To draw a clear picture of diversity, understand our own diversity and establish connections that will result in a more effective social work practice. The session will cover:

• Understanding how our own diversity shapes our outlook on life

• Understanding the diversity of the population we serve

• Becoming competent with cultural diversity.

Learning Objectives:

By the conclusion of this workshop presentation, the participant will be able to

1. Discern the role diversity is playing in her or his practice, in regard to self as well as to the client

2. Demonstrate knowledge about and an appreciation for his or her own world view as well as that of others

3. Define diversity in terms of culture, ethnicity, gender, age, race, and other factors which distinguish her or him from others

4. Demonstrate knowledge of the importance of the ability to put oneself in the place of the other and to develop respectful interaction

5. Demonstrate knowledge about the importance of self-awareness and mindfulness in the interactions with clients

6. List at least three skills which contribute to the development of cultural competency

7. Make use of communication theory to understand the coding and decoding of verbal and non-verbal communication as well as the grids or framework through which communication passes, leading to hearing but not listening

Faculty:

Elvira Craig De Silva, DSW, ACSW

Elvira Craig de Silva, DSW, ACSW served as the National NASW President from July 2005 through June 2008.  She currently works as Associate Dean of the Communication Skills, Social Sciences and Foreign Languages Department at Waukesha County Technical College. She received her DSW from the Universidad del Museo Social Argentino, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and a diploma in Latin American Studies from Rutgers University.  Her professional experiences include: Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, UW Milwaukee and Coordinator of Education and Research, Social Work Dept. VA Hospital, Milwaukee.  She has done extensive work in diversity and intercultural communications and has been actively involved with NASW for the past 20 years including serving as President, Wisconsin Chapter (1996-98.)