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Social work, sociology continues community connection through Facebook

Rebecca Clark and Cayce Watson use social media to honor graduating seniors and social workers during the global pandemic

Cate Zenzen | 

Department of Social Work Facebook

In this time of social distancing and isolation due to COVID-19, we are fortunate to have the technology to continue education, work, and socialization virtually. Online platforms are now the primary outlets of communication, and the Department of Social Work and Sociology at Lipscomb University has optimized the situation as a way to continue community outreach. 

Rebecca Clark, department chair of Social Work and Sociology, and Cayce Watson, associate professor of Social Work and Sociology, use the Lipscomb Social Work Facebook page to post encouraging graphics, uplifting stories, and important information on the health crisis. 

“One of the core values of the social work profession is the salience of human relationships. We know that individuals thrive when they feel affirmed, connected to a community, and have increased access to tangible resources. It is our intention to cultivate a resilient space for our students, their families, and our community partners during this time. Although that space may look different in a virtual environment, its value and attached meaning are key to promoting our well-being and support,” said Watson. 

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Lipscomb University officials announced earlier this month that the traditional on-campus graduation ceremony would not be held this spring. While cancellations have become common in this unprecedented season, the May 2020 graduating class now grieves the loss of their long-anticipated commencement. To help ease the blow, Watson and Clark are also using the account to honor the seniors in the Department of Social Work and Sociology. 

“We have all had to alter our lives in response to the global pandemic, and college seniors have particularly experienced a deep loss. They had to quickly pack up and leave campus -- unable to say goodbye to friends, faculty and staff, many of whom they shared life with over the last four years. In addition, our senior Social Work majors had to abruptly end their field placements, something they worked hard to obtain and in which they excelled. As a Department, we wanted to find a way to honor them and their accomplishments, as well as our community partner agencies and field supervisors. Social Workers believe in the dignity and worth of individuals -- and at a time of such upheaval in our world, we wanted to affirm our seniors, thank our community partners, and share some positivity,” said Clark.

The Lipscomb Social Work Facebook page is open to all Facebook users. Friends and loved ones are encouraged to share the senior spotlight posts and support the social work professionals working hard during this pandemic. 

“We have received positive feedback from our community partners about our “Senior Spotlight” posts, and many have shared them on their own social media sites, as well as the links to other resources. In a time of uncertainty for many non-profit agencies and other organizations, this seems to be a source of encouragement,” said Clark. 

Accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the Department of Social Work and Sociology at Lipscomb University offers academically strong, culturally relevant programs for students to become competent, compassionate social workers who exhibit Christ-likeness  through interpersonal sensitivity, sacrificial service, academic excellence, professional passion and personal integrity. Students prepare for careers in a variety of sectors through classroom training and 500 hours of supervised field practicum work. As a result, department graduates are preferred by area  employers and working in Christian and secular agencies across the state, nation and world.