This episode features Lori-Ann Macdonald, who brings a lot of experience working in short-term counselling and in shelter systems. We talk about how she processed learning about the extent of historical white supremacy in social work, why she decided to become a social worker anyways, and how she allows that history to change her work with clients and colleagues. This episode is both for people who have worked hard to understand privilege and power dynamics in social work, and for those who are just starting that journey.

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Timestamps:

0:35 - Summary of episode

1:22 - Lori-Ann's introduction of her work

2:25 - Introduction of discussion topic

4:05 - Welcome to those with questions about white supremacy

5:56 - Response to learning about white supremacy and how social workers have been complicit in oppression

10:22 - Processing our own privilege

12:28 - Is there anything you have learned in school/training that you have modified or disregarded for a client?

15:34 - Systemic racism in agency policies/procedures

18:01 - Working with clients who have bad experiences with previous social workers 

21:54 - How did you develop your unique approach to your work?

23:17 - Continuing the fight to change oppressive social work ideas

25:38 - What are some steps that people can take to ensure that they're not complicit in oppression?

30:05 - Being flexible when working with clients

36:46 - How can we encourage others around us to keep challenging their perspectives too?

41:19 - We need more BIPOC social workers

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School of Social Work at Carleton University: https://carleton.ca/socialwork/