986-01-2011 Advocate Spring (PDF)

Volume 36, Issue 1, spring 2011 THE

www.acsw.ab.ca ADVOCATE ALBERTA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS

nnual Conference AApril 28 - 30, 2011 Social Workers as Nation Builders: Speaking Truth to Power

Calgary Telus Convention Centre — 120 Ninth Avenue SE www.calgary-convention.com

Feature story: International social work reinforces ideals page 26 Online grief support: is this a good idea? page 18 Meet two of our conference speakers page 22 A day in the life: Chris Sunderland page 24 Public members enhance council page 30

59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 1 11-03-03 7:08 AM The Advocate FEATURE STORY Volume 36, Issue 1, Spring 2011 Published by: International social work reinforces ideals...... Chris Sunderland ��26 The Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) 550 10707 100 AVE NW Edmonton AB T5J 3M1 FEATURES Phone: 780-421-1167 Toll-free in Alberta: 1-800-661-3089 Online grief support: is this a good idea?...... Zosia Whittaker ��18 Fax: 780-421-1168 or toll-free 1-866-874-8931 E-Mail: [email protected] Meet two of our conference speakers...... Joan Marie Galat ��22 Website: www.acsw.ab.ca A day in the life: Chris Sunderland...... Joan Marie Galat ��24 Executive Director & Registrar: Rod Adachi, MSW, RSW [email protected] Public members enhance council...... Joan Marie Galat ��30 Associate Registrar: Alison MacDonald, PhD, RSW [email protected] issue NEWS Professional Affairs Coordinator: Lori Sigurdson, MSW, RSW, [email protected] From our desk to yours...... Lori Sigurdson �� 3 Coordinator, Finance and Administration: Gladys Smecko ACSW 2011 bursary recipients...... �� 7 Registration Coordinator: Brenda Gross U of C Updates: Bringing the history of Executive Assistant to the Executive Director: in this Kim Chiles African social work home...... Betty Rice...... 14 Registration Secretary: Monica Vasconez Regulatory Secretary: Desiree Hurst Administrative Secretary: Nearint Neam REGULAR FEATURES Promotions Coordinator: Ilona Cardinal, BA, BFA Competency Secretary: Jennifer Catt, Bsc President’s report...... Bob Johnson �� 8 ACSW Council: Executive Director’s report...... Rod Adachi �� 9 President: Bob Johnson, MSSW, RSW Vice President: Tera Dahl-Lang, MSW, RSW Ethics in action: It’s the little things ...... Alison MacDonald �� 10 Secretary: Anna Malo, MSW, RSW Treasurer: Terry Wilson, BSW, RSW Private Practice: Private Practice Page...... Brenda Duncan �� 12 Members: Derek Chewka, MSW, RSW Richard Gregory, MSW, RSW New RSWs...... Membership as of February 15, 2011 � 13 Barry Hall, PhD, RSW Jolene Losness, MSW, RSW Diploma Dialogue: Grant MacEwan University...... Alan Knowles ��16 Barbara McPherson, MA, RSW Kelly Stratford, BSW, RSW For Your Information...... Announcements ��32 Aboriginal Committee Representative: Monica Red Crow, BSW, RSW Public Members: Lyle Berge Marija Bicanic, LLM The opinions and interpretations expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Austin Mardon, CM Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW), its editorial board, or contractors. The aforementioned make no Joni Paulus, LLB guarantee or warranty, either expressed or implied, about the accuracy or links contained in the Advocate, CASW Representative: Emily Drzymala, PhD, RSW and are not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages that could arise. The Advocate is published quarterly for members of ACSW and other interested parties. All material with bylines is ©2011 by author. ACSW retains copyright when no author is listed. Editorial Board: Papiya Das, MSW, RSW (Chair) Duane Burton, BSW, MEd, RSW Eugene Ip, DPhil, RSW Leslie MacKinnon, BSW, RSW Anne Marie McLaughlin, PhD, RSW THE ADVOCATE EDITORIAL POLICY: The Advocate seeks to serve as a “meeting place” for Alberta Elaine Paras, MSW, RSW Peter Smyth, BSW, RSW social workers by publishing information about social work research, theory, practice, and education; professional affairs; social issues; the work of the College; books, journals, and other media of interest Editor: Joan Marie Galat to social workers; continuing education and job opportunities; and the comings and goings of Alberta Production Editor: Jena Snyder social workers. Members and the public are welcome to submit articles, stories, anecdotes, poems, Design: Kyle Loranger Design thoughts and ideas. Letters to the editor, announcements, cartoons, artwork, and pictures are also Advertising space is available; please call the ACSW welcome (suggested word counts: reports, letters, announcements — 400-900 words; articles — max. office for details or to place an ad. The Editorial Board 1000 words). The Editorial Board reserves the right to edit submitted material. Please call the ACSW reserves the right to reject any advertising. office for a copy of “Writing for theAdvocate ” before submitting material. Publication does not imply endorsement by the College. SUMMER 2011 ISSUE DEADLINE: APRIL 15, 2011 The Advocate is published quarterly. Deadlines are JANUARY 15 for the SPRING issue (March publication), Canadian subscriptions are $26/year APRIL 15 for SUMMER (June publication), JULY 15 for FALL (September publication), and OCTOBER 15 (outside Canada: $26 US/year) Please notify ACSW office immediately of any address changes. for WINTER (December publication). ISSN 0847 - 2890 ALL SUBMISSIONS: PM NO. 40050109 The Advocate, ACSW, #550, 10707 - 100 Avenue, Edmonton AB T5J 3M1 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO ATTN: Lori Sigurdson • E-MAIL: [email protected] • PHONE: (780) 421-1167 • FAX: 421-1168. 550 10707 100 AVE NW EDMONTON AB T5J 3M1

2 The Advocate • Spring 2011

59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 2 11-03-03 7:08 AM in the news 11-03-03 7:08 AM Continued on page 4 Lori Sigurdson Many Thanks Lynne and Ralph! and Lynne Thanks Many dedicated provided have Lynne and Ralph Westwood Davies Council for the past ACSW service members as public to By providing ended. now Both of their terms have years. seven and Lynne perspective, a public insight and expertise from sound decisions. Ralph supported Council to make projects! Best wishes to them on future Learn about their experience more turning on Council by to page 30. 3

ACSW staff at the Edmonton holiday social: L to R: Nearint Neam, Jennifer Catt, and Catt, and Jennifer Neam, L to R: Nearint social: holiday Edmonton staff at the ACSW Cardinal Ilona Altaf Ali is ACSW’s new area coordinator for Edson. Along with colleagues, he met with Lori Sigurdson to with Lori Sigurdson met he with colleagues, Edson. Along for coordinator area new Altaf Ali is ACSW’s Altaf! Welcome Edson area. in the jump start activities for coordinator Altaf Ali, area and Campbell, Lori Sigurdson Shelley Toner, James McColm, L to R: Lindsey Edson Joni Paulus Area Coordinators were busy with activities during the holiday season. Coordinators in Medicine Hat, Coordinators in Medicine Hat, during season. with activities busy the holiday Coordinators were Area and Lac La Biche all hosted events. Edmonton, Calgary, Rocky Mountain House, Lethbridge, Gorgeous tree at the Calgary at the tree Gorgeous social holiday RSW , MSW, Issue 1 •

Lina Filomena-Melchionna, chair of the the chair of Filomena-Melchionna, Lina the MC for and coordinators area Edmonton social holiday Lyle . Lyle Berge Heather Johnson, Chair Johnson, Heather Calgary area the of MC for and coordinators social holiday the Area Coordinators busy over holidays over busy Coordinators Area ACSW Professional Affairs Coordinator Affairs Professional ACSW Lyle Berge is also from Calgary. He is employed as a He is employed Calgary. is also from Berge Lyle Court Mediation Civil mediator with the Provincial in board backgrounds extensive Both have Program. members! public to our new Welcome governance. Joni is a lawyer working in Calgary. She specializes in Calgary. in working is a lawyer Joni Aboriginal and corporate/commercial banking, energy, law. environmental ACSW Council has two new public members: members: public new Council has two ACSW and New Public Members New by Lori Sigurdson Lori by From From our desk to yours Volume 36 Volume 59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 3 59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 4 in the news work. Congratulations! madetheNice listforhiscommunity developmentKris Kris Andreychuk Sigurdson ([email protected] ). regardingFor more thispleasecontactLori information thankstotheworkmeeting sincethefall of their work onthis. Gerontological socialworkers have been March 22. Thanks to event ishosting ACSW’s SocialPolicy Framework Workshop Justice hasbeenestablished. CommitteeinCalgary Their first to theinitiative of Social International Work Committeeisnow meetingthanks Three new ACSW committeeshave up. sprung The New ACSW committees (pictured here) isseeingtothat. with otherresponsibilities. Herson, Jacob Maxwell Taylor, Taylor,Suzanne coordinator for Athabasca, hasbeenbusy New baby! Continued from page3 desk our From Taylor Jacob Maxwell Taylor, sonof Athabasca area coordinator Suzanne Erin Wanini. The Social Action Social Linda McFarlaneKarenWyllie for andLinda Santa’s NaughtyandNiceone. Magazine madealistsimilarto accolades. Before Christmas, See work hasrecently received Edmonton CityPolice. Kris’ Constable Steve ofthe Sharpe He works withhispartner, preventioncrime inEdmonton. Team working onproactive Neighbourhood Empowerment Andreychuk ofthe Kris ispart City ofEdmontonsocialworker Scott Stewart. 4 March 13-19,2011 Social Work Week Check outour website forevents inyour area. Workers forDignityandInclusion: UpholdingHumanRights 2011, are plannedinmany areas. Ourthemethisyear is Upcoming activities forSocial Work Week, March 13 –19, college staffmember. board/of Directorsseatdesignatedforaregulatory early November. Alison willserve onan ASWB Board at theassociation’s annual meetinginNew Orleansin Social Work Boards (ASWB). The electionwas held elected totheboard ofdirectorsthe Association of Alison MacDonald Congratulations Alison! , Associate Registrar, hasbeen The Advocate • Spring 2011 Spring . Social 11-03-03 7:08 AM in the news 11-03-03 7:08 AM Continued on page 6 Joe Ceci, former Calgary Alderman. He was elected four consecutive times elected four consecutive He was Alderman. Calgary as a well known He is years service. of public totaling fifteen and is a social worker Joe ideas. for progressive advocate strong in social policy will be inspiring his colleagues to get involved development. Joe Ceci, on Chief Littlefield and Please see our Q&A feature page 22. the proposals been selected from have 50 workshops Over whether available are range of workshops A wide submitted. Twelve developer. a clinician or a community are you to those attending all sessions. offered are A credits Category Come learn in Calgary at our 2011 conference and regenerate April 28 - 30. Saturday is on Saturday Our luncheon keynote 5

2011 Conference Committee 2011 Conference (co-chair) Dean Estrella Abeer Morsy, Perry, Marie (co-chair), Lea Klassen, Donna L to R: Cecile Calliou Back row Lesley Taylor, Salguero, : Guadalupe missing Rebecca Rilling, Kufeldt, Kathleen Sander, L to R: Ciel row Front Taciune Carmen Susan Mercer-Thornhill, Red Crow, Monica Liz Olorenshaw, Lissette Tougas, , Issue 1 • Friday honoured On Friday morning are we Chief Wilton Littlechild to have Thursday a local Blackfoot evening Thursday On for the a prayer Elder will provide and the conference conference will be Nenshi Mayor participants. bringing the City of greetings from Calgary Dance and ONE CIRCLE their hip hop will showcase Company youth empowers Their work style. to Be sure dance and music. through will be so that you Thursday registeron door prizes. for our many in the draw will be an there after the workshops Friday evening at the to Power Truth “Speaking opportunity for some fun! the Calgary community Arusha Centre, the is hosted by Pub” 613 – 11 City Pub, Come to Broken activists. development for social to see video clips of local campaigns SE, Avenue Calgary Dollar own your receive justice and the environment, the stage at this take hear local musicians to and then stay spot. and culture music April 28 – 30 Calgary Telus Convention Centre Convention Telus Calgary 30 – 28 April Planning Committee The Conference to organize a hard has been working in 2011! great conference and Truth Commissioner for the Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Chief Littlechild speaker. as our keynote He is a Alberta. the Erminskinis from in central Reserve former and North Member of Parliament athlete, lawyer, to the United Nations Permanent American Representative Chief Littlechild will speak Forum on Indigenous Issues. inclusive all face a more in building about the challenge we ethical practice experience will your as “How He asks, nation. can we wherein contribute Canada, to this new social workers relations?” respectful restore Social Workers as Nation Builders: Speaking Truth to Power to Speaking Truth as Nation Builders: Social Workers 2011 ACSW Conference Conference 2011 ACSW Volume 36 Volume 59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 5 59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 6 in the news 2012. The windsofchangeare blowing. 2013but many believespring itwillbeasearlyspring speak for Albertans. A provincial electionmust becalledby leaders. We have two vyingforachanceto new parties weCurrently have three provincial lookingfornew parties government’s cutbackculture. vulnerable are beingnegativelyAlbertans impactedby this in healthandsocialprograms. We know toowell how hurt Albertans. We have strongly advocated forinvestment Albertans. For several years aculture ofretrenchment has decision making. We seequicklyhow orhelp policieshurt Social workers have afront row seattogovernment to address theseissuesforsometime. spring. Yes, we have beencallingforthe governmentAlberta issues in ACSW’s SocialPolicy Framework published last oil sandswas presented. These are justsomeoftheidentified strategy was discussed; andacredible systemtomonitorthe rates ofdomesticviolenceinthecountry; amentalhealth was citedindicatingthat information hasthehighest Alberta 22nd,February soundedfamiliar. StatisticsCanada The Speechfrom the Throne presented on Tuesday, Closing theDisparityGapCampaign Continued from page 5 yoursto desk our From • • • • • Social Policy Framework Rocky Mountain House Calgary Slave Lake Grande Prairie Fort McMurray ...... Workshops ...... April 11 March 22 March 15 March 14 March 10 6 ACSW website. workshop. aboutarea coordinatorsisonthe Information your localarea coordinator andencouragethemtohosta all Albertans. Ifyour area isnotlistedbelow, pleasecontact Policy translate intoprogressive Principles socialpolicyfor the 6values oftheCASW CodeofEthics(2005)andSocial developed by ACSW andtheParkland Institute. Seehow aboutacomprehensiveCome learn socialpolicyframework will bepresented tosocialworkers forCategory A credits. SocialPolicyThroughout thespring Framework Workshops that ensure this. benefit from Alberta’s wealth. We needprogressive policies care aboutourmostvulnerable citizens. Everyone should and oil. isalsoaboutpeople.Alberta As socialworkers we can broaden thesocialdiscourses. ismore thangasAlberta election iscalledare significant ways inwhichsocial workers talking toMLAs, andquestioningcandidateswhenthe regarding ourconcerns. Asking questionsinpublic meetings, This istheperfecttimeforsocialworkers tospeakup

n The Advocate • Spring 2011 Spring 11-03-03 7:09 AM in the news 11-03-03 7:09 AM n Jessica Smith Work of the Social in her second year Smith is Jessica This fall, University. at Mount Royal Diploma Program of Calgary to obtain a she hopes to attend the University degree. bachelor of social work of the aware Smith became bornAfter her son was in 2007, She plans experience. conditions some children adverse many with families to normalizeto work the struggles both single She hopes households face raising children. and two-parent endured who have with children to specialize in working and help them for their best interests trauma—to advocate work because of the to the field of social Smith aspires heal. changes that can happen. positive Samantha McCarthy Samantha work student, social University Mount Royal A first-year in chose to become a social worker Samantha McCarthy helping others to a passion for and taking stances response background has activist Her extensive against injustice. anti-poverty, queer issues, pro-choice, focused on feminism, and anti-racism work. festival— include helping organize a music highlights Two 2007 to 2009 and starting Not a Food Rock 4 Choice from McCarthy Previously, in Edmonton in 2006. Bombs group, Centre. at the Distress years for two and volunteered worked and also as a nanny works McCarthy When not in school, She is starting training at the Calgary in a punk band. plays to using bursary She looks forward Society. Justice Youth McCarthy diploma. obtaining her social work funds toward and education experience, volunteer hopes to use her work, social work woman-focused to obtain a crisis intervention, career. The mother of three children, Shannon is undertaking an children, The mother of three autoethnographicher personal study on experience as a Syndrome. Asperger’s with mother who has a child 7 Issue 1 •

Leanne Shannon and Conflict a background in Communications With her return to school Leanne Shannon is enjoying Resolution, Her field of Calgary MSW program. and the University in-home support experience with families, work includes of peer support programs development for at-risk families, and coaching and mentoring, parent for police families, with a focus on single mothers’ development community to she hopes a passion for familyWith therapy, needs. with special needs, children with families who have work specifically those on the autism spectrum. Amy Price Amy PriceAmy graduated the Red Deer College Social from she has been Since then, in 2006. Diploma program Work in both the Red Worker Wellness as a Family School working the goal of With and Catholic school systems. Deer Public Price started on a bachelor of social obtaining her degree, Victoria distance of the University degree through work including her husband Her main priority is family, program. and 13. 12, ages 11, children and their three During the past year and a half, Milnthorp participated in During a half, and the past year working in family support one with an placements, field two He treatment. the other in addictions Aboriginal population, and work level his education to the master’s plans to continue the entire with a focus on treating in addictions treatment, family system. Thirty-two-year-old Dane Milnthorp is in his second year Dane Milnthorp is in his second year Thirty-two-year-old program. Work Social University of the Grant MacEwan Milnthorp decided to enter this field after being laid off from his boom truck operator position during the 2009 recession. sees himself as lucky he now Though frustrated at the time, to support his way a provides found a field that to have Milnthorp is a immense gratification. while providing family, he describes who as his ages six and two, girls, father of two greatestteachers. Dane Milnthorp bursary recipients bursary ACSW 2011 ACSW Volume 36 Volume 59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 7 59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 8 regular feature consideration of the future of ACSW and itsmembers. each and everyone of youthatcouncil made everyeffort tomake thisasound decision basedondue diligence and full membership withthe Canadian Association of Social Workers, effectiveMarch 31,2011.As thisdate approaches, Iassure I havecommunicated extensively overthe pastnumber of months aboutcouncil’s decision toterminate ACSW’s President’s report do similarwork intheirprovinces. other socialworkencouraged andsupported organizations to to showcase ACSW SocialPolicy Framework andhave enhances therelevancy ofourprofession. We are continuing that socialaction/socialjusticeremain apriority to ensuring Social International Work interest group. We are committed Federation of Social Workers andrecently established an and our involvement ingroupssuchas we maintainanationalfocusthroughcommitted toensuring ACSW planandis councilhascompletedastrategic foreign credentials andsocial work. Recognition Innovation Fundforanationalproject on was selectedtoreceive from agrant theForeign Qualification includes Quebec’s 8,000socialworkers. Mostrecently, ACSW nation. This isamuch larger groupthanCASW andonethat that represents more than35,000socialworkers across the which includesevery province inCanada, inanorganization theCanadianCouncilofSocial forming Work Regulators, Canadian provinces tojoin. ACSW in hasbeeninstrumental organizationandopenedthewayinternational forallother prompted ASWB toevolve from aUS-basedentityintoan the Association ofSocial Work Boards (ASWB). This was provinceAlberta thefirst tobecomeaffiliatedwith be aleaderinourprofession. suggestsotherwise.history ACSW hasbeenandcontinues to able toimpactnational issues withoutapoliticalvoice. Our presence andinfluenceonthenationalfront andbecomeless We are aware ofourdecisionarguewe willloseour critics Bob Johnson, President Dignity for All.Dignity oftheInternational ACSW is aFriend MSSW, RSW aaaWtot Poverty Canada Without

8 and Canada. n processes thatestablish your professional standingin Alberta requirements oftheHealth Profession Act andtheregulatory result oflengthy andthorough deliberationsandreflects the middle ground, but were notsuccessful. This decisionisthe vote.by amajority We worked withCASW tofinda thedecision three separatemeetingsandeachtimeaffirmed Council extensively discussedanddebatedthedecisionat I reiterate thesoundnessofcouncil’s decisiontoleave CASW. 2011, aswell. withCASW effectivesuspend itsmembership March 31, Ontario Association ofSocial Workers, whichdecidedto soon. isalsonegotiatingwiththe Itissignificantthiscarrier aboutthisinsuranceprogram willbeprovidedinformation ofliabilityinsuranceandspecific carrier found analternate sinceourdecisionregardingmembers CASW. We have raisedby Insurance hasbeenthemostcommonconcern Bob Johnson isthe president of ACSW. He canbereached [email protected]. to and how change should occur. Write you admire, whatneeds improvement, rants, raves, and ideas. Tell us who chance to beheard! Send usyour One idea prompts another. Here’s a Suggestion Box Electronic subject heading. Electronic SuggestionBox [email protected] The Advocate inyour • Bob Johnson Spring 2011 Spring with 11-03-03 7:09 AM regular feature 11-03-03 7:09 AM n Rod Adachi editions with regular with regular editions Advocate Rod Adachi is the Executive Director and Registrar for ACSW. He can be reached at can be reached He ACSW. for Registrar and Director Executive is the Rod Adachi [email protected]. Professional Liability Insurance Liability Professional insurance program AON membersFor concerned about the of an alternate provider the CASW, through offered Details insurance is being negotiated. liability professional about an alternate will be posted on the insurance program and in an upcoming e-newsletter. website ACSW provinces or countries may have exemptions or voluntary or voluntary exemptions or countries have may provinces registration. who should be registered individuals of aware become If you legislative Alberta’s please inform them about not, are but have Should they registration. for professional requirement office so ACSW them to the please refer questions, any to their questions and assist them with can respond that we application information. 9 , where you will find news updates, updates, news you will find , where www.acsw.ab.ca

Remember to keep current between current to keep Remember visits to information, conference work resources, social projects, advocacy and much more.

Advocate

DEADLINE

MSW, RSW MSW, is APRIL 15, 2011 15, APRIL is

Issue 1 for the SUMMER 2011 2011 SUMMER the for •

Registrar Rod Adachi, Executive Director & Director Executive Some individuals and employers have incorrectly assumed have and employers Some individuals registration applies only to those in positions that professional registration is Professional title. a social work that have services are of the job title if social work regardless required social work someone with recognized by being provided to recently moved who have Some individuals qualifications. registration is a that professional be aware not Alberta may as other in this province, to practice social work requirement From time to time we are advised of individuals who are who are advised of individuals are time to time we From though even without being registered practising social work This is in violation of the HPA qualify for registration. they for not comply with the requirement who do and individuals In addition, mandatory guilty of an offence. registration are employ who knowingly it is an offence for employers providing for registration who qualify and are individuals services without registration. social work In Alberta the social work profession is governed by the Health Professions Act (HPA). It requires requires It (HPA). Act Professions Health by the is governed work profession social In Alberta the respective with their to be registered professionals health recognized other and workers all social professional for requirement The services. professional to provide in order colleges regulatory provide who and work qualifications, social have recognized who to individuals applies registration professional provide who workers supervise social and/or public, to the directly work services social work. social of practice teach the and/or public, to the services registration registration Mandatory professional Mandatory professional Volume 36 Volume 59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 9 Bob Johnson 59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 10 regular feature Here are someexamples from thelastfew years: have heard thesameissues raisedinthecomplaintprocess. Upon reading this, Icouldnothelpbut thinkhow oftenI believed users that theservice were important, etc.” (p. 46). said they would do, listeningtousers, working withproblems upontime,turning phonecalls, returning doingwhatthey delivery users: thatmadethedifference toservice Staff He found “that itwas apro-social approach toservice investigate practicesrelated toimproved outcomesforclients. Trotter (ascitedinSkinner, 2009)conductedresearch to dishonesty, almost everycomplaint alsoincludes reference toseveral lesssevere allegations. complaints are expressed inregard toareas such asboundary violations, abuseof trust,and that become noticeable when looking atcomplaints overseveral years. Whilesome veryserious year, which represents lessthan0.01percent of ourtotalmembership. Still,there are afewthings complaint simplybecausewedo not get thatmany grievances. We hadarecord high of 41last I’m often asked toidentify the most frequent causeof complaints. There really isno most common It’s the littlethings Alison MacDonald Ethics inaction • • know right awayknow right andapologize whenever you arelate. If somethinghappenstodelay you, tolettheclient try a timelymanner. to providetime forappointmentsorfail documents in they meetvery specifictimelines but thenare noton Clients sometimescomplainsocialworkers demand showing interestintheirperspectives. least hearclients’ and rationaletheinformation forincluding Some complaintscouldbeavoided by takingthetimetoat the clients. are by considered important Clearly thesematerials issue, andthey donothave timetodothereading. are notrelevantmaterials orcurrent totheservices asked, socialworkers inquestionusuallyindicatethe the socialworkers refused toread them. When totheirsocialworkersreading materials andthat A number ofclientscomplained they hadprovided ,

PhD, RSW 10 of yourself! impact onothers. And lastbut notleast, take timetotake care you candotominimizenegative behaviours thatmay have an practice andtheway you relate toothers. Think aboutwhat Most important, perhaps, istobeself-aware. Reflecton your have madea mistake. todoso. whenappropriate Apologize back. Without over-disclosure, behonestwithclientsifyou tohelpyouyou totry by trust you giving asignaltopull find snappingatpeopleonoccasion,yourself asksomeone in practice. Onekey istousecommunication skills. Ifyou willever occur,irritations we canallwork tominimizethem While itmay notbereasonable toexpectnoneofthese [email protected]. Alison MacDonald isthe Associate Registrar for ACSW. She canbereached at • gets outofhand. yourself behavinginthismanner, beforeit pullyourself back Everyone canhave abadday noworthen, but ifyou find be done. escalated toapointwhere noprofessional work could but notasloudIwas” had demonstratingmatters included recent casedescription “yes shewas yelling, are generallyaggressive ordismissive inmanner. A swear andyell atclientsorcolleagues, andthatthey whenthey speak, orsharp rude thatthey sometimes Another frequent complaintisthatsocialworkers are too.important when promised, explainthedelay. theirtimeis Showclients If circumstancesprevent you fromgettingthingstoclients n

The Advocate Alison MacDonald • Spring 2011 Spring 11-03-03 7:09 AM regular feature 11-03-03 7:09 AM 11 Issue 1 • Volume 36 Volume 59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 11 Alison MacDonald 59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 12 regular feature the ACSW aboutapplying. website forinformation inmakingtheirviews known.participate Pleasecheckout would allow themtoenhancetheircommunity visibilityand many more are toapply. private practitioners eligible Joining Private PracticeRosterincludesjust63officialmembers, well inotherdisciplines. compensatedthan peers While the inourprovinceservices but are oftenunrecognized orless workers provide anexcellentrangeofclinicalandother Some discussioncentered ongettingtheword outthatsocial province. issues, aswellthe opportunitytomeet face toface withother privatepractice social workers from around the for boththose who arranged and attended, the meeting’s networking focus allowedlivelydiscussion onprivatepractice The PrivatePractice Committeeheld itsfirstfull-day annual general meeting inCalgary, inSeptember2010.Asuccess Private Practice Page Brenda Duncan Private Practice Page website at website orvisitour Please contactusat780-468-5506 wish? final a afford nor imagine cannot but deserves who patient a behind. left be will who ones loved the for but ending is life whose person the only not for Caregivers hardship. financial show to able be also must they doctor; their by diagnosed as live to less or months 12 with older or age of years 18 be must recipient adults. ill terminally to wishes granting to dedicated organization profit isanon- Connection The AngelsAnonymous

www.angelsanonymous.org. will , MSW, RSW recognize the value a wish can have can wish a value the recognize Our Vision Our Missionisto provide the means

In We can help. can We Our Purpose order to qualify for a wish, the wish, a for qualify to order isthatnoadultdiewithout their dream beingrealized their dream for a terminally illadult aterminally for is to fulfill a dream isto fulfilladream

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12 empowered andorganized. n Her company isCREOInc.—communities: resilient, been amajorfocusinSeidel’s working methodology. participation, assessment, critical andempowerment have Community andorganizationalcapacitybuilding, inclusive communities.remote/northern cross culturalgroups, sectors, marginalized andrural/ initiatives; with andenhancedinclusion andparticipation processes, assessmentsandanalyses, andcollaborative Seidel hasprovided toplanning andleadership facilitation toacentral contribute community. rural Alberta of rural isenhancedbyAlberta herchoicetolive inand Alberta’s two majorurban centers. Herunderstanding work involves communities andorganizationsoutside governments, bodies. andinternational Seidel’s current groups, non-profits, the volunteer sector, municipal communities, includingrural partners neighbourhood ofstakeholders and/or Interactions occurwithavariety organizations. initiatives, bodiesandnetworks, regional andinternational program enhancementwitharangeofsmallgrassroots involvement hasfocusedoncapacitybuilding and fortwenty-fiveinternationally years. Muchofthis based programs andprojects domesticallyand Rebekah Seidelhasworked incommunity development Rimbey, AB Rebekah Seidel,MSW, RSW Private Practitioner Showcase reached [email protected]. Brenda Duncan isamember of the PrivatePractice Committee and canbe The Advocate Brenda Duncan • Spring 2011 Spring 11-03-03 7:09 AM in the news 11-03-03 7:09 AM Nicole Dawn Thomson Dawn Nicole Tucker Michelle Carly Estelle Unger Dee Jo Valgardson Kirby Laine Warbeck Leah Jacqueline Wen Lisa Anne Wilson Natassha Wist Sherri Allison Yeates Brenda Eric Munger Eric Murji Shelliza Nieman Michelle Kara Nimchuk Jocelyn O’Connell Robyn May Osborne Sze Ka Palliyil Lajeen Sreedharan Louise Park Jamie Plain Eagle Iris Kim Pohl Andrea Tanya Shalini Puri Lise Radetzky Jessica Rapp Jennifer Red Crow Lee Tracy Robichaud Zaiell Rosenau Hollis Mary-ann Casey Lynn Rosewood Sawatzky Deanna Jamie Sayward Cheryl Sue Scheck Melissa Semenjuk Natasha Sharma Sumati Shewell Anne Michelle Dawn Shiels Natasha E. Strachan Candace Strickland-Cormier Sandra Bobbi-Lee Sutherland Suvee Ruth Eleanor Syroid Noel Tiffany A. Tachble Admasu 13

Carmelle Kassell Gill Kassell Carmelle Goertzen Bradley Keith Gueffroy Helen Martha Henderson Theresa Darice L. Hinds Patricia Holland Pauline Brenda Hooge Twyla Heather Charles Horsman Stephen Elizabeth Jollimore Jane Karimov Validzhon Lanouette Jean Valerie LaRiviere Mary Kaitlyn Layton Andrea Legal Patti-Lee Lewis Theresea Amy Lynn Libke Justine MacLean Bruce James Alison Madill Janneane L. Makokis Tracey Manyheads Carol Martin Danielle Laura Martinek Melanie Heidi Rae Matsyk Lauren McCoy Katharina Ann McGinnis Wanda McNulty Elizabeth Anne McRae-Seifert Michelle Kelly Miller James Matthew Babchin Morin Sara Mugabi Joanne

Issue 1 • Abdulkadir Membership as of of as Membership New RSWs New February 15, 2011: 6,240 Abdulfatah Abdullahi Abdullahi Abdulfatah Allen Kaye Trudy Ruth Amundson Mary Arbec Renee Shyla Lee Armour Kelly Bailey Lavonne Deea Shelby Deva Balasubramanian Eilleen Bayer Alexis Berg Alycia Beukema-Eggink Pearl Daniella Elizabeth Biddiscombe Sheila Ann Bostock Glenda Bowie Bernadette Kathleen Brown Denae Jodilynn Dawn Charles Kassandra Cheong Kit Yee Priscilla Ann Chisholm Lisa Ann Clendening Crawshaw Lorraine Cheryl Lynn Cross Marnie Davies Kathleen Megan Haan Dawn de Jennifer Dercach Lindsay Beverly Faith Dion Rae Doerksen Jennifer Downes Lea-anne Kareen Krista Elliott Emery Leeanne Tara Ferland Cherelle Wanda Volume 36 Volume 59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 13 Brenda Duncan Brenda U of C updates Betty Rice University of Calgary Faculty of Social Work

Bringing the history

news of African social work home Researcher expands understanding of culturally relevant social work curriculum

in the in the Linda Kreitzer is passionate about Africa. The assistant professor of Social Work at the University of Calgary’s Central and Northern Region campus has felt a personal connection to the continent for 17 years. It began when she decided to accept a volunteer teaching position at a Ghana university. Two more trips enabled Kreitzer to collect data for master’s and doctorate degrees, received in 1998 and 2004. Her research examines the issue of culturally relevant social work curriculum in Africa and suggests an interesting parallel for social workers in this country.

Working in Ghana revealed to Kreitzer that what many African social workers are taught about their own continent takes second place to what they learn about North America and Europe. Kreitzer identified critical gaps that she believes create barriers to more culturally relevant social work throughout Africa. This includes a lack of local case studies, which fosters a dependence on western case studies, as well as a lack of knowledge of social work history in Africa, dependence on western social work curriculum, and a lack of resources to fill these gaps.

Kreitzer learned of important social work documents developed in the seventies and eighties as conference proceedings of the Association of Social Work Education for Africa (ASWEA). She realized this documentation was critical to the practice of social work in Representatives of four African nations accept their transcripts of the ASWEA documents in South Africa, Africa, as well as to her own work. September 2010. Photo courtesy Linda Kreitzer.

14 The Advocate • Spring 2011

59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 14 11-03-03 7:09 AM in the news 11-03-03 7:09 AM ” U of C Updates U of The completed African documents completed African The 15 to put these volumes to good use. to put these volumes to … Issue 1 •

n What a great service you have done to Africa and to the course of social work in Africa work the course of social done to and to service have a great you What particular. The challenge is now on us challenge is now The particular.

Betty Rice is the communications consultant for the Faculty of Social Work at University of Calgary. of University at Work Social Faculty of the for consultant communications is the Betty Rice Kreitzer’s project also has implications for Canada. “Social work history in Canada, like Africa, tends to reflect a Eurocentric tends to reflect Africa, like history in Canada, “Social work also has implications for Canada. project Kreitzer’s Kreitzer. says Aboriginal Aboriginal curriculum social work history should reflect of social caring and social issues,” perspective. theories history and practice appropriate of developing to Indigenous is important own in the process “Understanding one’s cultures.” Colleagues in Africa agree. One scholar wrote a letter, thanking Kreitzer for her efforts. “What a great service you have done have “What a great service you for her efforts. thanking Kreitzer a letter, One scholar wrote Africa agree. Colleagues in to good use: to put these volumes on us—how The challenge is now Africa in particular. and to the course of social work to and practice.” research teaching, “Four countries sent representatives,” says Kreitzer. “The next step is to distribute sets to the other countries the remaining Kreitzer. says countries“Four sent representatives,” After dissemination of the Africa months. next few in the around do as I travel which I plan to in these conferences, involved analysis can begin.” documents, For six months, Kreitzer worked to account for all the pages, clean the master copies, and make more than 3,500 individual than 3,500 individual more and make master copies, clean the to account for all the pages, worked Kreitzer six months, For chose a social Kreitzer for distribution. ready were bound and 100 DVDs 14 sets of documents were April 2010, By photocopies. in personAfrica to the nations who participated the volumes in the in September 2010 to present in South conference work ASWEA conferences. “When I examined the documents, I realized how important they were to the important were they how I realized “When I examined the documents, African and be for Africa important it would and how in of social work evolution should be they “I realized Kreitzer. says access to these documents,” and practitioners to have students, non-African academics, ” and teaching. for research Africans as soon as possible, to made available Kreitzer decided to see if she could find the documents. Upon returning to Canada, returning Upon to Canada, if she could find the documents. decided to see Kreitzer was Kreitzer America. libraries North reached across had somehow she found they the 23. up 20 of to round able “One of the issues was that there were no indigenous case studies that students could no indigenous were that there “One of the issues was says as most teachers use western textbooks for case study examples,” learn from, were volumes in which two the documents, about knew “Although many Kreitzer. copies and no one seemed to know no one seemed to have African case studies, were.” they where “ Volume 36 Volume 59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 15 59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 16 regular feature Quinn, Marianne Wright, and ShirleyPiedt Vogels, Maria Smyth, Duane Massing, FayeHamilton, Sandra Alton(part-time program coordinator), Kathaleen Some of the MacEwan faculty. LtoR:AlanKnowles (chair),David Hannis, BevVerger (program advisor),Peter program of 10students atCampusAlberta,Hinton, coordinated byKaren Exchange. very high. Inaddition tothe fulland part-time evening programs inEdmonton, wehaveanoff-campus winter termand everyone islooking forward tothe end of coldand snow! Demand for the program remains It hasbeenabusyyearfor students and faculty of the MacEwan program. Students are backatworkfor the Grant MacEwan UniversityMacEwanGrant Alan Knowles, Diploma Dialogue involved inconsultationandtraininggroupwork with Piedt, Shirley Development. anddirector oftheOfficeCommunityStudies department He willbeaseniorlecturer intheSocialSciencesandGlobal mid-January towork oncontractatKwara StateUniversity. Hannis embarked onanew adventure inNigeria. Heleft Hannis retired inJune 2010. Notonetoeaseintoretirement, in September2011, member andlongtimefaculty Dr.McNulty Liz Kathaleen Quinn, andSandra Altonwillbe joined the faculty as a full-time instructor asafull-timeinstructor joined thefaculty PhD, RSW David David 16 Kolkman oftheEdmontonSocialPlanningCounciland fall 2010term.fall Two the second-year published during studentshadarticles Acts.”in ThreeGroup Work:Play A Work EducationinMontreal called “Three by Three Teaching presented aworkshop attheCanadian Association forSocial “Through theEyes ofaChild.” InJune of2010, Quinn (CIAFV), Piedtisalsocoordinating aoneday workshop, her role with social workers atEdmonton’s Glenrose Hospital. Through Community Initiatives Against Family Violence Kory VarlenKory interested inadoption. must read, especiallyforsocialworkers Journey.My Adoption This bookisa published abook, PetalsofMyHeart: First-year studentKaren Kunst the samemagazineonsexualassault. director ofSaffron, wrote in anarticle of the program andexecutivegraduate Safety Magazine. harassment published in Myles wrote onsexual Sarah anarticle Alberta. Planning CouncilandPublic Interest publication withEdmonton Social in to endpoverty Alberta Alberta. Joseph Ahorro withPublic Interest

coauthored with areport Time for Action: Working together The Advocate Dorthe Flauer,Dorthe a isajoint SOS Children’s • Spring 2011 Spring

John John 11-03-03 7:09 AM regular feature 11-03-03 7:09 AM Rural and

Mount Royal Royal Mount University 2011, 7, On January Mayor Naheed Nenshi, on presented of Calgary, engagement community social work to MRU n practicum students. Photo credit: Todd Vaughan, The The Vaughan, Todd credit: Photo Calgary Herald

Consider yourself invited Consider

. Diploma Dialogue Diploma Moving the Margins: Moving Naheed Nenshi Naheed The conference is titled conference The Challenges Social Work Radical papers A call for dates! the to save please remember and women’s include may Themes out in February. was sent social and work, environmentalism to social contributions knowing, indigenous practice, remote and rural justice, work social structural/progressive doing, and teaching others. and practice, Across the Province the Across Programs Diploma Work Social of Alberta Association The to work on revisions times several met It fall. had a busy in Programs Diploma Work Social for Standards to the site reviews concurrent is involved in several Alberta and by the programs diploma of reapproval and approval the for Board. Education Work Social Professional Red Deer College Alberta with Central again working are work faculty Social work Alberta social Central another to host workers social Capri Hotel 2011 at the 13-14, June to be held conference Deer. Red Centre, Conference and 17

Learning a panel

and Laskewicz B. submitted to The submitted to participated project is to introduce is to introduce project Journal of Interprofessional Care n Maria Smyth continues to be involved in research in research to be involved continues Making faces: A creative approachA creative to achieving Making faces: Issue 1 • during the fall term. is currently involved in a joint research in a joint research is currently involved Vogels Peter for Mennonite Centre the Edmonton between project The goal of the Alberta Parks. Newcomers and Smyth also co-authored a paper with also co-authored Smyth human services curricula objectives, attended a conference Marianne Wright In November, and is in the Vancouver on trauma and addiction in curriculum of developing for our Mental Health, process Addictions course. and Trauma Alan Knowles Faculty member play, powerful Saumung’s Jeremy discussion following Health part of MacEwan’s was The presentation Homeless. Series Scholar Lecture Visiting Studies and Community in January. : J. McGrath and Learning in Higher Teaching International Journal of Education. Learning the Land the Language, enhancing literacy by Alberta Parks Canadians to new and to local flora skills relating fauna and providing Vogels camping experience. newcomers with a weekend the that examines how with research is also involved impacts the overall process visioning level program in a post secondary institution. academic endeavor focused on e-learning education and is in social work with the Interdisciplinary Health Education involved the between project a collaborative (IHEP), Project and College, Norquest NAIT, Alberta, of University King, paper with S. a recent He coauthored MacEwan. A Carbanaro: and M. Loverso, T. Major, R. Greidanus, E. cross disciplinary examination of readiness for interprofessional education, submitted to the Alan Knowles is the chair of the Grant MacEwan University Social Work Program. The program serves students in the Edmonton Region through both part and full-time full-time both part and through Region Edmonton in the serves students program The Program. Work Social University MacEwan Grant the chair of is the Alan Knowles information. program for Please visit www.macewan.ca with Campus Alberta, Hinton. in collaboration program an off-campus offering is currently and studies Volume 36 Volume 59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 17 By Zosia Whittaker, MSW, RSW

Zosia Whittaker article Online grief

feature feature support: is this a good idea?

The Internet is an integral component of North American life. Children and teens have never known a world without online shopping, social networking, and infinite information. When a young person dies, the youth’s community is likely to “meet” within hours on an online memorial site. Here they share thoughts and offer encouraging messages to support one another. When faced with the death of a loved one, it is not surprising that young people, as well as adults, seek support from that seemingly trusty friend, Mr. Cyberspace.

In a state of grief, people become vulnerable and less able to Internet support benefits make judgments that ensure safety. Children are particularly Anonymity susceptible. They are more likely targets for Internet predators Death is a taboo subject in North American society. and lack the life-experience to judge whether someone they People fear being perceived as vulnerable or insane if they are “talking” to is trustworthy. express grief publicly. Internet use allows people to express Is the Internet a suitable tool for processing grief? What role themselves and seek support without revealing identity. This should the Internet play in supporting a grief journey? How is particularly appealing to teenagers who wish to maintain a can we protect vulnerable people from Internet predators? calm facade among peers.

The Internet is a part of your grief-care team. It can be an Accessibility important resource to you and your clients; however, both Grieving people often endure sleep disturbances. Others may benefits and risks exist when it comes to using Internet experience grief bursts—surges of emotion that come on resources. For this article’s purpose, Internet resources powerfully and without warning during routine activities. include social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, While it is not possible to predict when a grief crisis will and MySpace, as well as forums such as teenhelp.org, occur, Internet resources are always available to people with groww.org/forum.htm, and others. It also encompasses Internet access. informational sites, chat rooms, and message boards.

18 The Advocate • Spring 2011

59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 18 11-03-03 7:09 AM feature article 11-03-03 7:09 AM Continued on page 20 online. all information with a human source, Verify Consider this online. especially advice received “getting a second opinion.” not users forum may and chat room Remember, becoming Avoid accurately. themselves represent with other users apply their but over-involved resilience. feedback as encouragement to build Recommendations for grief service providers grief for Recommendations for will seek additional support care Do assume people you Encourage Normalize this process. resources. online through use. about sites they clients and families to tell you Do assume grieving looking online and teens are children to protect in teaching children Be proactive for information. so check in regularly This is an ongoing process, their identity. are Children with you. their resources and ask them to share cautious very be may They Internet by predators. “primed” their identity on first encountersbut about protecting online with falter communicating if frequently defenses may the same person. Recommendations for for Recommendations people grieving Do not use online resources Support your exclusively. grief journey within a human family, of friends, community and organizations. a personal Consider keeping a blog, choose to keep If you journal instead of a blog. If writing during highly protected. it is password sure make Word entries consider drafting all blog in a emotional times, entries and feel calmer blog when you Proofread document. the content still comfortable having are post them only if you 19 ” Predators Predators Internet pose predators may as grieving and teens children othersto lure into dangerous Grieving children, relationships. be less and adults may teens, sound judgments to make likely personal their that protect predators. such identity from Issue 1 •

Is the Internet a suitable tool for processing grief? What role should the role What grief? processing for tool a suitable Is the Internet

Fraud Chatting online offers no guarantee of the other person’s grief Organizations moderating or integrity. credibility support to providing resources waste support sites may Users who befriendsomeone who has fabricated a grief story. yet have feel they as a fraud may a person later revealed another loss to grieve. Lack of privacy of Lack Internet posted on the be Anything may In a moment of heightened others. seen by post information a person may on emotion, the Internet it and be unable later regret but the posting. to remove Internet support risks social resources “real” Isolation from online through who seek supportIndividuals exclusively riskresources undermining the importance of a human to symptoms of Grieving vulnerable people are community. not be These may and suicidal ideation. addictions, depression, used exclusively. detected if Internet are resources Different types of loss are grieved differently. The loss of a grieved differently. types of loss are Different or grandparent. than the loss of a parent child is different than a loss that different one to suicide is The loss of a loved The Internet of database promising is a a long illness. follows for differing resources losses and circumstances. supportive Addresses specific needs Addresses people from Internet predators? Internet people from Internet play in supporting a grief journey? How can protect in supporting vulnerable How we play a grief journey? Internet “ Volume 36 Volume 59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 19 Zosia Whittaker Zosia 59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 20 feature article continued from page19 Online grief support concerns abouttheirsafetywhenusingthesesites.concerns Verify sitesusedby your clients. Tell your clientsifyou have online-safety planandreview itregularly. monitor theirchild’s use. Internet Parents shoulddevelop an isimportant,family asparents are inthebestpositionto their children tobesafeonline. Communication withachild’s from predator, every Internet thatyou families want inform While itisdifficultandperhapsimpossible toprotect children better methodsofprotection inthefuture. protection. tohelpthechild develop Usetheopportunity that theproblem isthepredator, notthechild’s lackofself- online. Itisaneasymistake, even foradults!Keep inmind Don’t information personal achildfordivulging reprimand 20 Michael and isasocial worker atthe StolleryChildrens Hospital. and families who are grieving. She now livesinEdmonton with her husband 2009. It washere thatshe found apassion for working with children, teens, Zosia Whittaker completedher Masters inSocial Work atMcGill University in healthy resource forfamilies. n steptowardin oursocietyisthefirst employing itasa isavast resource.The Internet Acknowledging itsplace communities tokeep you informed. resources toengageinany andifthey online dobegin Tell clientsyou are aware oftheappealInternet inlieuofonlinesupport.them onseekinghumansupport do notencouragethemtochange. Instead, congratulate support, resourcesIf clientsare notusingInternet forgrief can beusedtofillgaps. resources, but theInternet are preferable toonline that humanresources human resources. Stress by journey providinggrief Assist clientswiththeir protecting clientsfrom onlineabuse. useand Internet Adopt staffpoliciesonmonitoring advicetheyEncourage clientstoverify receive online. been victimizedonlinetocyber-violenceresources. site. withaparticular experience Linkclientswhohave you iftheyEncourage clientstoinform have anegative sites. sources, you cannotcontrol say whatotherusers onthese might beable torecommend sitesmoderatedby reputable Try toavoid recommending sitestoclients. Although you The Advocate • Spring 2011 Spring 11-03-03 7:09 AM for your information 11-03-03 7:09 AM 21 The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees is proud to The Alberta Union of Provincial who provide quality represent more than 75,000 Albertans public services to the people of our province. Among these hard-working Albertans are more than 2,500 Care social services workers including Child and Youth Counsellors, Human Services Psychology Assistants Workers, and Psychologists who work every day to make sure their clients are safe and on track to successful lives. AUPE is committed to a society in which all Albertans can public servicesexpect fair well-trained by committed, provided public employees. www.aupe.org Issue 1 • Your working people. Alberta Union of Provincial Employees. Your Another day, another crisis averted. another Another day, Volume 36 Volume 59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 21 By Joan Marie Galat, Advocate Editor

Joan Marie Galat

article Meet two of our conference feature feature speakers

Truth & Reconciliation Commissioner Chief Wilton Littlechild, LLB

What events in your life led you to a career that involves advocating for others?

Athletics and significant injuries in my life led me to a law career. As a lawyer, one’s professional life involves advocating for others.

Can you share a story that shows how individuals or special-interest groups can make a positive difference?

A personal story—two individuals, one illiterate in the English language and his partner who was in her time, highly educated. These were my grandparents— working as a partnership, my grandmother helping my grandfather with English and contributing to his outstanding chieftainship in our community. Their positive

difference was showing the value of culture and education by working together in Wilton Littlechild leadership.

How do you think social workers can most effectively influence public social policy, when considering the conference theme “Social Workers as Nation Builders: Speaking Truth to Power?”

I believe social work can be most effective in influencing public social policy by being motivated by a positive mental attitude. This is a personal opinion and is not meant to attack anyone in this necessary profession of society. “Speaking truth to power,” in my view, gives us the best chance to be nation builders. It takes the same energy to destroy a nation as it does to build a

22 The Advocate • Spring 2011

59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 22 11-03-03 7:09 AM feature article 11-03-03 7:09 AM - n 23

What events in your life led you to a career that involves advocating for for advocating involves to a career that led you life in your events What others? both a up in a first-generation Italian family and neighborhood provided Growing in com also a lesson but to learn atmosphere and connect with others, supportive building. munity My mother both English and Italian. arrived and spoke My parents as children Italians helping older or newer a local information as served and referral source, offices. people to government would accompany my dad and to fill out forms, father newcomers understand helped my both she and the kitchen table, Around the system. to help people and assist to learn about how Their example made me want more them in meeting their goals in life. or special-interest groups individuals how share a story shows that Can you difference? can make a positive on a one-to-one working I was worker, development ago as a community Years Issue 1 • for information on MoonDot Media. on MoonDot information for Visit www.joangalat.com solutions. training business and editing, writing, Galat provides Marie Joan Joe Ceci Joe Joe Ceci, MSW, RSW MSW, Joe Ceci, in the formulation a difference that should and can make knowledge have social workers in society, Because of their roles skills are Advocacy not the same thing. to influence policy are how and knowing knowledge Having social policy. of public political engagement. but so is simple and programs, influencing social policies critical in positively How do you think social workers can most effectively influence public social policy, when considering the conference when considering the conference social policy, influence public effectively can most think social workers do you How to Power?” Truth Speaking Builders: as Nation Workers “Social theme Most recently I ran into the grown son of one of the original group—now a student at Mount Royal University. son of one of the original at Mount Royal a student I ran into the grown Most recently group—now The women organized educational opportunities for themselves and their kids, addressing their collective support needs as a their collective addressing and their kids, organized educational opportunities for themselves The women made a positive they Together into post-secondary training. schooling and other career of the women This led many group. for each other and their families. difference Former Former Calgary alderman so than apart, together could do more that we It seemed single mothers in the community. low-income basis with numerous organized a series that morphedwe of workshops into an ongoing support network. nation. Anyone can tear down a nation but it takes a real leader to build a nation. Social workers, collectively because of the because collectively Social workers, a nation. leader to build a real it takes a nation but tear down can Anyone nation. and more the unique opportunity a stronger on a daily basis to use energy to build have with, challenging work issues they nation. inclusive Volume 36 Volume 59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 23 Joan Marie Galat Marie Joan 59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 24 featurefeature article article About 12people attendgrouptherapy sessionsforthose Groupthe Strategic forLifestyle and Weight Management. three years, haveThursday mornings beenspentrunning health therapistwith HealthServices.Alberta For thepast Sunderland’s skillsare alsoessentialinhis role asamental difference, Iwouldn’t doit.” me comingback. IfIdidn’t have asenseitwas makinga can getpersonal. Becauseofthat, there’s abondthatkeeps from difference perspectives. Ifeelwe have and arapport line. “Our culturaldifferences allow ustoexplore issues atRedCrow hisexperience asfrontSunderland describes problems on thereserve.” Sunderland. “Education isoneoftheways outofsomethe make changesandseethingsfrom different perspectives,” says “Education isoneoftheways studentscanbeempowered to andsciencefaculty.arts at RedCrow inthegeneral Collegeasasessionalinstructor For thepast10years he hasbeenspending Tuesday evenings Sunderland shared feelingofkinshipwiththeBloodpeople. his new nameattheannual Blood Tribe Sundance, Long before 2003, whenElderBruce Wolf Childproclaimed the BloodReserve. person, reflects respect for Sunderland’s contribution atRedCrow College on call himI,kina,pi,tapi.The name, which means kind, caring, harmonious Sunderland, MSW, RSW, butmembers of the BloodTribe insouthern Alberta You may know thismental health therapist and sessional instructor asChris By Joan Marie Galat Sunderland , Advocate Editor A day in the life...the in day A Chris 24 “People seethe story, generalizeittotheirown situation, and ridden, young manlosinghistemperwith hiscounselor. from themovie Ordinary People . Itrevealed anangry, guilt- conversation catalyst. At onesession, attendeeswatched acut Occasionally Sunderlandusesamovie asa cliporstory feedback work out?Didyou have ortriumphs?” any struggles withareview.Each sessionstarts “How didlastweek’s issues. Hisrole istoaskquestionskeep discussionactive. copewithweightbase tohelpparticipants management ofIrvin Sunderland usesthematerials Yalom asatherapeutic things mightbegoingontocausethisongoingproblem.” or thedesire tonumb away feelings. We lookatwhatother about otherthingsgoingon—celebration, frustration, anger, experience,”altering says Sunderland. “Overeating canbe Food provides amood other thanbeinghungry. “Some eatforreasons issues. and emotionaleating withobesity struggling Chris Sunderland The Advocate • Joan Marie Galat Spring 2011 Spring 11-03-03 7:09 AM feature article 11-03-03 7:09 AM ” I,kina,pi,tapi, n for people to go on the reserve and this takes away the away and this takes the reserve for people to go on attracts me to What fears. by generated of cultures division to human—making a is that it is human work community connection.” and family couple, individual, Sunderland also provides His mental health clinic. counseling at the community on a rural team practice is part of a small clinic in Cardston, brings day Every different out of the Lethbridge Region. people struggling with a variety of concerns and challenges. learned a generalist and “In school we a lot about being a systemic point of view—how looking at things from A lot and the person one another. interact with environment and the world a person perceives of what I do is with how versa.” and vice impacts the individual, environment the how clients do. the way Sunderland aims to tryto see the world a lot of people, For their experience. listen and validate “You a is to provide My role is huge. and validated to be heard to fix I’m not there their world. can explore they place where different and explore validate, hear, to I’m there those things. thing.” a shared much very It’s options with them. in mental health since obtaining his Sunderland has worked of Calgary in 1989. at the University in social work master’s as an undergraduate years at he spent three that, Before MacEwan at Grant years and two University Young Brigham College. available that was and the work to counseling, drawn “I was can respond it because I enjoy I really in mental health. was things.” different to so many him as Chris know Sunderland or Whether you to fit his kind, has clearly found work this social worker and harmonious style. caring, Joan Marie Galat provides writing, editing, and business training solutions. Visit solutions. training business and editing, writing, Galat provides Marie Joan Media. on MoonDot information for www.joangalat.com 25 Issue 1 • My role is to provide a place where [my clients] can explore their world. I’m not there not there I’m clients] can their world. [my a place where explore provide is to My role “Lots of people in the community get an opportunity“Lots of people in the community to an opportunity “This provides Sunderland. says participate,” Sunderland’s practice also involves community development. development. community practice also involves Sunderland’s He chairs inter-agency committee that sometimes the local is a One of these ventures with members. runs joint projects lunch for about 60 people daily soup kitchen that provides inter-agency and schools, Churches, winter. the throughout committees chip in. “I like that it’s in the moment, mindful, and dynamic, and and dynamic, mindful, the moment, in that it’s “I like to make and wanting talking about their lives that people are upsetting is when “What’s Sunderland. says them different,” accomplished their goals.” they’ve people stop coming before Sunderland encourages group members to be aware of the Sunderland encourages group members to be aware and acting out, rituals, cycle of addiction—preoccupation, behavior their own clients to recognize He wants pain. to disrupt rituals talk about how and the pain “We patterns. the space in and response, talk about stimulus, We cause. they response.” time to choose a different have you where between One morning, an attendee shared her weight loss experience. loss experience. her weight an attendee shared One morning, she felt frustrated at reaching Despite losing a lot of weight, an “She’s herself to continue. a plateau and had to motivate says with the process,” and staying example of perseverance members good for other group and to hear “It’s Sunderland. you’re that a sense of universality There’s see her story unfold. not alone.” “We don’t have problems with down time,” says Sunderland. Sunderland. says time,” with down problems have don’t “We and be honest people to counsel enables therapy “Group hours go quickly.” Two with one another. The movie cut led one woman to talk about her relationship about her relationship to talk cut led one woman The movie whether the anger to explore wanted She with her husband. interested Another participant was him is fair. she feels toward She with the counselor. relationship in the character’s her if she could feel safe enough to truly reveal wondered feelings with someone. start talking about their issues,” he says. start issues,” talking about their to fix those things. I’m there to hear, validate, and explore different options with them. options with different explore and validate, hear, to there I’m things. fix those to

Volume 36 Volume “ 59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 25 Joan Marie Galat Marie Joan By Chris Sunderland, MSW, RSW

Back to Haiti Chris Sunderland and friend article International

feature feature social work reinforces ideals

A social worker recently asked me about my trips to Haiti. During our conversation she said, “I’d love to do something like that, but I’m a social worker.” I reminded her, “I’m a social worker too and we have a viable role to play in providing post-trauma counselling on an international level.”

Last May, I traveled from Cardston to Haiti with a group of health care professionals. Our goal was to provide medical and counselling services to the people impacted by last year’s 7.0 Haitian Refugee Village in the Dominican Republic. “We took hygiene kits and clothing, etc. to this village of magnitude earthquake. While there, we 220. I had been here before on a previous visit when Rosevelt brought me here—it is not far from his home. I met a Haitian pastor who suggested a was so struck by their poverty and hoped that we might be able to do something. There is so much more that way we could continue to help from they need and I hope we can keep finding ways to offer our little bits of service—small things but perhaps meaningful to those who receive them.” — Deanna Sykes Canada.

26 The Advocate •• WinterSpring 20102011

59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 26 11-03-03 7:09 AM feature article 11-03-03 7:09 AM

Aid Web Aid Web ”

Resources Resources International heroholiday.absolute.org healinghandsforhaiti.org volunteerinternational.org Public water. The locals told us it was safe to drink. We didn’t risk it. didn’t We locals told us it was safe to drink. The water. Public 27 Continued on page 28 Yahve Shamma, which means Yahve Issue 1 • Over several months, our group raised more than $10,000 for the orphanage. A local the orphanage. for than $10,000 more raised our group months, several Over The cholera clinic at Beraca hospital. The hospital was bigger than this but the than this but the was bigger hospital The hospital. at Beraca clinic cholera The what it was like. of gives you an idea photo Over several months, our group raised more than $10,000 our group raised more months, several Over 30 group put together A local women’s for the orphanage. the school Last fall, backpacks filled with school supplies. It is called officially opened. “God is here.” Once home, we approached friends schools approached and some area we Once home, people Because to sponsor a child. like would to ask if they did not find it difficult to raise the money. we to help, wanted The with fundraising ideas. creative very Some schools were a school rule“break Hill Spring collected $1,700 in a School one of Students could choose to break drive. for a toonie” or eat gum in class, chew a hat in school, wear rules: three and sale, bake school also held a bottle drive, The during class. carnival. Pastor Gaetan showed us pictures of thirty us pictures educate a child for orphans us $350 Canadian dollars and told would in his care Gaetan showed Pastor agreed to try. We us to help him start a school for these children. He asked one year. women’s group put together 30 backpacks filled with school supplies. filled backpacks 30 put together group women’s

Volume 36 Volume “ 59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 27 Chris Sunderland and friend and Chris Sunderland 59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 28 feature article and abetterfuture. anddignity;seemed symbolicofHaitianpride asignofhope floor,a dirt andtheteacherdressed elegantly. Thehighheels children highheelshoes. wearing aclassintent, Imagine on impressed me toseeanewly the hired school teacherinstruct The schoolconsistedoftentrooms floor. andadirt It the day before we arrived. much luggage, aswell asinthemidst oftheirelection—held wasin theirfaces worth thestress ofgettingtoHaitiwithso backpacks anddidnotwant totake themoff. The pleasure collected anddonatedearlierintheyear. They loved their boughtwithmoney wedressed inschooluniforms had photographs, was anincredible moment. The children were Meeting thechildren we sponsored, who’d Ionlyseenin in thecity. Ourstay was andsafe. comfortable ourtime andprovided during the airport foodandlodging Hands forHaiti” picked usupat of anonorganizationcalled “Healing but unusuallyfamiliar quiet. Members in earlyevening, thecityseemed free. inPort-Au-Prince Uponarriving pieces ofluggage, flown by WestJet for toHaiti.returned We brought 24 In November 2010, three ofus Back toHaiti outside. sunandlike being under aCaribbean that. We shouldremember they live to live intentsandseemokay with betrayed them. Infact, many continue people feelingthatthebuildings earthquake. The earthquake leftmany ceiling intheirhomesincelastyear’s sleep intents. the They donottrust compound but heandhisfamily The pastor’s homeisontheschool Continued from page 27 Haiti Deanna Sykes, Wilson—ourleader atthe cholera clinic—and ChrisSunderland. The teamatthe Beraca Hospital inthe cholera clinic. From lefttoright: ourtranslator, Rosevelt,LesSykes, 28 along therunway. in themiddleofcity. donkeys Iwatched peopleriding so! nervous andrightly was agravelThe landingairstrip road Our interpreter, Rosevelt, hadnever flown before. He was Port-au-Prince. to avoid the road border by flyingfrom SantoDomingoto tires attheHaitianborder.burning Luckily, we were able Republic intoHaitibut heard electionprotestors were genuine fear. We hadintendedtodrive from theDominican At thispoint, politicalunrest was causingmomentsof about thedisease. the hospitalwould bevery primitive, but Ididn’t know alot Before ourarrival, aboutwhattoexpect. Iworried We knew passenger aircraft provided by Mission Aviation Fellowship. the choleraepidemicismostacute. We traveled onasix- hospital inPort-de-Paix, coastwhere onthenorthern involved ofourtrip The secondpart work atacholera The Cholera Epidemic The Advocate • Spring 2011 Spring 11-03-03 7:09 AM feature article 11-03-03 7:09 AM ”

to see how SODIS works. SODIS how to see www.sodis.ch SODIS effects the from die than 4000 more world, the Around (SODIS) Disinfection Solar Water each day. diarrhea of the water using is an easy way to disinfect drinking Transparent pathogens. to kill radiation sun’s ultra-violet placed water are of litres three less than holding bottles contamination Extreme surface. a reflective on horizontally bottles in the harmless by leaving levels can be rendered sky. cover the clouds when longer, or hours, six sun for the Visit Chris Sunderland is a mental health therapist at the Cardston Mental Health Clinic Clinic Health Mental Cardston at the therapist health is a mental Chris Sunderland can be He Blood Reserve. on the College at Red Crow instructor a sessional and or 403-653-5113. at [email protected] contacted Fortunately, her cholera was easily treated with IV and easily treated her cholera was Fortunately, could sit up in bed. the woman By noon that day, rehydration. I came I feel added upon. A trip this is life changing. like of Canada—a land where home with a greater appreciation Each organized. and the political system is more count votes secure decent roads, me thankful for clean water, trip leaves of the best health care and one good education, infrastructure, systems in the world. and Helping in Haiti made me grateful profession for my reinforced It work. I first social entered me why reminded esteems in community profession our that the values Young still important good are to me. and public development that know I don’t social work, and idealistic when I entered a daily with once busy I visited these ideals often enough, agenda. consider hear of helping teams being organized, When you their need to recognize Social workers offering services. your assistance to those that suffer to provide potential powerful n occur. events when catastrophic 29 Issue 1 • When you hear of helping teams being organized, consider offering your services.your consider offering organized, being hear of helping teams When you One morning saw us travel by truck by to a helping mission One morning us travel saw The six-mile trip took an hour on the rough in Saint Louis. four men carrying saw a gravely we Along the way, roads. to the Port- walking were They bed. on an iron ill woman dripped the exhausted men’s Sweat from hospital. de-Paix of the and her bed in the back put the woman We faces. to the hospital. drove The four men joined her and we truck. With Rosevelt’s help, I explained the importance of hand help, Rosevelt’s With that cholera is not an I stressed water. and boiling washing airborne of ingesting contaminated water. a result disease but to this information relief It felt good to see how brought than After visiting more with. of the people I spoke many great to see some people’s it was days, 100 patients in three “the belly felt like day The end of the third health improve. of resilience.” The Haitian nurses worked tirelessly but didn’t seem to be didn’t but tirelessly The Haitian nurses worked with preoccupied probably were They educating patients. as though Nurses dressed for. of people to care the volume wore They going into surgery an airborne or treating disease. this view, In my covers. and footwear full-body gowns, masks, must who many patients, from clothing distanced caregivers I could best help I realized felt alone and afraid. already have with the ill fear and connect individually tryingby to relieve and their families. Many lacked basic information about cholera. My job was to was My job basic information lacked about cholera. Many We precautions. visit patients and educate them on universal told people would were out but hygiene kits to give brought to use how what to do with them—for example, not know deodorant. The cholera hospital felt like “the belly of Hell.” I’ve never never I’ve of Hell.” “the belly felt like The cholera hospital Our and in such crudeseen people so sick circumstances. perhaps the hospital building, inside not allowed patients were under tarps housed on cots and were They because of fear. dirt grounds. inside tents on the hospital’s

Volume 36 Volume “ 59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 29 By Joan Marie Galat, Advocate Editor

article Public members feature feature enhance council

Lynne Davies (BScN, MEd) and Ralph Westwood (Dip Mental Deficiency Nursing, BEd, MEd) have served as public members on ACSW council since 2003. As individuals outside the social work profession, volunteer public members bring varied backgrounds to council. Their role is to represent public interests by providing the college with viewpoints from outside the profession.

Davies is a former registered nurse and nursing professor, with extensive volunteer involvement supplementing her professional practice. Westwood came to the ACSW council with a background encompassing work with mentally handicapped people, private consulting with colleges, technical institutes, and universities on proposals and funding for various health-occupation programs, and the role of program director with Social Services and Advanced Education.

As ACSW council sets its own education, competence, license, and practice requirements, the experience of both public members proved beneficial. “We help to ensure there are appropriate professional standards for registration, practice, and continuing competence,” says Westwood. “A self-regulating occupation must have transparency.”

Under the Health Professions Act, Davies and Westwood were placed on an Alberta government “approved list” of candidates before they could be invited by ACSW to sit on council. ACSW council reviews approved members’ credentials, then chooses individuals with experience that will best serve the college. The provincial government appoints public members to help ensure the profession is governed in a manner that Lynne Davies and Ralph Westwood provides public protection. The three-year appointments can

30 The Advocate • Spring 2011

59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 30 11-03-03 7:09 AM feature article 11-03-03 7:09 AM n Joan Marie Galat provides writing, editing, and business training solutions. Visit solutions. training business and editing, writing, Galat provides Marie Joan Media. on MoonDot information for www.joangalat.com change in their perception in the role of social workers and and of social workers in the role change in their perception work. they in which environments diverse the many social I employed director, a program “When I used to be helpful, open-minded, to be very and found most workers On council, too. more but those things, are They and caring. and assertive can also be very workers social I learned, in.” believe persistent in supporting strongly causes they first-hand observation participation provided Westwood’s can conflict people to social work ideals that draw of how within the limits imposed services, systems provide with how “It challenges some of their initial funding and policy. by people “Often in social work, Westwood. notes enthusiasm,” of the lives to changing and improving drawn society are drawn but most jobs they’re people in difficult circumstances, and large agencies. governments by offered to are it difficult to be an idealistic social “The parameters make I am more a bit of revelation. “That was he says. worker,” face.” workers empathetic about the challenges social better informed“I became about social work agrees Davies them.” and the issues before professionals describes Davies the years, Looking back at the last seven really dedicated members“very of their profession, council as the regulatory committed to maintaining the balance between and membershipresponsibilities services.” members He also notes that when public agrees. Westwood He hopes encouraged. they’re eager to participate, are of assigning responsibilities “council will expand the process and where their progress to all members review and annually can be made.” improvements and Davies members, public with new Soon to be replaced They will bring their skill sets to other councils. Westwood and engaged in a ACSW been part of pleased to have are very Both have change. positive to produce that works process fond memoriesof their experience. 31 ” Issue 1 • We provide a balance between the professional services the membership to the professional offered a balance between provide We and the protectionand the of the public. Public members attend conferences and take part in the same members and take Public attend conferences training opportunitiesin-service as other and professional experiencesThese of the expand their knowledge members. them better understand and help the challenges profession a Both indicated a personal highlight was face. social workers As the longest serving council members, Westwood and Westwood As the longest serving council members, and with under four presidents volunteered have Davies ACSW also represented Westwood and Davies councils. seven (ASWB) committees. Boards Work Social Association of on Committee and Regulations and Standards sat on the Davies ASWB Both attended on the Finance Committee. Westwood Virginia. meetings at headquarters in When public members were first appointed in 2003, council first appointed in 2003, membersWhen public were help much and how about their role sometimes wondered and professional a time for both public “It was be. would they recalls and understand each other,” members to get to know had if we wondered “Membersof the profession Westwood. was I friends of the government. political agendas or were When a card-carrying political party. member of any never a requirement. if it was I wondered forward, name putting my Davies Likewise, surprised pleasantly I was not.” when it was came with no political agenda. “Public members help ensure there is an opportunitymembers there to “Public help ensure in decisions affect the clients and public consider how the a balance between provide “We Davies. says general,” services to the membership offered and the professional of the public.” protection Along with the rest of council, Davies and Westwood worked worked Westwood and Davies of council, Along with the rest worker and social justice issues rangingon regulation from disparitycompetence and income child protection. to members noted that public fully participate in Davies processes. and discipline complaint, decision making, policy, attend council and committee they members, Full voting Westwood and Davies seen have years The last seven meetings. on the code of ethics their time to support work volunteer the social work as promote as well of practice, and standards and influence social policy and development. profession be renewed only once—with a goal to match the need for only once—with a goal be renewed experience perspectives. with the need for new

Volume 36 Volume “ 59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 31

your own pace Complete category “A”

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Our for your information 11-03-03 7:09 AM

Continued on page 39 Help people quit tobacco. Help people quit tobacco. menT menT

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Thanks to ACSW 2011 Conference sponsors for their generous donations! in the in the

TD Meloche Monnex

University of Calgary

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United Way - Alberta Capital Region

CUPE

Health Sciences Association of Alberta

Community Natural Foods

40 The Advocate • Spring 2011

59388 Advocate Spring11.indd 40 11-03-03 7:09 AM