Instructions and Tips for Assessment: Expression of Interest - Assignment Example

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA Instructions and Tips for Assessment 2: Expression of Interest The Task: The Expression of Interest (EOI) assessment is designed to give you both a practical opportunity to address your understanding of concepts and content from the course, by responding to contemporary employment criteria and also to critically analyse theories and concepts through comprehension and reflective questions. It will give you an opportunity to put into practice some of your learning’s and own experience related to engaging and working effectively with Indigenous Australian people and communities, and to demonstrate you have understood the course overall. You are required to write a 2,000 word Expression of Interest (EOI) proposal that includes an application letter, your responses to the dot point criteria (Part 1) which feature in current employment job and person specifications, and the sections on Comprehension and reflection (Part 2). The format of the EOI is outlined in the following pages. Your EOI will relate to a project of your choice that will be implemented in an Indigenous Australian context (organisation or community). It can be helpful when approaching this assignment, to identify a context in which you would like to work in future, to be able to ascertain how the knowledge, skills, values and learned competencies will relate to your employment role. This assessment will explore some of the central characteristics of Indigenous Australian cultures such as Kinship and Identity, the history of colonisation, and influences of dominant culture, the social, economic and psychological effects of colonisation for Indigenous Australians, racism, power and whiteness, contemporary Indigenous societies, and the role of human service professionals in contemporary contexts. You will be required to draw upon workshop content, discussions and other course materials in your responses. Referencing is a graded component of this assessment. Please ensure that in instances where it is appropriate to reference, that you use the Harvard referencing style consistently throughout the journal. Delete this section when submitting your assignment. STUDENT NAME : ID: OUTLINE OF YOUR ASSIGNMENT 1) Find a ‘job’ in the Human Services - preferably one with Indigenous Australian Contexts (or you can make up your ideal ‘wished for’ job.) 2) Write a Cover Letter (approximately 200 words) addressed to the Selection Panel/employer of the organization. NOTE: This should also summarize the content of your EOI dot point criteria. This application can be used for a ‘real’ job application, so make it perfect and relevant. (Would this application ‘get you the job?’ ) Example of an official “BRIEF JOB DESCRIPTION “that may be used. As a member of the Project team your task will be to contribute to the development and implementation of a culturally accountable service with Indigenous Australian people which focuses on the well being, and healing of the community. The project must be implemented in ways that respect the values of Indigenous Australian people, the community and nation groups. The primary vision is to work in ways that will be respectful, honest and effective in working to overcome Indigenous disadvantage and over-representation of Indigenous Australian people in social, health and welfare statistics. Brief Job description As a social worker with Indigenous group empowerment project, you duty will be to counsel the victims affected by social discrimination and any other forms of harassment. Sexual reproductive sessions will be held to empower the community members with the essential skills The project respects the cultural orientation and affiliations of all clients. Flexibility and teamwork are essential aspects for the potential candidate. The employee will be delegated other duties such report writing and research thus knowledge in these areas will come in handy. The Mantra for the project revolves around effectiveness, attention to details and objectivity to ensure that clients are equipped sexual reproductive skills and alleviation off social problems causing stress. ______________________________________________________COVER LETTER Human Resources Manager, CARITAS, Australia. Dear Sir/Madam I wish to express my interest in your previously advertised job of a Social Worker on Sydney Morning Herald Newspaper on twenty eighth of September, two thousand and sixteen. I believe that the set qualifications and skills best describe my expertise and capacities. In addition to my degree in social work, I have vast skills in counseling clients with various social issues. My internship position at Australian Indigenous Leadership centre gave me an opportunity to have a firsthand contact with the Australian aboriginals. I was able to address most of their social issues. Clients with suicidal intentions provided a positive feedback after therapeutic sessions that I facilitated. Too add on my knowledge, I enrolled for a diploma in counseling psychology, which will come in handy in your Organization programs. Volunteering at Plan International Australia equipped me with knowledge in Microsoft word, excel, research and PowerPoint presentations. The versatility nature of my position empowered my flexibility, attention to details, proper time management, teamwork and interpersonal skills. These confirm that I can thrive in a culturally rooted community and drive sensitive issues in a gently. I look forward to your positive response. Sincerely 3) Then respond to the 7 dot point criteria in Part 1, and then the Comprehension questions outlined in Part 2 below (approximately 1,200 words). PART 1 Respond to the following dot point criteria: (Ensure your responses are supported with the relevant and appropriate evidence). These must thoroughly showcase your knowledge of the course content. Ability to communicate with Indigenous Australian families and communities: I am a candidate who respects culture of not only Australians but also other people across the world. Over the period I have volunteered with Caritas Australia, I have gained knowledge on how to communicate with the Aboriginal members of Australian community. Creating a rapport with the communities is an essential tool that has helped me understand the community language. Mobilization and advocacy for fair treatment for all citizens has kept me on the forefront since they have suffered discrimination in a long time. The community is very sensitive especially with matters of death (Stirling et al., 2012). I have learned not to mention the names of deceased person and not to share their images on any platform since the community perceives it as disrespect and harm causation to the bereaved family members. I have also learned to call the elders of the community Auntie or uncle with regard to their gender affiliation (Dudgeon et al., 2014).The blood relations do not matter in this case: as long as the person is an elder the names suits them. Ability to engage respectfully with the Indigenous Australian community The respect accorded to the elders of the community is the same as professional leaders in any organization. Therefore, before taking any step, which requires consultation, I not only consult the relevant professional authorities but also the leaders of the Aboriginal communities. Consultation with the elders requires an after refreshments, tea or transport reimbursement to their residential places in case of travel (Dudgeon et al., 2014). A community which has been befallen with death, locally referred to as “sorry business” should not be involved in any meetings unless after two weeks of mourning and grieving. In community presentations, I have learnt to display written or printed aboriginal materials since it gives them a sense of recognition. Ability to understand and have knowledge of Indigenous Australian communities’ family and kinship systems I have a vast knowledge on the Australian indigenous families and kinship system. It is difficult and very different from the modern family systems. A child in these communities does not receive disciplinary action and caution from his parents alone but any other community member who sees the need (Stirling et al., 2012). The kingship system is complex since all members relate to one another. Their physical structuring determines the number of hunting groups, which comprise and approximation number of fifteen people. The religious structure has its division into moieties, individual affiliation to certain animals. Their acceptance to an outsider goes as far as naming the person concerning their local naming system. Ability to provide effective and sensitive advice to Indigenous Australian community members With the knowledge attained on the challenges facing the aboriginals especially health issues, I believe that I can offer sexual reproductive health skills and counseling services to these communities effectively. This will entail separating the women from the men with respect to their cultural values and beliefs. Since they have no specific native language, my flexibility in spoken English can drive information onto them in an understandable way. Ability to work within a team in a culturally accountable way Throughout my voluntary work and leadership position in University clubs, teamwork has been at forefront skill for success. All the previous work colleges are of different ethnic backgrounds and this has never been a setback to giving quality results. Therefore, the knowledge I have about these communities’ culture is an empowerment enough to deliver sensitive skills in a culturally acceptable manner. General awareness of issues confronting Indigenous Australian families and communities Indigenous families face with many challenges ever since the colonization era. They are victims of discrimination from other communities and access to resources such as quality health care services (Couzos & Murray, 2008). This accounts for the high mortality rates among them. The need to prove land ownership continues to be a great challenge to the aboriginal. This is because after colonization most faced displacement from their native areas of residence. The court cases are too costly for them and a lot of information for proof, which proves futile to obtain. A higher percentage lives in remote areas with little development hence are unable to get services like the other people in cities (Ranzijin et al., 2008 p.135). Although implementation of strategies to improve access to education among these communities, the percentages are yet to reach an average number. There is still need to increase the numbers to alleviate poverty through education. Unemployment is another challenge facing these communities despite the increased access to education. Lack of social skills empowerment reduces their competitive advantage over other candidates. Knowledge of the history of Indigenous Australians and the impact of past welfare practices. Before colonization, there existed over a million aboriginals with hundreds of native languages. Europeans forced them from their native lands and lifestyle of hunting and gathering. Their resistance led to violence that caused a high number of deaths. The death rolls increased due to infectious diseases brought by the Europeans ((Ranzijin et al., 2008 p.132). The colonizers enacted laws preventing them from practicing their cultures and speaking their languages. They removed children from their families and gave them for foster care. Some Indigenous Australians suffered sexual harassment and abuse from the Europeans. Rules caused them to adopt European culture including their dressing and language. They were barred from coming into contact with each other, which caused them more mental torture. PART 2 Respond to the following Comprehension Questions: (Ensure your responses are supported with the relevant and appropriate evidence) Comprehension - Applying Terms & Concepts: In your own words, please summarise/define the following terms/concepts: Ethnocentricity is a broad term, which mainly encompasses ones judgmental aspect of culture with respect to their culture. It is a form of bias depicted in modes of color, race, religion, language and shared history (McIntosh, 1990). It could be a natural feeling due to the familiarity of culture one grew up practicing. However, it has adverse limitations since it arouses a perception that all other cultures are inferior. One type on Ethnocentrism is Eurocentric, which was evident on European colonization on Australia. They viewed their culture as most superior and thus imposed it onto the aboriginals. a) Racial Prejudice Racial prejudice is the prejudgment made on people with regard to their race. It is the notion people have developed about other without doing any research to verify the speculations of initial beliefs already established in the society. It can also be hate towards a particular race without any viable reasons (Dottolo & Kaschak, 2015). A good example is how the Americans viewed the puritans. Racial Discrimination Racial discrimination is the expression of superiority by a particular community over others. It is the unfair treatment of a certain group of people at the expense of another (Neblett & Roberts, 2013). For example, denied access to resources of aboriginals while the European natives have access. It could also be on basis of eating low quality food or getting the low quality jobs. Institutional Racism Institutional racism is the beliefs held on by an institution towards a particular race. Its exhibition is on basis of access to educational or health services. For example aboriginals having a limitation for access to health services in a hospital pioneered by Europeans (Academic.udayton.edu. 2016). However, institutional racism can occur in an institution that fights against the vice. (This section approx 200 words) Exploring Power, Whiteness and White Privilege The concept of Whiteness has been introduced to you in order to identify and establish a position from which dominant cultures view the Racisms and can contribute more specifically to Institutional Racism. For your responses in this section, it will be helpful to make reference to the Required Readings including: Reading 19 McIntosh, P. White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack, Independent School, 1990, 49(2): pp. 31 – 37 Reading 20 Radermacher, H. ‘I’m White! Oh I see! An International student perspective on national curriculum guidelines for Indigenous issues in psychology’, Australian Community Psychologist, 2006, 18(1): pp. 33 – 39 Reading 21 Tannoch-Bland, J. ‘Identifying White Race Privilege’, In ‘Bringing Australia Together: the structure and experience of racism in Australia’, Foundation for Aboriginal and Islander Research Action, Qld, 1998: pp. 33 – 38. Also draw upon your reflections of Workshop content and activities 1) In your own words, please write up a Definition Statement of Whiteness and White Privilege, as you have come to understand it: 2) From the readings, it is clear that whiteness is not a naturally occurring aspect but a socially acquired and learnt behavior. It is a theory coupled with beliefs, attitudes, values and habits, which bestow power on some people over other. However, the skin color aspect is no exception in the description (Radermacher, 2006). It has a characteristic of power and places the whites at a higher rank in setting rules. It bestows structural advantage on the whites over other people and gets other people not to question their cultural practices. On the contrary, most people heed their lifestyles and way of life. Nevertheless, the privilege is not equal to all Europeans or Americans. It differs in matters of social class, gender and educational level. (This section approx 100 words) 3) Provide examples of how White Privilege is applied, and can become evident, in some everyday contexts and environments in Australia? Use critical analysis here: For example, in: a) Your Workplace or Personal Relationships White privilege in places of work applies in basis of leadership where the whites dominate and the subordinates view them as powerful and thus should rule. The fame and success exhibited by the whites makes employees to bow to their rues and leadership styles even if they are oppressive. b) Policies & Practices White privilege in places of work applies in basis of leadership where the whites dominate and the subordinates view them as powerful and thus should rule. The fame and success exhibited by the whites makes employees to bow to their rues and leadership styles even if they are oppressive. c) Community Attitudes White privilege is evident in practices of education. If an aboriginality succeeds and becomes famous, they stand a high chance of been denied their native identity. On the other hand, drug addicts and criminals suit to have their cultural identity. This shows that whiteness has power to succeed and all get accordance to all credit and not the indigenous communities (This section approx 100 words) 4) Write a Reflective Statement surrounding your exploration of Racism, Whiteness, Power and related concepts. (Try using the following dot points to help frame your response): Was Whiteness and White Privilege easy to define in your own context and in the context of the profession? If not, why? How did these concepts and the discussion challenge your thinking? Examine and discuss any clarity, and/or discomfort you may have experienced with the concepts and literature What conclusions you have drawn at this point in your learning? Whiteness and white privilege definition was not easy prior to reading the recommended research books. However, after thorough scrutiny and reflection it got easier to understand that whiteness is a socially acquired aspect, which breeds white privilege (Gorski, 2003 p.29) In most cases, the whites do not understand that they act, the way they do since most acquired this as they were growing up and has become part of their lives (Carr, 2016). The concepts of racial prejudice, racial discrimination and Institutional racism are a bit contracting. Nevertheless, it was easy to draw the differences amongst the three. Racial prejudice entails the baseless stereotypical beliefs on particular religion, race or color of people. Racial discrimination is the hate towards a particular culture, race or religion evident through unfair treatment or unequal distribution of resources to the particular people at the expense of own culture of race. In summary, the aboriginal communities face many challenges years later after colonization. Access to resources such as health services, education, and employment and credit facilities still want (Thompson et al., 2008). The value for their culture is the cause for all their suffering. These are as are result of the whiteness and white privilege roots in Australia. The policies set in favor of the indigenous communities lack maximum implementation to alleviate the aboriginals from poverty and the obstacles it harbors. (200 wd Minimum) Bibliography Academic.udayton.edu. (2016). What is Institutional Racism?. [online] Available at: http://academic.udayton.edu/race/2008electionandracism/raceandracism/racism02.htm [Accessed 9 Oct. 2016]. Carr, P. (2016). Whiteness and White Privilege: Problematizing Race and Racism in a “Color-blind” World and in Education. The International Journal of Critical Pedagogy, [online] 7(1). Available at: http://libjournal.uncg.edu/ijcp/article/view/975/910 [Accessed 9 Oct. 2016]. Couzos, S. and Murray, R., 2008. Aboriginal primary health care: an evidence-based approach. Oxford University Press. Dottolo, A.L. and Kaschak, E., 2015. Whiteness and White Privilege.Women & Therapy, 38(3-4), pp.179-184. Dudgeon, P., Milroy, H. and Walker, R., 2014. Working together: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and wellbeing principles and practice. Pat. Gorski, P. (2003). White Privilege and White Power: Online Resources on White Racism and Anti-Racism. Multicultural Perspectives, 5(4), pp.28-30. Neblett, E. and Roberts, S. (2013). Racial identity and autonomic responses to racial discrimination. Psychophysiology, p.n/a-n/a. McIntosh, P., 1990. White privilege: Unpacking the invisible knapsack. Ranzijn, R., McConnochie, K., Day, A., Nolan, W. and Wharton, M., 2008. Towards cultural competence: Australian Indigenous content in undergraduate psychology. Australian Psychologist, 43(2), pp.132-139 Radermacher, H., 2006. I’m white! Oh I see!’An international student perspective on national curriculum guidelines for Indigenous issues in psychology. The Australian Community Psychologist, 18(1), pp.33-9. Stirling, C., Munro, H., Watson, J., Barr, M. and Burke, S., 2012. The Brighter Futures Aboriginal Families Study. Thompson, S.C., Greville, H.S. and Param, R., 2008. Beyond policy and planning to practice: getting sexual health on the agenda in Aboriginal communities in Western Australia. Australia and New Zealand health policy,5(1), p.1. Assessment Feedback WELF 2015: INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS & THE HUMAN SERVICES ASSIGNMENT 2 – EXPRESSION OF INTEREST 2,000 word min (50%) Student Name: Key components of this assignment Marks Comment CONTENT (GQ1) (40%) Expression of Interest demonstrates a strong understanding of course concepts outlined in weeks 1 – 9. Comprehensive coverage and responses reflects engagement with set readings and other relevant materials and demonstrates growth in understanding and comprehension. Apply knowledge (demonstrate application of theory to practice in real situations and appreciate limitations of theory). /40 ANALYSIS (GQ’s 2, 4 & 5) (30%) Sustain intellectual interest and critical thinking as a mature professional. Depth of analyses evident. Evidence of reflection and critical analysis and the ability to integrate knowledge and viewpoint. Considers and addresses the relationships between the construction of power and privilege and the ability to perpetuate or dismantle social inequality with respect to Indigenous Australians. Reputable sources utilised effectively. /30 PRESENTATION (GQ’s 6 & 7) (30%) Communicate appropriately: overall presentation including correct grammar, spelling and punctuation. Proper acknowledgement of documentation and correct citation of references. Use of inclusive language and appropriate terminology. /30 Assignment Mark /100 Grade Summary Comments: Examiner Name: This form complies with the requirements of UniSA’s Code of Good Practice: Student Assessment Read More

Volunteering at Plan International Australia equipped me with knowledge in Microsoft word, excel, research and PowerPoint presentations. The versatility nature of my position empowered my flexibility, attention to details, proper time management, teamwork and interpersonal skills. These confirm that I can thrive in a culturally rooted community and drive sensitive issues in a gently. I look forward to your positive response. Sincerely 3) Then respond to the 7 dot point criteria in Part 1, and then the Comprehension questions outlined in Part 2 below (approximately 1,200 words).

PART 1 Respond to the following dot point criteria: (Ensure your responses are supported with the relevant and appropriate evidence). These must thoroughly showcase your knowledge of the course content. Ability to communicate with Indigenous Australian families and communities: I am a candidate who respects culture of not only Australians but also other people across the world. Over the period I have volunteered with Caritas Australia, I have gained knowledge on how to communicate with the Aboriginal members of Australian community.

Creating a rapport with the communities is an essential tool that has helped me understand the community language. Mobilization and advocacy for fair treatment for all citizens has kept me on the forefront since they have suffered discrimination in a long time. The community is very sensitive especially with matters of death (Stirling et al., 2012). I have learned not to mention the names of deceased person and not to share their images on any platform since the community perceives it as disrespect and harm causation to the bereaved family members.

I have also learned to call the elders of the community Auntie or uncle with regard to their gender affiliation (Dudgeon et al., 2014).The blood relations do not matter in this case: as long as the person is an elder the names suits them. Ability to engage respectfully with the Indigenous Australian community The respect accorded to the elders of the community is the same as professional leaders in any organization. Therefore, before taking any step, which requires consultation, I not only consult the relevant professional authorities but also the leaders of the Aboriginal communities.

Consultation with the elders requires an after refreshments, tea or transport reimbursement to their residential places in case of travel (Dudgeon et al., 2014). A community which has been befallen with death, locally referred to as “sorry business” should not be involved in any meetings unless after two weeks of mourning and grieving. In community presentations, I have learnt to display written or printed aboriginal materials since it gives them a sense of recognition. Ability to understand and have knowledge of Indigenous Australian communities’ family and kinship systems I have a vast knowledge on the Australian indigenous families and kinship system.

It is difficult and very different from the modern family systems. A child in these communities does not receive disciplinary action and caution from his parents alone but any other community member who sees the need (Stirling et al., 2012). The kingship system is complex since all members relate to one another. Their physical structuring determines the number of hunting groups, which comprise and approximation number of fifteen people. The religious structure has its division into moieties, individual affiliation to certain animals.

Their acceptance to an outsider goes as far as naming the person concerning their local naming system. Ability to provide effective and sensitive advice to Indigenous Australian community members With the knowledge attained on the challenges facing the aboriginals especially health issues, I believe that I can offer sexual reproductive health skills and counseling services to these communities effectively. This will entail separating the women from the men with respect to their cultural values and beliefs.

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