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The event started with the viewing of a two-minute video clip of Ron Federico discussing the importance of competency-based
education and the generalist practice approach. This video was followed by Dr. Hancock, who provided a rousing speech that
framed her beliefs about the recent, highly charged political occurrences in the United States in terms of a revolution. She
stated that she had missed the first volley because she was living in Mexico. She made the point that the Republican right
"claims to own religion, and the Democrats don't seem to know how to take back the faith." She cautioned social
work educators that deep divisions are evident in our classrooms and to be aware that some students may be too close minded
to appreciate the fundamental ways in which some human rights are being violated.
Dr. Hancock encouraged educators to (1) use value-challenging strategies and (2) teach students to think critically about
topics and behaviors that obscure social and economic justice issues. She further emphasized that social work educators had
to be clear about who we are and what we represent. She emphasized that we are in a revolution and we need to learn the rules
of engagement, which include (1) recognizing the power of words and (2) being clear about our intentions, for example, changing
students' intentions and values if they are not in line with social and economic justice. Additionally, she encouraged the
use of more field placements with an emphasis on social justice, which might require faculty to provide more direct supervision.
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