Summary

The idea of irregular migration reflects a human imperative to move in search of better conditions but also state efforts to exercise sovereignty through border controls and delimitation of access to social rights. In this paper, I bring together the results of several empirical projects in Quebec, Canada, that document the ways in which the socio-political context puts irregular migrants' social determinants of health (health insurance, housing, labour rights) at risk. Using the concepts of Deportability and Bordering, I analyze the ways that migrant organizations and social work allies challenge these problematic conditions. In the first project, we explore access to healthcare for undocumented migrants. Second, the labour conditions of asylum seekers. Third, the housing conditions of migrant workers. In all three cases, it is clear that the state exclusion of these migrants from social rights serves to keep these migrants in a subordinate socio-political and economic position, and puts their health and wellbeing at risk. However, there are also examples of migrant resistance to these conditions, which will be analyzed for their feasibility in different contexts. Finally, we will discuss how social workers and researchers can be effective allies to these efforts and consider the transnational implications of the situation in Canada with that in both countries of origin and countries of destination. 

Keywords (separate with commas)

international migration; undocumented; asylum seekers; migrant workers; health; housing; labour; collective action; social work; action research

Summary

There are 89,445 people from the Filipino diaspora in Western Sydney, Australia (Australia Bureau of Statistics, 2016). Acculturative stress and depression is prevalent among the Filipino community across generations despite their long stay in Australia. The author highlights the importance of fostering social support and discusses the Filipino term of ‘Bayanihan’ meaning ‘spirit in community’ and the development of new community-led initiative Bayanihan, a grassroots community group that was developed in 2022 to address these issues.

Keywords (separate with commas)

filipino diaspora, Western Sydney, Australia, Sydney, Community, Filipino community, filipinx, grassroots community development

Summary

Research indicates that individuals who can imagine their aging futures are better prepared for the aging process. However, stories of aging and later life often go untold, limiting public understanding of this rich and complex phase of life and limiting our ability to age well. Similarly, there are often only limited or homogenous aging scripts available to us to provide inspiration and insight into our own aging process. The Untold Stories of Aging project was developed to spread awareness of the diverse possibilities of aging futures, foster public conversation around aging and later life, and reduce internalized and external ageism through education and awareness. This presentation will share the process and products associated with the Untold Stories of Aging Project, an art- and media-based community action project intended to share the experiences of older adults and the professionals who serve them through conversation, collaboration, art, and advocacy. In 2022, we developed an art exhibition including the work of over 30 artists on aging-related themes, such as life trajectories, intergenerational trauma and healing, dementia, etc. Pieces span many mediums including sculpture, drawing, painting, poetry, music, textiles, mixed-media and more. These pieces were presented to the community in a live exhibition and continue to be hosted through a growing digital archive. In 2023, we filmed interviews with professionals working in aging services to share their stories from the field and promote aging-related practice. Through these joint art- and media-based projects, we aim to cultivate a space for older adults to share their stories, including aspects of their experience which are not typically discussed in legible spaces or terms so that we all might be better informed, prepared, and inspired for our own aging futures.\ 

Keywords (separate with commas)

creative aging, aging-related advocacy, gerontological education, community action

Summary

This study delves into how social workers in India engage in policy practices aimed at enhancing the well-being of their clients and communities. Policy practice stands as a crucial skill for social workers, enabling them to champion social and economic justice for marginalized and oppressed populations. The Council for Social Work Education has recognized policy practice as a fundamental competency within the profession. Armed with a distinctive perspective and expertise concerning the daily struggles and needs of individuals, social workers possess the capacity to shape and influence social policies that effectively address these issues.The study's data was collected between May 2022 and August 2022 in India, utilizing key informant interviews and observational methods. Participants encompassed 12 social workers, including educators, practitioners with professional degrees such as Bachelor's and/or Master's, employed by non-profit organizations offering vital social services.Findings from the study highlight diverse strategies employed by social workers to amplify the capacity and empowerment of both their clients and the broader community. These strategies encompass leadership training, fostering awareness of oppressive structures, and establishing networks. However, the recent reduction in funding for network and organization building has adversely impacted grassroots movements in India. This underscores the critical importance of reinforcing local organizations through support and empowerment.The study further uncovers a pertinent need for improvement in the policy practice skills of social work educators. While they may adeptly impart the theoretical facets of policy practice, the absence of direct involvement in policy advocacy work hinders their ability to provide practical and experiential learning to students. Consequently, a recommendation surfaces, suggesting that educators in the field of social work should actively engage in policy practice, thereby infusing the classroom with valuable real-world experiences.

Keywords (separate with commas)

Policy advocacy, social work education, Policy practice, non profit organization