CPHSSWCE0429 - Historical Trauma and Anti-Oppressive Practice
Course Description
This course focuses on the critical need for social workers to reflect on historical trauma in pursuit of anti-oppressive practice. There is no shortage of information about inequities, overt, and covert oppression. However, the interpretation of scholarship on oppression does not immediately lend to the comprehension of the lived consequences for those whom it is a reality. This course analyzes historical and contemporary forms of oppression that are still pervasive in many of the communities that social workers intend to serve, and calls for ways that social work practitioners can reduce harm.
Target Level Audience: Beginner
Course Outline
(00:30) Introductions, Review of Foundational Principles, Overview of the Day
(00:30) Critical Self-Reflection Exercise and Review of Terminology
(00:30) Review shared and lived experiences as social workers in the professions, and develop strategies to increase knowledge
(00:30) Large Group Exercise
(00:30) Small Group Reflections on the Exercise
(00:45) Reflections and Planning for Continuation of Work, Moving Forward
Learner Outcomes
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
- Increase knowledge about anti-oppressive practices and historical trauma;
- Engage in critical self-awareness and group discourse about barriers to participating in inclusive practices; and
- Discuss ways to reduce the harm caused by social work professionals in communities experiencing oppression.
When participants return to the workplace, they will be able to:
- Formulate strategies to address personal bias, as well as systemic and structural oppression; and
- Reflect on some practices for trauma-informed responses to social issues.