Tag Archives: social work education

From “eh” to “ah” (and “aww” and awe)

I had limited time in the fall semester to write. I feel like I made it through the fall semester with the skin of my teeth, whatever that means. I had no desire to write over our very short break (winter graduation on Dec 17, classes began Jan 5) and then the semester started virtuallyContinue reading “From “eh” to “ah” (and “aww” and awe)”

What we permit, promote, and prohibit

Earlier this week, when news broke about the Haitian immigrants at the border of Del Rio, I couldn’t comprehend it, just in terms of the sheer numbers of people. When I saw images of people being chased by DHS officials on horses, I couldn’t process it. Then I saw Bernice King’s tweet, pictured below, andContinue reading “What we permit, promote, and prohibit”

Metaphorical masks and bearing each others’ burdens

Every fall semester I teach a class on macro practice where the focus is on community organizing and development, as well as organizational development. Early on, as I am trying to connect with the students, we talk about community and what it means to us. This year, I tried something different. I gave every studentContinue reading “Metaphorical masks and bearing each others’ burdens”

“Minding the gap”

In London, “minding the gap” is a phrase you hear frequently when using the subway. It is a reminder to pay attention to the space between the train and the platform. It can also be a metaphor for paying attention to the space between where you are, and where you are going….or a reminder/call toContinue reading ““Minding the gap””

“No sense of identity” and “menaced by a lack of vision” (James Baldwin)

James Baldwin was born on August 2, 1924, which happens to be the same year my grandmother was born. It is strange to think of them being in the same age cohort. That is a rumination for another day! If you haven’t seen I Am Not Your Negro, do that as soon as you can.Continue reading ““No sense of identity” and “menaced by a lack of vision” (James Baldwin)”

Tools and weapons: “Worship of the written word”

I have been reflecting on pieces of an article and framework this summer by Tema Okun, on traits of white supremacy culture. You can delve into it here, and let me tell you, it is powerful: https://www.whitesupremacyculture.info/ It has been hard to read and see elements of myself in these traits. What is helpful (andContinue reading “Tools and weapons: “Worship of the written word””

Revolution of the Heart: The Dorothy Day Story

I have written here before about Dorothy Day and her lived out principles of personalism, “the little way” and the works of mercy: https://teachingbeloved.com/2020/10/31/dorothy-day-and-some-early-thoughts-for-post-election-intentional-living/) Today while going through some old emails that I had saved, I came across a reminder for this episode of the Tokens show podcast, Dorothy Day: Traditional, Radical, Christian: https://www.tokensshow.com/blog/s1e7-dorothy-day-traditional-radical-christian InContinue reading “Revolution of the Heart: The Dorothy Day Story”

My “deep gladness” and the world’s “deep hunger”, and conversations with my children

I have not felt motivation to write lately, or frankly, to do much of anything. I am struggling some with post-quarantine re-entry and while I am thankful to have the vaccine and some safety to “move about the cabin” of the world, I am not feeling quite myself in terms of being with people. IContinue reading “My “deep gladness” and the world’s “deep hunger”, and conversations with my children”

“People are trapped in history and history is trapped in them” (James Baldwin)

One of the things I am proudest of for this spring semester is that I was able to get students interested in history…the history that isn’t often told in school, to be specific. The first session of my Social Movement/Social Change class happened on January 13, a week after the events at the Capitol. IContinue reading ““People are trapped in history and history is trapped in them” (James Baldwin)”