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:
Best wishes
Penny
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, November 18, 2013 2:50
PM
Subject: [COMMUNITYPSYCHUK] dilemmas in
teaching about social action
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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