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Latinx/Hispanics in Rhode Island experience the highest rates of fair/poor health overall among all racial and ethnic groups in the state. (U.S. Census data, 2021)
Vision and Focus Areas
Built on the foundation of "de la comunidad para la comunidad" (from the community, for the community), the Center of Excellence for Latinx/Hispanic Social Work Practice's vision is fundamentally transforming social work education and clinical services. This transformation will better serve and uplift Latinx communities. Our vision is embodied through these comprehensive areas:
We envision a recruiting framework that actively seeks and supports Latinx students in the secondary and post-secondary setting regardless of socioeconomic status, cultural background, or geographic location. We aim to increase awareness about the social work profession and access to a BSW and MSW degree for Latinx students by providing scholarships, language support, and building initiatives that generate a sense of belonging. Moreover, the training provided will be experiential, community-centered, and sensitive to the cultural nuances specific to Latinx populations, preparing students to be leaders who are not only clinically proficient but also culturally competent.
Our vision includes establishing a vibrant research environment where faculty and students are encouraged to pursue investigations deeply rooted in the needs and values of Latinx communities. This involves fostering interdisciplinary research projects addressing critical mental health gaps and respecting and integrating Latinx cultural perspectives. Such endeavors aim to produce actionable insights that benefit the community directly and enhance the body of knowledge in culturally informed social work practice.
Understanding the critical role that faculty play in shaping the educational experience, we are committed to continuous development opportunities. These opportunities will enable educators to excel in culturally responsive pedagogy. Our vision encompasses regular workshops, collaborations with cultural experts, and exchanges with international scholars. This commitment ensures that our faculty remain at the forefront of best practices in education and mental health services tailored for Latinx communities.
We envision a curriculum that is a beacon of decolonized, interdisciplinary, and inclusive education. This curriculum will cover fundamental social work principles and delve into the unique sociocultural dynamics that influence mental health within Latinx communities. By embedding cultural competencies and historical contexts into the curriculum, we aim to prepare students to be empathetic practitioners who understand the broader implications of health disparities and are equipped to address them effectively.
A cornerstone of our vision is creating and strengthening partnerships with local colleges and community organizations. These collaborations will facilitate practical training opportunities, joint ventures in community service, and pathways to higher education for community members. Such partnerships will serve as a bridge, connecting theoretical knowledge with real-world application, thereby ensuring that our educational efforts are relevant and beneficial to our communities.
