Hi Suzanne
WARNING: the link I am about to suggest is certainly not unproblematic, for starters with its positioning firmly in the arena of counselling, as if that is not problematic itself.
However, if you are able to remain open to some of these ideas, you might find in particular the diagram on p182 could add to some of your discussions/teaching. Basically, I'm suggesting that positioning theory and Karl Tomm's grid of ethical postures could be one way of explaining why you took the decision you did, to exclude Avon and Dianetics. Or you could present the grid and ask the trainees how it could explain the position you took.
The paper is freely available at the following link:
http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ818439.pdf
Best wishes
Penny
----- Original Message -----
From: Suzanne Elliott
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Monday, November 18, 2013 2:50 PM
Subject: [COMMUNITYPSYCHUK] dilemmas in teaching about social action
hello everyone
myself and some colleagues are planning some teaching to clinical psychology trainees about taking social action using a community psychology framework. the teaching includes planning and contributing to a social action event. we are writing a slide based on one interesting/strange experience we had last year (the first year of this event).
the event is timed to coincide with international women's day and the teaching is based on part three ('the experience of disempowerment, 7 examples') of Jim Orford's 2008 book and focuses on gender (one of JO's 7). the interesting/strange thing that we had happen last year was that individuals/groups whose values and goals do not fit with community psychology values (eg Avon and Dianetics) found ways of being present at the event, or trying to be present. we took the decision to exclude them as the event was about bringing local women and grassroots/non-profit/support organisations together and we felt that Avon and Dianetics did not fit with the values of the community psychology framework we were using (even though Avon tried to tell us that they were 'by women for women'- their commitment statement attached is ripe for a bit of feminist CDA!). the experience prompted some interesting reflections after the event on the other ideas that we give space (physical/intellectual) to at work or exclude (particularly in an NHS context).
Our slide in the presentation is transparent about what happened and how we managed it. We talk about a moral/ethical relativism 'all ideas are equally valid' approach and contrast with our decision to exclude them and why.
the question we have for you is about whether you have any other thoughts/ideas about how we talk about this with trainees or any writings about it that we can direct them to. interested of course, in hearing about any similar experiences you might have had (in teaching or in social action).
With many thanks
Suzanne Elliott
Suzanne Elliott
Clinical Psychologist
Leicester Homeless Mental Health Service - Psychology
OSL House
East Link
Meridian Business Park
Leicester
LE19 1XU
tel: 0116 295 3098 or 295 8442
fax: 0116 295 8443
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