Hey Social Workers!
Welcome to May 2024! We’ve completed one-third of quarter 2. What’s on the horizon for you?
Want to know what’s going on in my world?
Yesterday I received a super surprising but full download on how to solve multiple problems for financially strapped, first-generation, and former system-involved college students. It started with one small thought then turned into a full-fledged opportunity. This wasn’t even an issue that had previously been on my radar, but my macro-thinking brain came up with a full vision and a full expansion plan.
Here’s my truth…I’m still asking God what I’m supposed to do with it because…um…this was not a part of my life plan LOL!! Was this download for me or someone else?! Actually, it’s more like negotiating with God and acting like I don’t know what I can and should do first. I talked with my mentor and friend about it and started the conversation with the disclaimer that “a very Nicki thing happened while I was in the shower”. She was not surprised at all. This is so not unusual for me. I feel a little like a disobedient toddler right now because this is big and I guess I hadn’t planned for this kind of expansion this month LOL!
I’ve told y’all before that my brain thinks in hip hop lyrics. I’m not even a TI fan, but (G-rated version), “Big things poppin’ and little things stoppin’” started playing in my head as I was writing this blog. Stay tuned…
Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming!
Dismantling the outdated, narrow view of social work:
MYTH: Environmental issues impact our clients equally
FACT: Systemic racism includes environmental racism
Low-income communities and communities of Color – mainly Black and Brown people – see more factories, manufacturing plants, hazardous waste facilities, and power stations than predominantly white and higher-income communities. Old and decaying, rodent-infested, and poorly constructed buildings (workplaces and schools) often result. Think unsafe working conditions, physical injury, asbestos, and lead.
Clean air and water should be a human right. We talk a lot about food deserts and food swamps, but have you considered which communities are more likely to have contaminated soil and drinking water? Do you know where we find more air pollution and respiratory illnesses?
We need more social workers to seek jobs in macro, mezzo, and micro. It’s time we normalize eco-social work, green social work, and environmental social work. Three industries that are perfectly poised to address environmental racism are public health social work, agricultural social work, and reproductive justice social work.
May is:
- National Mental Health Month
- National Walking Month
- Women’s Health Month
More Than Social Work with Nicki Sanders:
I’m back from my YouTube channel (nickisandersceo) hiatus with clearer ideas of the direction I want to take my channel. Please subscribe.
Feedback Requested: I’ve decided to only send a regular weekly email on Thursdays. My idea is to somehow combine the Tuesday and Thursday weekly emails into one.
No worries, current subscribers will still receive special emails, notices, and invitations outside of Thursday as needed. You can catch Transformation Tip Tuesday videos on my social media platforms.
What would you like to learn or hear more about weekly? What features would you like me to continue? Omit?
Let’s Chat:
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Schedule a 20-minute consultation and let’s discuss the best ways to work together.
Nicki Sanders, MSW, is committed to career development, professional development, and organizational development. As Founder and CEO of Nicki Sanders Leadership Consulting, her mission is simple – to eliminate toxic workplaces by developing skilled, empathetic, and goal-oriented leaders who have the vision, support, and resources to create a culture where business prospers, and employees thrive individually and collectively. Nicki supports high-performing women of color in social work leadership in developing careers that feed their hearts, minds, and wallets. She has an extensive background in nonprofit management leading high-functioning, multi-disciplinary teams, volunteer recruitment and retention, and social impact programming. Nicki is an accomplished professor, coach, trainer, and group facilitator who has combined her gift for authentic relationships, Master of Social Work degree, and over 20 years of diverse work experience to create a life and career aligned with her values and purpose. She is a lover of nature, cupcakes, travel, and 80’s hip hop and R&B music.
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