Conference Theme
Social sustainability introduces a long term perspective for social action and is a fundamental concept for building social policy in Europe today. Financial and economic crises create new challenges and opportunities for our global society.
Sub themes:
A. Social policy and social action are interconnected. Social policy development requires building social action.
How are European, national and regional social policies intertwined? Do they ensure economic, social and territorial cohesion in Europe? How are European policies influenced by social action? What impact do national social policies have on Europe?
Topics:
- New research, theory and knowledge highlighting social sustainability in interventions by social professionals.
- The consequences of social sustainability (or a lack of it) on the social inclusion and exclusion of people.
- The impact of evidence-based practice on social problems and interventions.
- The effect of sustainable interventions, empowerment strategies and social action on social services provision.
B. Active citizenship and social rights:
How do we re-enforce and make use of international charters and conventions – e.g. The Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN), The European Social Charter (CoE), The Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union? What is their relevance in the daily work of social professionals?
Topics:
- Stimulating social capital and creating new opportunities for diverse populations;
- Ensuring the rights of service users in having their voices heard;
- The shared and different roles and functions of women and men in society and in the social professional field;
- Empowerment strategies for children, young people, adults, elders and families.
C. Professional intuition is a unique mix of professional knowledge, skill, passion and ethical engagement. How should social professionals balance these elements or competencies? How should these competencies be articulated in social professional education and practice?
Topics:
- Identifying, training and assessing competencies for social professionals;
- Social professionals as radicals and political activists and their role in policy-building;
- Educating the social professional with a view to developing a critical and reflective attitude with a focus on values such as social justice, equity and sustainability;
- The place of passion, enthusiasm and commitment in the work of social professionals.
D. Innovation. New experiences and projects are developing everywhere. How do these innovations address the economic and social challenges of today? How are service users involved in these innovations? Are they sustainable and transferable?
Topics:
- Sustainable, innovative projects and initiatives: alternative projects and projects integrated into traditional methods and structures;
- Working in partnership – service user involvement in creating quality services;
- Social entrepreneurship – between profit and solidarity?
- Innovations in fighting poverty and social inequality.
