Competency 3
Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice
Social workers understand how racism and oppression impact humans and influence practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Social workers understand the widespread impact of White supremacy and privilege and use this knowledge to engage in anti-racism practices. Diversity is the intersectionality of factors that play a part in shaping each individuals human experience. These factors may include, but are not limited to age, caste, class, color, culture, disability and ability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, generational status, immigration status, legal status, marital status, political ideology, race, nationality, relition and spirituality, sex, sexual orientation, and tribal sovereign status. Social workers understand that intersectionality and diversity shape the human experience and identity development, which can include oppression, poverty, marginalization, and alienation, as well as privilege and power. Social workers understand the origins of social and racial injustices and the means of oppression and discrimination. Social workers understand that societal and cultural structures can create inequity, resulting in systemic oppression. Social workers practice cultural humility, recognizing clients as the experts of their lived experiences.
Demonstrated Skills & Projects
Classroom Assignment
This assignment was one I completed my first semester in the Bachelor of Social Work program at GVSU. At the time, as the reflection in this paper shows, I was unaware of how racism and oppression are ingrained into government systems. In this class, , I learned about how purposeful systems of oppression are in our society and have been used by individuals in positions of power and authority to maintain control by pitting minority groups against one another.
Outcome: Authored a policy brief recommended for adoption in local advocacy workshops and presented at GVSU research symposium.
Key Learnings & Impact
Through my engagement with this competency, I’ve learned that ethical practice is not just a set of rules, but a continuous process of self-reflection and accountability. This mindset has allowed me to approach complex cases with a clear framework for decision-making.
Integrating feedback from supervisors and clinicians has shaped my practice into one that is more deeply trauma-informed. I have seen firsthand how meeting clients where they are—without judgment—creates the necessary safety for lasting behavioral change.
The ultimate impact on the systems I work within is a measurable increase in client advocacy. By reflecting on these competencies, I have better identified barriers to service and successfully advocated for policy adjustments within clinical settings.