Assignment Task: Respond to the discussions below
Discussion 1:
I think my main motivation in regards to helping others is the simple fact that it is what we are called to do. I want to help others because it is my calling and I am suppose to serve. Not only am I driven by the knowing of what I should be doing, but also by the simple fact that I am someone who has the ability to do so when others may not be able to do something on their own or would benefit from me stepping in to help them. I can think of a lot of times throughout my life where I could have used help and didn't feel I had the ability to receive that, which also motivates me.
I think for me and many others it is easy to overlook the people who may not seem like they need help. Often times throughout my life I have portrayed myself as extremely strong and able to overcome things. While I do believe myself to be strong and resilient, I have realized that this can make others around you believe that you don't need help in times you do. Therefore, I think the people who often times get overlooked in regards to help are those who just simply seem as though they don't need it. The reality is more people need help at some point in time and it never hurts to reach out to those who seem like they may not need it.
Jesus spent His entire life speaking up for those who were oppressed. He served those around Him continually and I think is the best example of a calling to help and serve others. Jesus spent His life traveling to heal others, provide for those who were suffering, and gave the ultimate sacrifice for the world.
My spirituality impacts my advocacy simply because my beliefs align with serving others and using my gifts to further serve those who need it. I think that I would do these things without my spirituality, but my spirituality solidifies the importance to which I need to spend my time helping others and utilizing my calling.
Discussion 2:
I am motivated to stick up for others through the hate and segregation of the world. As the people in the world separate themselves into groups there are many people that are being hurt along the way. There is so much hate that is spread as people are separating into classified groups. The people I advocate for the most are homeless, poor, LGBTQ, different races, troubled, etc. Pretty much I stand up for those seeking peace in their society, those who are seeking answers and/or help in society. I stand by them and help by trying to get others to also understand that they are people and why they don't seem to fit in their world. I try to offer ways that others in society can help. Jesus spoke up for the poor and miss-placed people when others wouldn't, as should we. We are not in any position to judge this is for God. We are in a position to make choices and caring is one of them. I am a caring person for all human beings and their wellbeing that is why and how my spirituality impacts my advocacy.
Discussion 3:
Contemporary homelessness can have various contributions. Some of the biggest contributions in regard to homelessness are a loss of a job, addiction, mental health, domestic violence, and the inability to find a job or affordable housing. With so many things that can leave people without options in regard to homelessness, those who weren't fortunate to not have generational cycles involving these things may have a really hard time overcoming the potential homelessness they may face.
I think to really fix the issue of homelessness we must face a lot of other deep-rooted issues that lead to homelessness. If I was trying to work on solving homelessness as a whole, I would work towards providing more opportunities and outlets to help those with addiction, mental health, domestic violence, and affordable housing. To help those currently facing homelessness it is still important to advocate for the growth of outlets for those struggling with these things, but it will be extremely important to empower those who are homeless and help them reach out to places who are going to help them with issues they may be facing. Leading those who are facing homelessness in the right direction would be the best benefit they could have potentially from a social worker.
Discussion 4:
Homelessness can look different from place to place. Some of the contemporary reasons behind homelessness in my area is widespread. Addictions cause many people to give up everything for their addiction, many not realizing they are doing so. Single parent families tend to lead to homelessness as income becomes a struggle. Daycare becomes hard to find especially within a decent price range and many either do not receive child support or not much. Family abandonment, mental trauma (PTSD, depression, etc.), poverty, and other life experiences are also some of the things leading to homelessness. There are many social welfare organizations that could be accessed to help people dealing with homelessness. Job and Family Services could be used as a resource to get medical and food assistance along with childcare and job training. There are many mental health facilities to help with mental issues among the homeless communities. There are shelters like the one that I work in that focus on housing. The goal is to help the homeless find employment and find the best housing programs for them.
As a social worker I would fist access the situation, every case of homelessness is not the same. I would then work with them on finding what resources are needed to help them. Unfortunately, not everyone who is homeless is ready for or wants help. In cases like this I believe the best thing to do is make them aware of the services that are readily available when they are ready.