Due Date 7th Of April 2019time 300 Pm Darwin Nt Timereferencing Sty ✓ Solved

Due Date: 7th of April 2019 Time: 3:00 Pm Darwin NT time Referencing Style: APA 6th Edition (Both In-text referencing and reference list required) References: Minimum 4 references required among which two should be from the readings suggested. Words: words (excluding references) Question: What 'social action' campaigns are you familiar with? Think of one you are familiar with (it can be local, national or international) and describe its aims and how effective you think it is. · Defining Social Action and how it is connected with core community work theoretical approaches with examples( words) · Examples of social actions and then choose one to describe it’s aims, results and how effective it has been according to you ( words) The Modules will be assessed according to the following criteria: · Demonstrated understanding of core community work theoretical approaches; · Direct discussion of the links between theory and practice; · Concise answering of the activity question; · You must demonstrate that you have read the core unit readings and engaged in your own wider research; · Adherence to academic writing conventions, including referencing and formatting Readings Suggested: · Ennis, G. & West, D. (2014).

Community development and umbrella bodies: networking for neighbourhood change. British Journal of Social Work, 44(6), . · Rothman, J., Erlich, J. L., Tropman, J. E., & Cox, F. M. (1995).

Approaches to community intervention. In Strategies of community intervention: Macro practice (5th ed., pp. 26-63). Itasca Illinois: F.E. Peacock Publishers. · Shragge, E. (2003) 'Social action and it's legacy for social change' (chapter 3) Activism and Social Change.

Broadview Press; Ontario. Pp 75-105. · Mendes (2002) 'Social workers and the ethical dilemmas of community action campaigns lessons from the Australian State ofVictoria. Community Development Journal, Vol37, No. 2, April pp . · Kenny, S., Connor, P., (2017). Developing communities for the future, 5th e.d.

Cengage Learning: Australia · Shragge, E. (2003). Activism and social change: lessons for community and local organising. Social action and its legacy for social change (Chapter 3). New York: Broadview Press.

Paper for above instructions

Understanding Social Action Campaigns: The Case of Black Lives Matter

Defining Social Action and Its Connection to Community Work

Social action can be defined as collective efforts aimed at creating change in society, whether through raising awareness, mobilizing communities, or influencing policy (Shragge, 2003). This approach to community work is fundamentally rooted in theories of social justice and empowerment, crucial for driving societal transformation. Core theoretical frameworks related to social action encompass various dimensions including strengths-based perspectives, empowerment theory, and critical theory.
Strengths-based approaches emphasize the capacities and potential of individuals and communities, focusing on their inherent strengths as resources for change (Ennis & West, 2014). This theory aligns well with social action since it encourages collective reflection on strengths and capacities within communities to drive action.
Empowerment theory posits that social action can lead to heightened self-efficacy and social awareness among community members, enabling them to challenge systemic injustices (Kenny & Connor, 2017). This theory underscores the importance of engagement and collective action in addressing social issues.
Critical theory, particularly the works of scholars like Paulo Freire, advocates for social action that challenges oppressive structures through education and transformation of consciousness (Rothman et al., 1995). This approach also resonates with social activism that seeks to dismantle inequities in society through informed advocacy and protest.

Examples of Social Action Campaigns

Across the spectrum of social action campaigns, one notable example is the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, which emerged in 2013 following the acquittal of George Zimmerman, the man who shot 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. BLM seeks to address systemic racism, police brutality, and inequality experienced by Black people. It is both a grassroots movement and a broad social campaign that has mobilized millions globally.

Aims of the Black Lives Matter Movement

The primary aims of the Black Lives Matter movement revolve around raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and fighting against racial injustice. One of its central tenets is the affirmation of Black lives, recognizing the unique challenges faced by Black people due to systemic racism.
1. Raising Awareness: The movement utilizes social media and public demonstrations to bring visibility to incidents of violence against Black individuals, which often receive little media attention (Kenny & Connor, 2017).
2. Policy Advocacy: BLM has been instrumental in pushing for reforms in policing and criminal justice, such as the implementation of body cameras, de-escalation training for officers, and the abolition of practices such as "stop and frisk" and racial profiling (Mendes, 2002).
3. Community Empowerment: BLM encourages the empowerment of Black communities by fostering local leadership and engagement in political processes (Ennis & West, 2014).

Effectiveness of the Black Lives Matter Movement

The effectiveness of the BLM movement can be gauged through several indicators, including legislative changes, cultural shifts, and broader social awareness.
1. Legislative Outcomes: The movement has influenced local and state legislatures to consider and implement police reforms. In cities like Los Angeles and New York, there have been notable changes regarding the funding of police departments and the prioritization of community services (Kenny & Connor, 2017).
2. Cultural Impact: BLM has significantly transformed the discourse surrounding race in America and beyond. Increased awareness of issues related to racism and equity has led to broader conversations in schools, workplaces, and among individuals who may have previously been indifferent (Mendes, 2002).
3. Grassroots Mobilization: The global nature of the movement, with protests spanning across continents, signifies its power to mobilize individuals who are committed to social justice. The intersectionality of social issues has become more pronounced, with BLM's narratives intertwining with movements for climate justice, gender equality, and more (Shragge, 2003).
However, BLM is not without its challenges. Critics argue about its effectiveness in enacting lasting change and point to the fragmentation of the movement into various factions, which can dilute its initial aims (Ennis & West, 2014). The backlash against BLM, including attempts to discredit it through misinformation, reflects ongoing resistance to addressing racial injustice.

Conclusion

Social action campaigns like Black Lives Matter illustrate the relational dynamics of theory and practice in community work. Through theoretical lenses such as empowerment and strengths-based approaches, BLM exemplifies the effective mobilization of communities to address systemic barriers and advocate for change. While there are hurdles to overcome, the sustained efforts of social action campaigns remain crucial in the ongoing fight for equity and justice.

References

Ennis, G., & West, D. (2014). Community development and umbrella bodies: Networking for neighbourhood change. British Journal of Social Work, 44(6).
Kenny, S., & Connor, P. (2017). Developing communities for the future (5th ed.). Cengage Learning: Australia.
Mendes, P. (2002). Social workers and the ethical dilemmas of community action campaigns: Lessons from the Australian State of Victoria. Community Development Journal, 37(2).
Rothman, J., Erlich, J. L., Tropman, J. E., & Cox, F. M. (1995). Approaches to community intervention. In Strategies of community intervention: Macro practice (5th ed., pp. 26-63). Itasca, Illinois: F.E. Peacock Publishers.
Shragge, E. (2003). Activism and social change: Lessons for community and local organising. Broadview Press: Ontario.