Ever wonder why we continue to see modest improvements after decades of initiatives aimed at diversifying the social work profession? This presentation introduces a systems-thinking approach to understand how existing structures generate the same outcomes time again and how we can use it to identify ways to intervene that will move the system in a desired direction. Using our iBSW completer program as an exemplar, you will see how systems-thinking can enable the diversification of the profession.
In this panel presentation, participants will:
- Learn about systems-thinking and its key components.
- Understand from this perspective, how the existing pathways within social education creates pipeline blockages for nontraditional students whose needs require a different set of institutional arrangements.
- Explore the development of the iBSW community college completer program as a case study into the kind of adjustments needed to increase equitable access to social work education as a pathway for inclusion into the profession.
Panelists:
Lisette Piedra, Associate Professor @ Illinois Social Work
Carol Wilson-Smith, BSW Program Director and Clinical Associate Professor @ Illinois Social Work
Brenda Lindsey, Teaching Full Professor @ Illinois Social Work
Christine Escobar-Sawicki, Clinical Associate Professor @ Illinois Social Work
