Co-Creating Rural Practice: Community-Engaged, Anti-Oppressive Social Work
Presentation
Overview
Overview
Description
Grounded in systems theory and critical pedagogy, this workshop explores how BSW student learning becomes both critical and transformational when educators intentionally bridge classroom knowledge with the lived realities of rural communities. Systems theory highlights the interconnectedness of individuals, institutions, and policies, offering a foundation for developing students’ understanding of how structural conditions, such as geographic isolation, limited service availability, and resource scarcity, shape practice in rural settings. Critical pedagogy invites learners and practitioners to question dominant narratives about rural communities, reflect on positionality, and recognize the social forces that shape lived experience. Drawing on a rural-focused field education and community partnership model, the workshop will describe the rural practice setting, the population served, client engagement strategies, and key implementation processes and challenges encountered by agencies and university partners. Participants will engage in an interactive case study that illustrates real-world issues related to supervision, service delivery, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student preparation in rural contexts. Small-group dialogue will enable attendees to examine barriers, identify strengths, and develop practical strategies to strengthen student and practitioner readiness, support rural supervisors, and build sustainable university–agency partnerships. Designed for social workers, field educators, agency administrators, social work educators, higher education administrators, and social work students, this session offers actionable tools and lessons learned to enhance rural social work practice and deepen justice-oriented, anti-oppressive practice in rural communities.
