Advancing Racial Equity in Organizations

Abstract

In Canada, racial inequities are increasingly commanding the attention of service providers, administrators and policy makers, as we are beginning to see that service outcomes are disparate, with clients and communities of colour getting worse outcomes. The importance of racial equity is growing, and this course provides students with the models, practices and strategies for advancing equity. Racial disparities are urgent problems in health and human services, resulting in deep inequities in both entry into various systems and in the outcomes of institutional and systemic interventions. Accordingly, social workers need to build both analysis and action skills at the personal, institutional and societal levels. This course prepares students for rigorous engagement in these efforts.

Course Objectives • To develop skills in assessing and intervening to advance organizationally-rooted dimensions of racial equity • To learn models and practice effectiveness that are in evidence, which contributes to expanding practice efficacy • To practice key approaches to racial equity, in coursework activities and assignments • An option exists to do an assignment that supports racial equity within the Faculty of Social Work or one’s practicum or work organization

Activities include discussion posts, which require students to integrate course material, add new knowledge, display critical thinking about knowledge, and/or synthesize differing perspectives. Relationally, students are expected to demonstrate critical self awareness and reflection, bring their authentic selves, take risks, thoughtfully use personal experiences, and respond to others in a respectful, kind, encouraging and collaborative manner. Additionally, a collection of equity practice resources assignment requires students to develop a portfolio of three equity recommendations for one’s own practicum or work organization. Should this not be available, you can use a case study provided by the instructor. Lastly, a choice assignment allows students to work in pairs, groups or alone, to develop practice skills in an area of interest on racial equity in organizations. The context for the assignment is a project that is either relevant to the Faculty of Social Work or to one’s own practicum or work organization. A proposal is also required. 4 assignment options include – an individual proposal, a racial equity assessment in an organization of your choice, adapting a mainstream clinical intervention to become culturally responsive, and developing a resource for the FSW’s settler program.