UNCC300: AT3 Student Writing Guide - Assesment Answer

Introduction

The following assignment aims to explore the Catholic social thought principle of the Common Good through its elements and values, followed by the analysis of the Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action talking about its key objectives. This will be followed by shedding light on the critical structural issue of lack of recognition and support toward community workers and how the principles of UNCC300 and collaboration with a local community organisation can bring about effective change. Lastly, arguments will be presented in favour of choosing the above-mentioned structural issue over any other issue existing in the chosen professional sector and why collaborating with local community organisations is the best approach to deal with the issue

Catholic Social Thought Principle: The Common Good

The Common Good is a core principle in Catholic social thought that focuses on the cumulative development and well-being of all the members of the society instead of prioritising the needs and interests of specific individuals or groups. It acknowledges the fact that human beings are social by nature and that the good of each individual is interconnected with the overall good of society or community. Firstly, this principle sheds light on the importance of shared responsibility among the members of the community, thus encouraging solidarity. Secondly, it firmly believes that every individual constitutes inherent dignity along with fundamental rights (Rugani et al., 2022).

Thirdly, the principle dictates that it is the responsibility of each and every human state to promote and protect these fundamental rights and bodily integrity. In addition to this, it demands that no individual or group be deprived of or written unworthy of the description of the common good or the fundamental concern. Furthermore, this principle focuses on the “preferential option for the poor”, which demands giving attention to the underprivileged or marginalised sections of society and acts as a model for the advocation of rights and dignity of the vulnerable members of the community (Hussain, 2018).

Moreover, the Common Good also aligns with the principle of subsidiarity, which recommends that issues need to be dealt with from the grassroots level. This leads to the empowerment of the less-represented communities and the involvement of individuals who have the closest relation to the situation and know about the community's specific concerns and needs. Lastly, the principle promotes global solidarity, which indicates the extension of the Common Good beyond international and national borders and prioritises a type of assistance that is collaborative and mutually beneficial (Christie et al., 2019).

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action

The United Nations included SDG 13 in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. SDG 13 demands that urgent steps be taken to deal with climate change and its effects and facilitates the promotion of sustainable development. Firstly, this SDG aims to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to hazards associated with climate change and natural disasters. This involves enhancing the capability of communities and countries to withstand the effects of climate change. Secondly, it focuses on the integration of measures related to climate change into national strategies, policies and planning, which recommends countries incorporate policies and agendas related to climate change and encourage sustainable development (The Global Goals, 2023).

Thirdly, this goal aims to work towards improving awareness and education and capacity with respect to the mitigation of climate change along with adaptation, the reduction of impact and early warning. This involves the development of early warning systems for adverse weather events and inculcating an understanding related to strategies associated with adaptation and mitigation of climate change. Next is the promotion of mechanisms for raising the capacity for climate management and planning in developing countries, including a focus on Least Developed Countries (LDC). Lastly, the SDG involves the implementation of the UN framework convention on climate change. This is concerned with achieving the goal associated with the joint mobilisation of $100 billion through the Green Climate Fund and other sources so as to provide financial support to developing countries for adaptation and mitigation related to climate change (The Global Goals, 2023).

Professional Sector and Structural Issue

The most significant structural issue in the chosen professional sector of community workers is the lack of support, resources and recognition with respect to their role in the promotion of the common good, the fostering of economic development and the protection of workers’ rights (Banks, 2020). This is because it is prevalent for community workers not to receive adequate compensation, adverse conditions of employment, along with limited opportunities related to professional development and growth. This not only leads to a hindrance to community service but also affects their mental and physical well-being (Kossek et al., 2018). The application of UNCC300 (Justice and Change in a Global World) in collaboration with a local community such as the Australian Community Workers Association can be implemented in the following ways:

Firstly, a comprehensive needs assessment can be conducted, which would help in the identification of the critical issues and obstacles faced by community workers and the communities they serve or are a part of. This would be accompanied by the development of programs and initiatives that focus on the common good of the community at large (Shakespeare-Finch et al., 2020). In addition to this, it would also advocate the empowerment of community workers and the implementation of policies that take into consideration of their role in the community (Marlow, 2023). Secondly, it would be essential to work for the promotion of the inherent dignity of community workers. This would involve advocation for minimum wages, fair labour practices and safe and secure environments for working (Gibson et al., 2023). Collaborating with local community organisations would assist in the establishment of support systems and grievance portals for the protection of the well-being and rights of the workers. This collaboration would also help in ensuring that community workers are treated fairly and with respect (Othman et al., 2020).

Thirdly, it is important that programs aimed at building the capacity of workers are designed. This would involve training in technical as well as emotional aspects, ensuring a comprehensive and holistic development. In addition to this, this can even constitute organising seminars and workshops for the same (Honadle, 2018). Furthermore, the identification of vulnerable or marginalised community workers served by community workers is also crucial for the implementation of services that would be focused on addressing the specific needs and concerns of these communities. For this, it is vital to ensure that community workers are culturally sensitive and competent (Afifi et al., 2020). The next step would be to involve local community organisations in processes related to decision-making and the implementation of programs. Giving recognition to their expertise and knowledge would be necessary for driving positive changes in the community (Wheeler et al., 2020). Lastly, advocating for the increase in investment related to community worker programs and initiatives would also play an essential role in aiding the professional development and creation of opportunities ensuring sustainable livelihoods (Emery & Flora, 2020).

The lack of support and recognition for community workers stands out as a significant structural issue and needs to be prioritised over other issues like funding constraints for community programs. Although financial limitations are important in their own place, the addition of value and the empowerment of community workers is crucial for bringing about an impactful change in society. This is due to several reasons. Firstly, community workers serve as human capital as they constantly work on the front lines dedicated to the service of vulnerable and deprived communities, the creation of inclusive environments and advocation of their rights (Ife et al., 2022). Secondly, recognition and support add to the development of resilience within communities. This is due to effective engagement with other members of the community, which helps them to recognise the strengths and weaknesses of the community and work on the development of solutions keeping in mind the needs and concerns of the community (Usher et al., 2021). In addition, the creation of a community that is robust and empowered enables the community and its people to respond appropriately to adverse situations such as natural disasters and social and economic crises (Sarabia et al., 2020). Thirdly, providing support and recognition leads to the building of trust and expedites collaboration and open communication among community workers giving rise to a sense of cohesion in the community. Lastly, this results in the formation of a community that is aware and well-informed regarding their rights. Moreover, this facilitates the advocation for basic amenities and the fulfilment of legal obligations in the workplace (Lansing et al., 2023).

Although there might be many other approaches that can be implemented for addressing the issue of lack of support and recognition among community workers, collaboration with a local community stands out as the most sustainable and impactful approach. To begin with, in-depth knowledge and understanding are possessed by local community organisations. This can help in providing valuable insights and developing initiatives and programs which are specifically suited to the concerns and grievances of the residents as well as the community workers (Morton Ninomiya et a., 2020). Secondly, engagement with a local community enables the community to feel empowered and responsible for their initiatives. This leads to the active participation of workers and residents in designing and implementing programs along with processes related to decision-making. Thirdly, local community organisations have well-established connections and networks within the community. This helps in the efficient collection of resources coupled with adequate funding and local support (Steiner & Farmer, 2018). Lastly, these organisations exhibit cultural sensitivity and prioritise marginalised sections of the community. This facilitates the development of culturally appropriate solutions and the embracement of diversity. In addition to this, it also ensures that the impact is significant and broad, and it benefits even the most remote communities (Woodland et al., 2021).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Common Good was discussed as the catholic social thought principle, which stands for the development and well-being of society. It is a community-centred approach and has human dignity as a core element. Through this principle, Catholics aim at creating a society that is compassionate and fair, and the common good is beneficial to everyone. This was followed was an analysis of Sustainable Development Goal 13 which advocates Climate Action. It recognises the urgent need to deal with climate change and work towards sustainable development so as to address not only environmental concerns but also the implications on human rights and poverty reduction. In addtion to this, collaboration with a local organisation, along with the principles of UNCC300, to address the structural issue of lack of support and recognition among community workers can act as a model for positive change and lead to the creation of a fair and more inclusive society.

References

Afifi, R. A., Abdulrahim, S., Betancourt, T., Btedinni, D., Berent, J., Dellos, L., & Parker, E. (2020). Implementing community‐based participatory research with communities affected by humanitarian crises: The potential to recalibrate equity and power in vulnerable contexts. American Journal of Community Psychology, 66(3-4), 381-391. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajcp.12453

Banks, S. (2020). Ethics and values in social work. Bloomsbury Publishing. https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=CfJGEAAAQBAJ

Christie, I., Gunton, R. M., & Hejnowicz, A. P. (2019). Sustainability and the common good: Catholic Social Teaching and ‘Integral Ecology’as contributions to a framework of social values for sustainability transitions. Sustainability Science, 14, 1343-1354. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-019-00691-y

Emery, M., & Flora, C. (2020). Spiraling-up: Mapping community transformation with community capitals framework. In 50 Years of Community Development Vol I (pp. 163-179). Routledge. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781003103066-13

Gibson, C., Thomason, B., Margolis, J., Groves, K., Gibson, S., & Franczak, J. (2023). Dignity inherent and earned: The experience of dignity at work. Academy of Management Annals, 17(1), 218-267. https://doi.org/10.5465/annals.2021.0059

Honadle, B. W. (2018). A capacity-building framework: A search for concept and purpose. Public Sector Performance, 20-35. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780429497964-4

Hussain, W. (2018). The common good. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/common-good/?fbclid=IwAR2f8FzCR2Y9x3cVJ4jG9DOiVPTuBwFKHn_aVserLON468SPO8daikl5rus

Ife, J., Soldatić, K., & Briskman, L. (2022). Human rights and social work. Cambridge University Press. https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=IPxvEAAAQBAJ&

Kossek, E. E., & Lautsch, B. A. (2018). Work–life flexibility for whom? Occupational status and work–life inequality in upper, middle, and lower level jobs. Academy of Management Annals, 12(1), 5-36. https://doi.org/10.5465/annals.2016.0059

Lansing, A. E., Romero, N. J., Siantz, E., Silva, V., Center, K., Casteel, D., & Gilmer, T. (2023). Building trust: Leadership reflections on community empowerment and engagement in a large urban initiative. BMC Public Health, 23(1), 1-25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-023-15860-z

Marlow, C. R. (2023). Research methods for generalist social work. Waveland Press. https://books.google.co.in/books?hl=en&lr=&id=Z023EAAAQBAJ

Morton Ninomiya, M., George, N. P., George, J., Linklater, R., Bull, J., Plain, S., & Wells, S. (2020). A community-driven and evidence-based approach to developing mental wellness strategies in First Nations: A program protocol. Research involvement and engagement, 6(1), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40900-020-0176-9

Othman, M. H., Razali, R., & Nasrudin, M. F. (2020). Key factors for e-government towards sustainable development goals. Int. J. Adv. Sci. Technol, 29(6), 2864-2876. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mohamed-Hairul-Othman/publication/341509023.pdf

Rugani, M. (2022). “Capitalizing” on Catholic Social Teaching: Seeking Normative Principles for Constructive Social Capital in the Catholic Tradition. Civic Sociology, 3(1), 55746. https://doi.org/10.1525/cs.2022.55746

Sarabia, M. M., Kägi, A., Davison, A. C., Banwell, N., Montes, C., Aebischer, C., & Hostettler, S. (2020). The challenges of impact evaluation: Attempting to measure the effectiveness of community-based disaster risk management. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 49, 101732. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2020.101732

Shakespeare-Finch, J., Bowen-Salter, H., Cashin, M., Badawi, A., Wells, R., Rosenbaum, S., & Steel, Z. (2020). COVID-19: An Australian perspective. Journal of Loss and Trauma, 25(8), 662-672. https://doi.org/10.1080/15325024.2020.1780748

Steiner, A. A., & Farmer, J. (2018). Engage, participate, empower: Modelling power transfer in disadvantaged rural communities. Environment and Planning C: Politics and Space, 36(1), 118-138. https://doi.org/10.1177/2399654417701730

The Global Goals. (2023). 13 Climate action. https://www.globalgoals.org/goals/13-climate-action

Usher, K., Jackson, D., Walker, R., Durkin, J., Smallwood, R., Robinson, M., & Marriott, R. (2021). Indigenous resilience in Australia: A scoping review using a reflective decolonizing collective dialogue. Frontiers in Public Health, 9, 630601. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2021.630601

Wheeler, H., Danielsen, F., Fidel, M., Hausner, V. H., Horstkotte, T., Johnson, N., & Vronski, N. (2020). The need for transformative changes in the use of Indigenous knowledge along with science for environmental decision-making in the Arctic.https://munin.uit.no/bitstream/handle/10037/19774/article.pdf?sequence=2

Woodland, L., Blignault, I., O’Callaghan, C., & Harris-Roxas, B. (2021). A framework for preferred practices in conducting culturally competent health research in a multicultural society. Health Research Policy and Systems, 19, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-020-00657-y

You Might Also Like:

Nursing Assignment Help

Shared Responsibility for Common Good Assignments

Medical Sciences: Health and social care