by Becky S. Corbett, MSW, ACSW
Becky Corbett 2020
Becky S. Corbett
The 2020 Social Work Month theme, Social Workers: Generations Strong, reminds me of the Hebrew phrase, L’dor Va’dor. The English translation means from generation to generation. Our profession has been serving communities for hundreds of years. Generations of social workers have provided services, advocated for social justice, and focused on the dignity and worth of all individuals—while mentoring the next generation of social workers. Below are four concepts for us to continue to invest in our students, our clients, and our selves.
NASW Code of Ethics: Our foundation.
The NASW ethical value: Competence and ethical principles teaches us that social workers are to practice within their areas of competence and develop and enhance their professional expertise. Our foundation begins with reminding us that we are to continually and intentionally increase our knowledge and expertise. It is imperative we take the time to enhance our social work knowledge and evaluate our professional experiences, so we can perform the best services we can throughout our careers.
Clients and their families: Our communities.
As social workers, we are taught to utilize a strengths-based perspective and focus on the person-in-environment. Generations of clients, families, and communities have grown because of our commitment to their well-being. We identify their strengths and consider all the facets of their lives. When we practice remembering the person in the context of their life, we make an impact on the systems that surround our clients.
Mentors and supervisors: Our leaders and role models.
“I define a leader as anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and who has the courage to develop that potential” (Brown, p. 4). Social work mentors and supervisors are critical to developing and growing the potential of students and social workers new to the profession. John C. Maxwell also communicates, “As a leader, it’s one thing to ask people to join your team and take the journey with you. It’s another to equip them with a road map for the trip. Good leaders provide a means for people on the team to get where they need to go” (Maxwell, pp. 83-84). Passing along your knowledge and communicating your expertise with fellow social workers is paramount to our profession.
Taking care of YOU: Our self-care.
“Social workers and other helping professionals place an emphasis on taking care of yourself before you can take care of someone else" (Corbett, p. 55). It is vital for a professional social worker to remain healthy—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Creating a self-care plan and asking a fellow social worker to be your accountability partner allows you to continue to practice social work for generations to come.
L’dor Va’dor—from generation to generation. From one social worker to another, may you go from strength to strength.
References
Brown, B. (2018). Dare to lead. Random House.
Corbett, B.S. (2019). The bridge to hope & healing®: 9 principles to guide you in a moment of crisis. BSCorbett Consulting, LLC.
Maxwell, J.C. (2020). The leader’s greatest return. HarperCollins Leadership.
Becky Schwartz Corbett, MSW, ACSW, is a national speaker, trainer, and executive coach in intentional growth, leadership development, and Producktivity®. She is fiercely dedicated to inspiring people to lead and helping communities, organizations, and individuals move ideas to action. Becky is the author of The Bridge to Hope & Healing.