Working toward a provincial strategy to eliminate poverty: a reflective review of a practicum with poverty-free Saskatchewan.

Abstract

This report is a reflective review of an eight-month part-time Master of Social Work field practicum, which I competed in partnership with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, Saskatchewan Office (CCPA-SK) and the Poverty-Free Saskatchewan (PFS) network between the months of January and August of 2010. My practicum experience focused on the continued development of Poverty-Free Saskatchewan, a network of concerned individuals seeking to develop a poverty elimination strategy. PFS is following the trend of other Canadian provinces which are working on poverty reduction strategies. My practicum followed the work of my colleague, Kirk Englot, who completed his MSW Field Practicum with PFS prior to my involvement. This report outlines the ideologies, theories, and values which underlie my work. Furthermore, I also reflect upon my practicum experience by evaluating my professional beliefs, skills, ethics and future career goals.