. . .the path of faith, the path of hope, and the path of love toward our fellow man”, according to former US President Franklin D. Roosevelt (Grant & Gibson, 2013). It was back in 1932 Roosevelt spoke these words and recognized the need for all Americans to pursue social justice, or the manifestation of universal rights and equalities (Grant & Gibson, 2013). Wanting all Americans to participate in the pursuit of social justice in some way is still needed today, however this is the full-time pursuit of every professional social worker and a passion for me. The University of New England School of Social Work’s Vision Statement, “… envisions …show more content…
An educated, culturally “diverse community of professional social workers” must examine the history of social justice and universal rights using “evidence-informed practice” to change “the structures and relationships that foster inequalities…” ("The University of New England School of Social Work Vision, Mission & Values," n.d.). Social justice is a timeless struggle that is seen on a community, national and global scale. Thus, a social worker must develop “sustainable collaborative partnerships” and “”relationships based on mutuality and respect” to empower the individual or group in “direct practice” or “social movement” ("The University of New England School of Social Work Vision, Mission & Values," …show more content…
An individual’s dignity, cultural background and socioeconomic status seem to be significant factors in inequalities and discrimination. Recognizing and respecting human dignity is pivotal to universal rights and social justice, as “dignity” defines an individual’s identity. Human dignity is even recognized on a global scale in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, “Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.” ("The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, UDHR, Declaration of Human Rights, Human Rights Declaration, Human Rights Charter, The UN and Human Rights," n.d.). Despite the recognition of the importance of human dignity, there is much work to be done. We must remember where we came from and where we want to go using “evidence informed practice” ("The University of New England School of Social Work Vision, Mission & Values," n.d.). We must not get complacent with these values, as they require continual diligence to be upheld by “sustainable collaborative partnerships” and appear to be timeless struggles whether on a community, national or global scale ("The University of New England School of Social