The Role of Counselors as Social Justice Advocates

Refer to the cases presented in your reading from the Center for Applied Linguistics: Cultural Orientation Resource Center’s “Challenges in Resettlement and Adaptation of Muslim Refugees” (scroll down to page 19 of the PDF) and select one that interests you. Imagine that the caseworker has referred the individual, couple or family to you for counseling. Based on your readings, identify and discuss the cultural considerations that would inform your work with the client or clients.

As you consider the challenges faced by your client or clients, you recognize that you have a responsibility to take on the role of advocate. Propose an Advocacy Plan that addresses the following:

(PORK AND ALCOHOL)

•Describe the counselor’s role in promoting social justice.

•Analyze the characteristics and concerns of refugees, both nationally and internationally, as they pertain to culturally competent counseling practices. For example, what are international political and social issues that a counselor should seek to understand about Muslim refugees? What national policies, such as Homeland Security, need to be considered?

•Evaluate the historical/current implications regarding immigration, poverty, and welfare.

•Evaluate the advocacy processes that address institutional racism and social barriers that impede access, equity, and success for clients from diverse populations.

•Address your role as the counselor in the reduction of biases, prejudices, and discrimination, whether intentional or unintentional.

•Social justice is a philosophy or theory that promotes equal access and opportunity for all people, by advocating at the micro (individual or family), meso (school or community), and macro (public policy) levels. Recommend a strategy that you could employ to promote social justice at each of those levels.