Decolonizing Social Work & The Power of Storytelling with Dr. Kris Clarke | Episode 65

📅 Release Date: February 25th, 2025🎧 Hosts: Professor Christian Ace Stettler🎙️ Guests: Dr. Kris ClarkeWhat does it mean to truly decolonize social work? How do storytelling, memory work, and creative arts shape our understanding of justice and advocacy? In this episode of The Critical Social Worker: A Revolutionary Storytelling Podcast, Dr. Kris Clarke joins us to explore the intersections of decolonization, education, and activism. From Fresno, California, to Finland, Dr. Clarke has spent her career pushing boundaries in social work, advocating for open-access education, and using storytelling as a tool for transformation.🚀 We discuss:✅ How cultural identity and memory work shape social work education✅ Why open-source education is crucial for accessibility and equity✅ The role of storytelling in social work and social justice✅ The importance of resisting censorship and advocating for inclusion✅ Creative arts as a tool for healing and transformationAbout Dr. Kris ClarkeDr. Kris Clarke is a Professor of Social Work at the University of Helsinki, with a career dedicated to decolonization, social justice, and community advocacy. Originally from Fresno, California, she has worked extensively with migrants, refugees, and people living with HIV/AIDS, both in the U.S. and Europe. Co-author of Decolonizing Pathways towards Integrative Healing in Social Work with Dr. Michael Yellow Bird, Dr. Clarke explores the intersections of cultural identity, memory work, and transformative education. She is also the host of the Social Work Routes Podcast, where she highlights diverse global perspectives in social work and activism.📢 This episode is a must-watch for anyone passionate about social work, education, and systemic change!💬 Join the conversation: What does decolonization mean to you? Drop a comment below!🎙 The Critical Social Worker: A Revolutionary Storytelling Podcast challenges mainstream social work narratives, creating space for deep reflection, transformation, and human connection.📌 CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction and Background03:23 Journey from Fresno to Finland05:59 The Importance of Storytelling in Social Work08:46 Teaching Methods and Student Engagement11:35 Cultural Autobiography and Identity14:28 Navigating Privilege and Structural Injustice16:57 Political Engagement in Social Work19:37 Decolonization and Lifelong Learning29:13 The Power of Connection and Learning30:33 Diversity in Social Work Stories31:58 Empathy Through Shared Experiences34:09 The Importance of Listening and Understanding35:34 Overcoming Fear to Connect37:26 Navigating Polarization in Society39:30 Literature as a Tool for Empathy42:04 Understanding Memory Work45:33 Decolonization and Collective Memory48:16 The Role of Storytelling in Family50:40 Healing Through Shared Stories52:49 Finding Hope in Injustice54:48 Sex Education and Societal Challenges59:37 Contextualizing Historical Narratives01:02:08 The Impact of Media on Perception01:03:47 Memory Work and Social Change01:05:29 Creative Arts as Healing01:10:39 Stigma and Advocacy in HIV/AIDS01:15:16 The Influence of Disney on Self-Image01:17:05 Education and Youth Safety01:20:40 Resistance Against Censorship01:22:24 The Future of Diversity and Inclusion🎙 The Critical Social Worker: A Revolutionary Storytelling Podcast challenges mainstream social work narratives, creating space for deep reflection, transformation, and human connection.#SocialWork #Decolonization #Advocacy #Storytelling #SocialJustice #Education #Diversity #KrisClarke #MichaelYellowBird #MemoryWork #CreativeArts #Helsinki #SocialWorkEducation© UAF Social Work