics and Boundaries requirements for licensing.

Who Should Attend

Social workers, counselors, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, substance abuse counselors, school psychologists, and other human service professionals

Instructors

Nick Smiar, Professor Emeritus of Social Work at UW-Eau Claire, has been doing ethics workshops for twenty years. Dr. Smiar has worked in residential treatment, child welfare, community mental health, and psychiatric hospital settings. He is also a graduate of the Divinity School of The University of Chicago, a County Board Supervisor for Eau Claire County, member of the board of the Bolton Refuge House (Eau Claire), board member of Western Dairyland CAA, and former Chairperson of the Social Worker Section of the Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board.