Essay On Cultural Challenges As A Social Work Leader

As a leader within the field of social work, it is important to remember that our primary mission is to empower people that are vulnerable and living in poverty, as well as, to meet the needs of all people by enhancing their well-being and help ensure that their basic needs are met (NASW, 2016). Understanding the many global environmental issues that are taking place in the world is very important to know as a social worker, so that the effects of these issues are addressed and dealt with on all levels. Arredondo and Perex (2003) speak about how important it is to incorporate multicultural competence in the work of creating social justice and advocacy in order for professionals to effectively work with diverse clients. As a social work leader, one must have great social skills, …show more content…
There would be two main cultural challenges that I would face when helping the people of Haiti. First, I would have to overcome the challenge of the language barrier. Not being from this country, I would have to have an interpreter with me at all times to ensure that I am clearly communicating with those that are effected so I can understand their needs and concerns. Another cultural challenge that I would have to overcome is what Chimamanda Adichie (Ted Talk, 2009) was referring with the danger of the single story. To truly understand and help the people of Haiti, I would have to remove the thoughts of only seeing them as a country of natural disasters with no resources to overcome. Learning their beliefs, values, and ways of life will help gain the full picture to understand the history of the Haitians and the strength that they have despite the challenges that they face. Being an effective social work leader is being able to embrace the diversity of the client, help them recognize their strengths, in the efforts to make a change for the