Creating Possibilities in Unity: #oneCSWE

by Halaevalu F. Ofahengaue Vakalahi, PhD, MSW, and Katie Gibson-Ledl, BSW, LMSW-Macro

    The Tongan proverb, takanga ‘enau fohe, describes the call for kalia rowers to row in unity toward their destination, which results in synced timing and advanced speed in reaching their destination—in essence, creating possibilities through and in unity. This sense of unity and possibility has sustained ancient indigenous communities for generations, as well as contributed to creating thriving new communities today. As we continue to navigate global pandemics, social and economic crises, environmental catastrophe, systemic racial injustice, and political upheaval, we can perhaps draw on our recent hyphenated experiences with pandemic isolation, which in one sense allowed the earth to heal and restore in our absence, yet united us in action to eliminate toxic worldviews and behaviors to reset our collective course as humanity.

     As co-stewards of the human experience, we continue the journey of navigating our intersectional lived experiences and invite our community to join the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) in creating possibilities in unity as the value proposition of social work education. One such value proposition that we have yet to fully actualize is the power of a land acknowledgement in which we unite in shared ownership and responsibility to protect land as the life blood of indigenous people and settler allies, as space where culture resides, and the birthplace of our food and healing systems. A land acknowledgement unites us in condemning the devastating and perpetual impacts of slavery, colonization, oppression, exploitation, and trauma. So, perhaps, whatever the value proposition, we must ask ourselves, what really matters to social work?

     Essentially, representation matters—being at the table together. Systems alignment matters—together we have willed the impossible into existence through systematically mobilizing indigenous ways, grassroots community engagement, scientific discovery, social exploration, and technological and medical advancement. Investment matters—in comprehensive and sustainable solutions for social and economic mobility. Leadership matters—it must mirror our diverse communities.

     And, in fighting for what matters, we must remember who we are—social justice workers. We are champions of people, community, and culture. We are connectors of people to the past, present, and future in hope of co-creating better holistic health outcomes. We are expert navigators of systems and structures. We tell our story in our own words and our own terms—we are Social Work, united in pursuit of boundless possibilities.

     Circling back to the premiere national social work education organization, CSWE is a catalyst for cultivating consequential value propositions, defining what matters, and nurturing who we are. It serves as a medium for dismantling structural and systemic barriers and protecting the public trust through quality, innovative, and future-oriented social work education and accreditation. As students, faculty, staff, and community partners who are grounded in justice, equity, and inclusion of diverse individuals, families, and communities, we can reimagine learning and practice, and participate in a collective call to action as #oneCSWE, creating possibilities in unity.

     We are ready for a new voyage. Will you row with us?

Halaevalu F. Ofahengaue Vakalahi, PhD, MSW, is President and CEO of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and a Pacific Islander-American – Woman Leader – Investment of Many.

Katie "Kat" Gibson-Ledl, BSW, LMSW-Macro, is a social worker and creative who believes in the transformative power of learning and storytelling. Kat serves as  Associate Director of Accreditation Services at the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).