3 Common Problems in Macro Practice

After carefully reviewing each of the 13 common problems that we face in Macro Practice, I chose the following three, and I hope that each one of my explanations help us understand some of the barriers that we face in Macro Practice.

1. We need to understand the community or situation better - Yes, we as social workers should be aware of the problems that surround us. Our community is where we live, where we socialize and where we grow up, for this it is important that we are aware of the problems or incidents whether they are good or bad. Our local church, food pantry, shelter, schools, and homes are part of our community. Some people might ambition better things than the ones they have. We need to know that not everyone can have what others have, and that there will always be diversity in our communities. We may find Hispanics, Whites, African Americans, Asians, Europeans and much more; but we also have to remember that we as a community should always get along with each other and be part of solving problems related to our community.

2. There is not enough community participation - As mentioned before, a community should always be willing to be part of problem solving when an issue is presented. If the community is not willing to participate to find a solution to a problem, then the problem will not be solved or it will get worst. This is not good because sooner or later this will affect us as a community. Sometimes members of the community do not attend school meetings, carnivals, local events or church because of a  language barrier. For example, in Brockton, MA predominate Cape Verdeans, following Hispanics as well as Whites and African Americans. If Hispanics or Cape Verdeans did not have a church that would provide services in their own languages, it will be a problem and these families would not have a religious life. Now, if this problem ever existed, us as a community should get together and find a solution to the problem, but if we don't get together the problem will just get worst. For those reasons it is important to be an active particpant of your community.

3. Not enough money to sustain the program or initiative - If a program does not have enough funds to sustain itself then there is a problem because services will not be provided to those who need them. Developing a plan for financial sustainability is the necessary thing to do, during or after the money is gone. We should always be prepared for negative outcomes, even if we think and see that things are running well. Sometimes we might need to apply for grants, and or fundraise to obtain money and keep the program(s) running.