Community Social Work: When It Comes To My Community, It See

Community Social Workwhen It Comes To My Community It Seems So

Community Social Work when it comes to my community it seems somewhat diverse. However I grew up in N.Y so it is not as diverse as I’m used to. Fredericksburg, Virginia has had a long history of War and segregation. The picture represents the changes that have taken place over the years and the Social justice that the community now represents. This mural is downtown where it used to be a place of slave auctions and bad memories.

However over the years there have been many different changes to bring the people of the community together. The strengths in the community are many churches that spread the message of inclusivity and love. Along with the community removing some statues and references to segregation. The community now is more of a melting pot of diversity. Murals and artwork like this that are around the Fredericksburg downtown area show the change for the better.

With new generations growing keeping diversity alive. Although there are strengths as mentioned above there are still challenges. The most challenging thing I would say is that there are some people who still have old beliefs and who are still racist. Usually this seems to be the old generation. I think to keep cultivating harmony and bringing about change, it is important to keep showing the positive changes in the community along with educating and standing up for social justice.

Using the macro system to improve the community and society as a whole is important. I believe that a great way of doing this would be to be in touch with “organizations including any structures with members or staff, policies, and procedures, whose purpose in operating is to attain certain goals' '(Kirst & Hull, p. 145). Finding organizations in the community that deal with social justice and working with them would be a way to use the macro system. Another way would be to work with groups or social clubs in the community and maybe start a walk for equality. Like mentioned above, a great way of helping the community as a whole is through education.

So making sure schools in the community start at a young age of teaching equality. Since “socialization is particularly important to children as this is the way they learn the community's expectations for them” (Kirst & Hull, p. 143).

Paper For Above instruction

Community social work plays a vital role in fostering social justice, promoting diversity, and addressing systemic inequalities within local communities. As seen in the context of Fredericksburg, Virginia, a city with a complex history marked by segregation and recent efforts to promote inclusivity, social workers serve as catalysts for positive change. This paper will explore the significance of community social work in transforming neighborhoods, the importance of macro practices, and strategies to sustain progress through education and policy engagement.

Historically, communities shaped by racial segregation and social exclusion face ongoing challenges in overcoming entrenched prejudices and societal barriers. In Fredericksburg, the transition from a space marred by slavery and segregation to a more inclusive environment exemplifies how community efforts—such as removing Confederate statues and promoting murals celebrating diversity—can foster social cohesion. Social workers working within this community must recognize the strengths, including faith-based organizations and community activism, while addressing lingering issues such as racial biases among older generations.

The role of macro social work is particularly relevant here. According to Kirst-Ashman and Hull (2018), macro practice involves engaging with organizations, policies, and community structures to bring about systemic change. Social workers can collaborate with local organizations focused on social justice by advocating for equitable policies, mobilizing community resources, and fostering new initiatives like walks for equality. Education also plays a critical role in this macro practice—starting from school curricula that promote understanding and respect among children to community workshops aimed at challenging prejudiced beliefs. As socialization influences children's perceptions, integrating diversity and equality into early education can ensure lasting societal change.

Furthermore, community social workers can facilitate dialogue between different generations, especially to bridge gaps between older residents with resistant beliefs and younger generations embracing diversity. By organizing community events, cultural celebrations, and forums for open discussions, social workers help cultivate mutual understanding and diminish racial biases.

Effective macro intervention in community settings also involves policy advocacy. Social workers can work to influence local policies that promote racial justice, affordable housing, equitable access to education, and economic opportunities. For instance, advocating for inclusive zoning laws or funding community-based programs can mitigate disparities and strengthen community resilience.

Overall, community social work is essential in building inclusive, equitable, and resilient neighborhoods. The transformation of Fredericksburg demonstrates how deliberate community efforts, supported by strategic macro practice, can foster long-term social justice. Continuous education, policy advocacy, and promotion of community engagement are necessary to sustain these positive developments and address the persistent challenges of racial prejudice and inequality.

References

• Kirst-Ashman, K. K., & Hull, G. H., Jr. (2018). Empowerment series: Understanding generalist practice (8th ed.). CENGAGE Learning.
• Hayes, A. (2022). Economic justice. Investopedia. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/economic-justice.asp
• Environmental Protection Agency. (2022). Environmental justice. EPA. https://www.epa.gov/environmental-justice
• San Diego Foundation. (2022). What is social justice? https://www.sdfoundation.org
• Levin, D. (2020, March 31). Las Vegas places homeless people in a parking lot, 6 feet apart. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/31/us/las-vegas-homeless.html
• Austin, M. J., Anthony, E. K., Knee, R. T., & Mathias, J. (2016). Revisiting the relationship between micro and macro social work practice. Families in Society, 97(4), 270–277.