Navigating Ethical Advocacy: Adaptive Leadership and Moral Courage in Politically Charged Contexts

Authors

  • Darrin E. Wright Walden University

Keywords:

Afrocentric Perspective, autonomy, belonging, ethical decision-making, humanistic values, social justice, well-being

Abstract

Helping professionals constantly struggle to navigate the complexities of ethical dilemmas while promoting just and equitable policies in the current unstable political environment. With emphasis on how social workers and other helping professionals can evaluate and resolve conflicting policies to advance social justice, this essay examines how moral courage and adaptive leadership are essential to this work. Drawing on an ethical decision-making model and incorporating Afrocentric principles such as humanistic values and autonomy, the essay provides a framework for understanding the empowerment and self-determination necessary for effective advocacy. Reflecting on these concepts can help professionals sharpen their approach to ethical leadership and drive meaningful change. The essay concludes with three thought-provoking questions to strengthen ethical advocacy and decision-making in today’s politically volatile world.

Author Biography

Darrin E. Wright, Walden University

Darrin E. Wright, PhD, LMSW is Adjunct Faculty, School of Social Work, Walden University, Atlanta, GA (dwinnovative12@gmail.com).

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Published

2026-07-30

How to Cite

Wright, D. E. (2026). Navigating Ethical Advocacy: Adaptive Leadership and Moral Courage in Politically Charged Contexts. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, 32(2), 48–55. Retrieved from https://reflectionsnarrativesofprofessionalhelping.org/index.php/Reflections/article/view/2254