This event is virtual.
As the world becomes increasingly polarized, disagreements on sensitive social and political issues are harder to resolve. The scale of digital and social media interactions has created echo chambers and tribal affiliations that amplify moral outrage and give rise to public shaming and dehumanizing discourses that manifest in the violence and hostility towards perceived 'Others’. In such a context, the skill and ethics of respectful and constructive dialogue are paramount. This presentation will explore the contexts that divide people into antagonistic groups and situate this in a discussion of moral intuitionism. The workshop will identify strategies for social workers to foster constructive dialogue and understanding through “calling in” rather than “calling out”. The workshop will discuss practical approaches for social workers to serve as effective social justice advocates, creating spaces where individuals feel safe to express their beliefs and concerns. The session will include interactive elements such as role plays and practice dialogues to equip participants with the skills needed to approach conflicts by encouraging mutual understanding. By the end of the workshop, participants will have a deeper understanding of how to navigate contentious discussions and build inclusive, supportive communities that value diverse perspectives.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Recognize the contexts of social and political polarization within communities.
- Understand the theory of moral intuitionism, and how this shapes moral positions and forms of disagreement.
- Learn strategies to advocate for social justice while promoting respectful and constructive dialogue.
- Develop practical skills for facilitating open and empathetic conversations across social differences and contestation over sensitive issues.
DETAILED SCHEDULE:
- 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Registration & Check-in
- 9:00 AM - 9:15 AM: Introductions and Context Setting
- 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM: Main Topic Presentation
- 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM: Q&A Discussion
- 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM: Break
- 10:30 AM - 10:50 AM: Presenter Role Play: Dialogue
- 10:50 AM - 11:00 AM: Overview of Dialogue Method
- 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Breakout Rooms: Practice Dialogue in Pairs
- 11:30 AM - 11:50 AM: Debrief and Reflections
- 11:50 AM - 12:00 PM: Conclusion & Close
PRESENTERS BIO:
Dr. David Hodgson is an Associate Professor at Curtin University, Australia. His
research—including scholarship of teaching and learning research—is informed by social justice principles, and the application and interpretation of critical and philosophical theories to research problems and solutions. David’s research combines (1) industry-driven projects in mental health, family and domestic violence and out-of-home care using qualitative methods and (2) theoretical advancement of social work theory, social justice theorising, and decision-making theory within organisational contexts. He has co-authored two books: Key Concepts and Theory in Social Work (2017, Palgrave) and Social Justice Theory and Practice for Social Work: Critical and Philosophical Perspectives (2019, Springer).
Dr. Lynelle Watts is an Associate Professor of Social Work at Curtin. Lynelle has conducted research in the areas of family and domestic violence, extended care for care experienced young people, reflective practice and critical reflexivity in social work, teaching and learning in higher education and developing social work curriculum. She was the immediate past President called Australia New Zealand Social Work Welfare Education & Research, a peak body for social work educators. Lynelle is the Social Media Editor for the journal Australian Social Work. In addition to teaching and researching in social work, Lynelle is the co-author (with David Hodgson) of two books Key Concepts and Theory in Social Work (2017, Palgrave) and Social Justice Theory and Practice for Social Work (2019, Springer). Lynelle is active on X (Twitter) her handle is @watts_lj.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS:
FOR PENNSYLVANIA SOCIAL WORKERS, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS, AND PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS: This program is approved for 3 ethics credits for professional workshops sponsored by the Pennsylvania Society for Clinical Social Work, a state affiliate of the Clinical Social Work Association listed in Section 47.36 of Title 49, Chapter 47 of the PA Code, State Board of Social Work Examiners. This program is also approved for 3 ethics credits for professional workshops for marriage & family therapists (Section 48.36) and professional counselors (Section 49.36).
FOR NEW JERSEY SOCIAL WORKERS: This program is approved for 3 clinical or ethics credits. Attendance at programs or courses given at state and national social work association conferences, where the criteria for membership is an academic degree in social work, are a valid source of continuing education credit.
(N.J.A.C.13:44G-6.4(c)6)