by David N JonesThe 19th World Conference of Social Work is being held for the first time in Brazil - in Salvador, Bahia - from August 16 to 19, 2008. The Conference theme - 'The challenge of ensuring rights in a global and unequal society' - is timely considering the flagrant violation of human rights all over the world in recent years.
Bahia has experience of human rights abuse from its own past - an
estimated 1.3 million slaves were imported into Bahia before slavery
was abolished in Brazil in 1888, double the number imported into the
entire United States of America.
It is expected that 2,500 social workers will be attending the Conference. Around 45 countries will be represented in the 400 overseas delegates, with around 2,100 from Brazil.
Fiery debate
Presentations will be made in 17 thematic panels, ranging from topics such as "Social Service, Ethics and Human Rights", "Environmental, Urban and Rural Social Movements" to "Geopolitical Changes and the Rights of Refugees, Migrants and Illegal Immigrants". The organisers have promised a "fiery debate" on the issues in the Definition of Social Work which has led to a "critical orientation" among social workers.
We are also expecting some lively social events in Brazil, the home of samba! Of all the Brazilian cities, Salvador on the northern coast, just south of the Amazon, has a particularly proud musical tradition; Salvador and Rio are the great musical and cultural rivals of this huge and rapidly developing country, with a large and radical workforce of social workers.
Ingles! Ingles!
Latin America's recent history of political conflicts, military coups and human rights violations will also be in evidence, with huge suspicion of 'US neo-liberal imperialism'.
So imagine the dismay of one UK delegate, not speaking Portuguese and struggling to communicate with a security guard in sign language, who heard himself described as 'Americano'! Asserting 'Ingles, Ingles', the Brit saw the security guard's tone change immediately. 'Ah, Elton John, Mick Hucknall, James Blunt' - the only English the guard could recall as the UK delegate was warmly ushered through! Perhaps it is better to be recognised as the home of James Blunt than neo-liberalism!
The conference was preceded by the biannual General Meeting of IFSW involving around 120 representatives of social worker organisations in 38 countries. This set the scene for a major new global initiative to reassert the values and perspectives of social work. The General Meeting is covered in a separate blog.
IFSW is looking forward to a fascinating few days in Salvador, which should provide interesting new perspectives on the profession from the Latin American context and globally.
David Jones is president of the International Federation of Social Workers
It is expected that 2,500 social workers will be attending the Conference. Around 45 countries will be represented in the 400 overseas delegates, with around 2,100 from Brazil.
Fiery debate
Presentations will be made in 17 thematic panels, ranging from topics such as "Social Service, Ethics and Human Rights", "Environmental, Urban and Rural Social Movements" to "Geopolitical Changes and the Rights of Refugees, Migrants and Illegal Immigrants". The organisers have promised a "fiery debate" on the issues in the Definition of Social Work which has led to a "critical orientation" among social workers.
We are also expecting some lively social events in Brazil, the home of samba! Of all the Brazilian cities, Salvador on the northern coast, just south of the Amazon, has a particularly proud musical tradition; Salvador and Rio are the great musical and cultural rivals of this huge and rapidly developing country, with a large and radical workforce of social workers.
Ingles! Ingles!
Latin America's recent history of political conflicts, military coups and human rights violations will also be in evidence, with huge suspicion of 'US neo-liberal imperialism'.
So imagine the dismay of one UK delegate, not speaking Portuguese and struggling to communicate with a security guard in sign language, who heard himself described as 'Americano'! Asserting 'Ingles, Ingles', the Brit saw the security guard's tone change immediately. 'Ah, Elton John, Mick Hucknall, James Blunt' - the only English the guard could recall as the UK delegate was warmly ushered through! Perhaps it is better to be recognised as the home of James Blunt than neo-liberalism!
The conference was preceded by the biannual General Meeting of IFSW involving around 120 representatives of social worker organisations in 38 countries. This set the scene for a major new global initiative to reassert the values and perspectives of social work. The General Meeting is covered in a separate blog.
IFSW is looking forward to a fascinating few days in Salvador, which should provide interesting new perspectives on the profession from the Latin American context and globally.
David Jones is president of the International Federation of Social Workers
'The conference was preceded by the biannual General Meeting of IFSW involving around 120 representatives of social worker organisations in 38 countries. This set the scene for a major new global initiative to reassert the values and perspectives of social work. The General Meeting is covered in a separate blog.'
So what are these 'values'? I hope that the UK view of Central Government led 'Performance Indicators' isn't seen as having anything much to offer! David Jones, who I have a great deal of time and respect for, descibes some of the terrible injustices and inhumanity humans can meet out to each other. I am extremely worried that we do not 'teach' UK social workers about the origins of social work for without an understanding of it's history how do we know what we ought to be doing?
I remember the Association of Radical Social Workers and their magazine 'Case Con' - long gone I'm sorry to say. Where is 'radical' social work now practised? I used to think of myself as 'ultra-conservative' - I now seem to be quite extreme and yet my basic ethos of social work has not changed!!!
People's basic needs remain largely the same as ever they were - perhaps it is social work in the more 'westernised' societies that is letting the profession down - and, more importantly, letting those down who are the most vulnerable and needy and who need us the most.
'But finally, there are of course lighter moments and one came at the end of the opening ceremony. The Bahia folklore ballet staged a dazzling display of dance influenced by local culture. The first part drew on the traditional, Afro-Brazilian religion developed by the slaves in Bahia - this part of Brazil. It is a religion in which the key spirit figures are closely linked to key Catholic saints. The stunning final section was a display of capoeira - a martial arts/dance form developed by the slaves of Bahia.
The sheer exuberance, athleticism and physique of the male dancers were captivating and had the audience on their feet. A powerful symbol of the energy of modern Brazil, the ingenuity of the Africans who created the art form and the self-confidence of the area. As so often, music and art leave a lasting impression which may well extended longer than all the carefully crafted words and speeches!'
Wonderful entertainment for the delegates no doubt but what has it got to do with social work?
I have great reservations about the value of organisations such as IFSW and BASW sending delegates to these International 'jamborees' at the expense of member subsciptions. With access to Video Conferencing etc. is it the best way to promote social work? I could never ever afford to attend and it almost seems on a par with the privilges afforded to Trades Union officials, Politicians and heads of Quangos' to be afforded the absolute luxury of these International trips. Something like 'the rich get richer'??? - certainly the privileged get more privileged.
Hi,
I am writing from Pachuca, Hidalgo, México, I work in the University of state of Hidalgo as a Social Worker since 1991.
I would like to have more information of this organisation.
Thank you
your faithfully
Bibiana Uribe