This means taking action—whether it’s professionally and on an individual level, personally, for example, going to demonstrations, or in daily practice, as a social work educator/researcher, student, or professional. In these complex and divisive times—with this specific president and political climate—there are both challenges and opportunities for social workers and social work educators in taking such actions, especially considering the pervasive and seemingly deepening divides along racial, ethnic, sexual/gender identity, national, economic, party, personal and religious lines. UBSSW faculty, staff and alumni are facing those challenges and taking those opportunities in various ways. In addressing issues through the lens of social work and social work education, Dean Nancy J. Smyth says that one challenge in all communication, and particularly in these times, is acknowledging others’ perspectives, and making sure to listen. “We have to be careful when talking about social action; we don’t all think the same way about what constitutes social justice,” she said. “As educators, we must emphasize dialogue across differences—our faculty are getting training on how to do that in the classroom. We must continue to advocate for vulnerable people and for policy change, while educating about and understanding that we need to hear different voices.”
