Social work is a rewarding and challenging field for people who are interested in making a difference in the lives of people and their communities. As professionals, social workers are concerned with the issues that affect our population and generate our current social issues and challenges, some of which are quite controversial. Social workers must be willing to confront these challenges and work towards changing them. To do this, social workers become involved with individuals and families, groups and organizations, and even entire communities as their clients. Social workers must also be flexible enough to work with people of many ages, backgrounds, and cultures. As a social work major, you will have the opportunity to become involved in our student organization Social Work Student Union, participate with the BSW faculty in research projects, and perhaps become a member of the honor society for social work, Phi Alpha. I encourage you to become as involved as your time allows It's a great way to learn about social work beyond the classroom.<br><br>The WKU Social Work Department stands with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and others to denounce the March 16th attack in Atlanta and the increase in anti-Asian hate crimes over the past year. Learn more about these crimes from the Asian American Psychological Association, the Center for the Study of Hate & Extremism, the Pew Research Center, and the American College Health Association. The College Heights Herald ran an article in May 2020 regarding this issue, and the violence has continued to escalate. This is of deep concern, and the social work community must not stand by as silent observers. We must intervene. We are trained to fight against injustice, and we are committed to advocating with and for others in this fight. The targeting of APIDA (Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi American) communities is symptomatic of a much larger systemic problem of racism in America. This can only be addressed through championing change. The Social Work Joint Statement on Anti-Asian Violence and Racism statement includes 13 concrete ways in which we, as social work professionals, can intervene. Speak out when you see racist systems. Work to reform or dismantle discriminatory systems. Further, people who support racism and perpetuate discrimination must be held to account. As allies, we must educate ourselves and each other about antiracist social work practice. It is not enough to be culturally aware. We must be antiracist. Silence and inaction are not options. We must use the tools at our disposal such as reporting bias, discrimination or hate on our campus community to protect those experiencing oppression and violence. Below, you will find local campus resources below where you can report those incidents. Organizations that are working to advance social justice for Asian Americans are listed under the national resources heading.