The Structural Social Work Network
Structural Social Work Tools and Resources for Practice
Why Have a Structural Social Work Network?
Inspired by Bachelor of Social Work students and practicing structural social workers, this network is a place to find relevant tools and resources to help encourage and promote successful structural social work in practice. It is a space for structural social workers to find community, connection, and allyship. In an effort to work towards structural change and social justice, the network provides:
Creative and Engaging Resources
Interact with creative tools designed to act as a reminder and inspiration for some of the ways to effectively practice structurally. Reconsider what learning and engagement might look like through these more playful and interactive resources!
Connection with Allies
Connect with like-minded individuals who share the vision of planting seeds of change toward a more socially just and equitable society. Opportunities to engage with other structural social workers and multidisciplinary allies, as well as to participate in mentorship programs.
On-Going Learning and Professional Development
Find relevant and applicable research, grounded in structural social work best practices, as well as opportunities for learning and professional development, with a particular emphasis on structural social work.
What is Structural Social Work?
Structural social work is founded on the belief that the power imbalances within the capitalist societal structure lead to systemic oppression. This systemic oppression has a “trickle-down effect”, resulting in social problems that directly affect service users, leaving a long-term destructive impact. Structural social work can be an authentic, ethical, and comprehensive approach to practice, requiring critical thinking, engagement in social justice and change-making, and connection between macro and micro practices through large and small actions.
“I think for me, to be a social worker is to be a structural social worker.”
Research Participant