Abstract
Both in the professional field and in the international academia, we always say that social work is an international profession with local practice and global implications. Of course, we have formed a few international or regional social work organisations for the pursuit of our ideals and exchange of ideas, such as the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), International Council on Social Welfare (ICSW) and International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW). In fact, our International Social Work (ISW), as a professional and academic journal, is serving as a platform and network for sharing and advancing the mission of the social work profession globally by revisiting, researching and reflecting on local social work practice in different parts of the world. In this forum, perspectives on concepts, content, contacts and constructs of meaning are examined by the global social work community.
This issue of ISW is not a special issue on COVID-19, but it is unique in terms of both its nature and content. As Editors, we have chosen two original manuscripts and more than 20 ‘voices from practice’ and ‘brief notes’ for publication. Most of them come from the hands of social workers often engaging at the front line of practice. Authorship is often a partnership of practitioners and scholars showing the dedication social workers have to sharing practice wisdom and reflective minds. It may be the first time in this journal, since its establishment in 1957, that it features such a concentration of practice voices from the front line. The reason behind this ‘unique issue’ is that our world is facing an unprecedented and unpredictable crisis, not only the COVID-19 virus itself but also the relevant economic downturn, unequal distribution of necessary resources, and discrimination against those vulnerable and socially excluded populations all over the world. In this emergency context, we have no choice. What we social workers should do and can do is stand up and walk with our clients for their survival and dignity. This explains why there are numerous submissions from practitioners from around the world.
From the collection of these short, sharp but shock essays, we get to know information about the hardship of the people in adverse situations and insights into working with the neglected and traumatised members of our societies. Articles show the compound impact of COVID-19 on existing vulnerabilities and inequalities and the operation of community and culture to build support and to give voice to those who are powerless. We are strengthened by insights into people’s resilience, compassion and capacity to mobilise. These articles give us a snapshot of the positive difference social work is making in response to the pandemic and the type of hopeful future it can create after the disaster.
Starting from the faith of our social workers and the professional expertise and experience, we are at the front line to feel and face the adversities with our clients, to make a voice to civic society to reflect their needs and demands, to fight for the rights that they deserve, and to empower the minorities and the deprived with care and concern. Our fellow social workers try their best to identify the needs of the people and light up the life of our clients in the dark by serving and empowering. As Editors, we should provide a platform to highlight their ideas. We hope that this effort can inspire social workers in other parts of the world. What we are doing is a common social work practice, all with humanistic values, professional knowledge and meaningful actions but with different people for different hardships in different contexts. Local social work action helps us unite as global professionals in solidarity. Let our action go on and on together . . .