NSCSW Lunch & learn: Poverty is  a Political Choice

Nova Scotia College of Social Workers

Understanding and addressing poverty as a political choice through a critical analysis for systemic inequities.

Anti-racist & anti-discriminatory practice

Members of the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers are required to complete annual professional development, which must include training related to anti-racist and anti-discriminatory practice. See https://nscsw.org/pd/#pdMandated for more info.

This workshop explores the systemic roots of poverty in Nova Scotia, emphasizing that poverty is not an inevitable condition but a result of policy decisions and inaction. Participants will examine the economic, social, and historical factors that perpetuate inequality, including the erosion of the social safety net, housing crises, systemic discrimination, and the myth of poverty. The session highlights the cost of poverty, both human and economic, and calls for actionable solutions to create a more equitable society. <h3>Objectives</h3><ol><li>Understand the Systemic Nature of Poverty: Learn how policy decisions, economic inequality, and systemic discrimination contribute to poverty in Nova Scotia.</li><li>Explore the Impact of Poverty: Examine how poverty affects public health, education, housing, and child welfare, creating cycles of disadvantage.</li><li>Debunk Myths About Poverty: Challenge the narrative that poverty is a personal failing and understand the historical legacies of colonization, enslavement, and intergenerational trauma.</li><li>Identify Actionable Solutions: Discover policy recommendations, including investments in income support, affordable housing, universal programs, and fair labour laws, to address poverty at its roots.</li><li>Foster Advocacy and Collaboration: Equip participants with the knowledge and tools to advocate for systemic change and work collaboratively toward a more equitable society.</li></ol> <h3>Speaker</h3>Alec Stratford is the Executive Director and Registrar of the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW). With over 17 years of experience in social work and community leadership, Alec is a dedicated advocate for social justice, poverty reduction, and systemic change. His work focuses on addressing the root causes of inequality and improving the lives of marginalized communities in Nova Scotia.Alec is deeply committed to advancing the social work profession through ethical practice, professional development, and advocacy. Under his leadership, the NSCSW has championed initiatives to strengthen social safety nets, improve income assistance programs, and promote affordable housing solutions. Alec is also a vocal proponent of decolonization and reparations, working to integrate Indigenous knowledge and Afrocentric perspectives into social work practices.Alec engages with policymakers, social workers, and community members to create meaningful change. His efforts emphasize the importance of addressing systemic barriers, and fostering dignity for all individuals, particularly those living in poverty. <h3>Eligibility</h3><h4>NSCSW Members</h4>All active, associate, retired associate, and student members of the <a href="https://nscsw.org/" title="https://nscsw.org/" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Nova Scotia College of Social Workers</a> are welcome to attend; our professional development programming is part of our member services funded by <a href="https://issuu.com/nscsw/docs/connection_spring2023_webfinal/42" title="https://issuu.com/nscsw/docs/connection_spring2023_webfinal/42" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">annual registration fees</a>.<h4>Community Partners</h4>All allied health practitioners in Nova Scotia/Mi'kma'ki interested in learning more about this topic are eligible to sign up for a $5 partner ticket; just let us know which profession you are a part of when you register. <h3>Professional development tracking</h3>For members of NSCSW, participating in this event is eligible to fulfill the annual requirement for professional development related to anti-discriminatory practice. Members who have already completed that requirement for the year may instead categorize this session as formal professional development instead.Visit <a href="http://nscsw.org/pd" title="http://nscsw.org/pd" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">nscsw.org/pd</a> for more information about the updated professional development requirements for Nova Scotia social workers. <h3>Foundations</h3>There are several sections of the <a href="https://nscsw.org/standards" title="https://nscsw.org/standards" target="_blank" data-msys-clicktrack="0" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">NSCSW Code of Ethics &amp; Standards of Practice</a> that relate to this workshop:Value 1: Respecting the Dignity and Worth of All People<ul><li>Guiding Principle 1.1: Social workers respect the inherent dignity and worth of all people, valuing equity, justice, freedom, and respect in their practice.</li></ul><ul><li>Guiding Principle 1.2: Social workers promote the self-determination and autonomy of all people, including their right to participate in decisions about the services they receive.</li></ul><ul><li>Guiding Principle 1.7: Social workers uphold the rights of all people to receive services that consider intersecting factors of exclusion and respect diversity, applying trauma informed and strength-based approaches.</li></ul>Value 2: Promoting Social Justice<ul><li>Guiding Principle 2.4: Social workers advocate for the rights of individuals, families, groups, and communities to be free from oppression, exclusion, racism, and discrimination and work to address systemic inequities.</li></ul> <h3>Questions?</h3>If you have questions about our professional development program content, please contact the College's Professional Development Consultant, Tyler Colbourne, at tyler.colbourne@nscsw.org.

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NSCSW Lunch & learn: Poverty is a Political Choice

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