Special Call on Navigating Change: Reflective Insights for Helping Professionals in Shifting Political Landscapes

2025-01-23

Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping
A Multidisciplinary Peer-Reviewed Online Journal
Published by Salem State University School of Social Work

Special Call on Navigating Change: Reflective Insights for Helping Professionals in Shifting Political Landscapes

Submissions due: June 1, 2025

Rationale

The political landscape of the United States continues to face unprecedented challenges in recent years, characterized by divisive rhetoric, heightened racial and social tensions, public health crises, and a deepening struggle for justice. These challenges—consisting of systemic racism, immigration disputes, healthcare inequities, police brutality, and threats to voting rights— profoundly affect the work of various helping professionals who work at the forefront of advocacy, intervention, and systemic change. As social work educators and practitioners at HBCUs, we draw upon our previous work in HBCUs Respond: Social Justice and Social Work Education in a Trump Era (2017, Estreet; Jones; and Freeman) to expand our exploration of social work’s role in these turbulent times.

In this turbulent context, helping professionals—including social workers, public health practitioners, healthcare administrators, legal advocates, educators, and community organizers—play pivotal roles in addressing the root causes of inequality, advocating for human rights, and promoting justice. As we continue to confront ongoing struggles for racial equity, reproductive rights, and protections for marginalized populations, this special section offers a platform to reflect on the resilience, innovation, and advocacy needed to navigate these shifting political landscapes.

This issue invites narratives that capture the complexities of working in politically charged environments where policies often worsen the vulnerabilities of marginalized communities. By reflecting on sharing these experiences, we aim to illuminate the collective strength and diverse approaches of helping professionals committed to justice and equity.  By working collaboratively, these diverse professions amplify their impact, creating more comprehensive and sustainable solutions to systemic inequities

Aim and Scope of Special Section

This special section, This Time Around: Navigating Change: Reflective Insights for Helping Professionals in Shifting Political Landscapes, seeks submissions that highlight professionals across a wide range of disciplines. We aim to highlight how helping professionals adapt, advocate, and intervene in response to evolving political challenges. We particularly welcome submissions that demonstrate how interdisciplinary collaborations have enhanced outcomes for marginalized communities.  From racial justice and police reform to healthcare disparities, voting rights, and civic engagement, this issue will highlight the strategies and insights that shape professional practice in these tumultuous times.

We encourage submissions that explore themes such as:

- Advocacy and ethical decision-making in politically charged contexts.

- Culturally responsive practices that address systemic inequities.

- Resilience and adaptability in promoting justice and human rights.

- Collaborative approaches across disciplines to confront social and political challenges.

This Special Section Focuses on Narratives From...

We welcome contributions from all helping professionals, including but not limited to:

  • Social workers
  • Counselors
  • Psychiatrists & Psychologists
  • Public health practitioners
  • Healthcare administrators and Clinicians
  • Legal advocates and Policymakers
  • Community organizers; and Educators

Submissions may include reflective essays (1,200–3,000 words) or in-depth narratives (up to 8,000 words). We encourage submissions that integrate theoretical frameworks with practical insights to inform future professional practices Authors are encouraged to share how their work mitigates harm caused by adverse political decisions, advocates for vulnerable individuals and communities, and fosters resilience and empowerment.

This issue will also honor the legacy of historically black colleges and universities, HBCUs in preparing professionals to lead with integrity and a commitment to justice while exploring the broader implications of policy shifts across disciplines.

References

Estreet, A. T., Jones, K., & Freeman, J. T. (2018). HBCUs Respond: Social Justice and Social            Work Education in a Trump Era. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, 23(2), 35–45. https://reflectionsnarrativesofprofessionalhelping.org/index.php/Reflections/article/view/1546

For inquiries about submissions for this Special Section, please contact Guest Editor:

Kenya C. Jones, PhD, LMSW, Clark Atlanta University, Associate Professor, Center for Interprofessional Collaboration and Education, C- ICE kjones1@cau.edu

Additional Guest Editors

Anthony T. Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW – C, Chief Executive Officer, CEO, National Association of Social Workers, NASW naswceo@socialworkers.org

James T. Freeman, PhD, LCSW, Associate Professor, Johnson C. Smith University,  jtfreeman@jcsu.edu

Before submitting a manuscript, please review Instructions for Authors and other announcements on the Reflections home page. To submit, please visit http://www.rnoph.org, register as an author, login and submit to the Special Section on Navigating Change. For further instructions, see Submissions on the Reflections home page.