Meet Linda
Meet Danielle
Hello! My name is Linda Austin – Adult Social Worker working in the Ongoing and Assessment and Intervention Team - OAIT.
I am part of the Expert in Practice cohort, and my chosen subject area is Antiracist Practice. This subject area is most important to me as a practitioner who has lived experience as a person of colour.
Racism is a difficult subject to discuss in the workplace, in the wider community and indeed in the global world. However, it is a much-needed discussion to be heard as it impacts us in very different ways despite our ethnic groups or origins. As a practitioner, one needs to be aware of their own culture and values and how that might impact service delivery. Most importantly one needs to have tolerance, emotional intelligence, and at best self-efficacy to understand how their beliefs, culture, and values co-exist with ‘others’.
My name is Danielle Farley. I am a Therapeutic Practitioner within Children’s Services. Growing up Black in an almost entirely White town in North-East of England, I have not been able to avoid issues pertaining to race. By embarking on the Expert in Practice programme in Anti-Racist Practice I aim to develop meaningful and impactful resources, learning opportunities and, most importantly, honest conversations which feel safe, collaborative and progressive. My proposed approach is based on my understanding that the conditions of personal and collective development are rooted in compassion, personal reflection and open communication. This is evident in therapeutic practices in individual, systemic and group settings.
Race is a deeply uncomfortable subject for many of us. In our society we are exposed to polarising opinions and constantly absorb subtle messages that inform our thinking about different races and cultures. We are told many conflicting views without being given room to fully explore where we sit, how our views have been formed and to develop a broader and deeper understanding of ourselves and others. Most of us feel afraid. Afraid to say the wrong thing. Afraid to cause offense. Afraid to be ostracised. Afraid to cause conflict. Afraid to ask questions. These conditions breed inertia – it is safer to stand on the side lines and remain impassive. We do not feel able to fully take part in the discussion about race.
Embracing and celebrating diversity is about unity. Forging a way forward involves coming together to share our thoughts and feelings, to be openly curious, to hear other views and experiences, to even be able to get things wrong without fear of reprisal. None of us are pure of thought. Every one of us form implicit biases. We all have plenty to learn from and about each other. When we come together with the will and grace to expand our minds, to self-examine and listen to one another, we create an environment of tolerance, acceptance and connection. Being inclusive means everyone is included in the discussion. Let’s take an active part of our collective growth.
What is Antiracist practice?
Anti-racism is an active and conscious effort to work against all aspects of overt and systemic racism. Just because racism is not hostile and, in your face, does not mean it does not happen. Most cases than not, it is presented in a ‘classy’ or for wanting a better term subtle way and most often unconscious way.
The University of York provides information on how we can fight racism Anti-racism statement. [external link]
Wayne Reid, a seasoned practitioner and author has a great article which sets out how we can all make a difference in tackling racism How to promote an anti-racist culture in social work - Community Care. [external link]
Different types of racism
• Individual – conscious or unconscious beliefs and behaviours which are racially prejudicial
• Interpersonal – the expression of racism about or toward different races/cultures
• Internalised – belief of inferiority resulting from racial oppression
• Institutional – discriminatory policies and practices of an organisation which sustain racial inequality
• Structural – systems and practices that accumulate throughout history and across institutions perpetuating discrimination
Confronting the White Elephant: White Privilege in Social Services
By Brittany Alfarano, MSW Article [external link]
The Black Wellbeing Collective Self help resource [external link]