Home
From the Editor
We are very fortunate to have a new institutional home for Contemporary Rural Social Work, The University of North Dakota at Grand Forks. The University of North Dakota is located in one of our most rural states, and has a long track record of involvement with rural issues.
Our goals are to have the Journal function as a publication site for rural research and theoretical articles related to rural social work, as well as for short articles related to social work practice in rural areas by practitioners. We also will add case studies related to rural social work and other teaching materials as these are received. The reason for the addition of teaching materials is that there are many sources for urban materials and few sources for rural social work.
Photographs and poetry related to rural issues are also of interest as are other materials that relate to the infinite variation of the rural experience.
We anticipate that we will be able to publish two to three issues a year.
Peggy Pittman-Munke, Editor-in-Chief
Current Volume
Articles
Review: A Revolution Down on the Farm: The Transformation of American Agriculture Since 1929 (View PDF)
Peter A. Kindle; University of South Dakota
Abstract: Born in 1929 and raised on a small farm in eastern Tennessee, Paul Conkin, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History at Vanderbilt University, provides an accessible work on the development of agriculture in the United States over the last 80 years. Conkin is neither an apologist for American agriculture nor a critic. Perhaps he might best be described as an interested bystander who has observed that “agriculture has been the most successful sector in the recent economic history of the United States” (p. x). Since 1950, the productivity of American farms has increased at least tenfold, an advance which never fails to astound Conkin. This balanced and partially biographical work is a good place to begin to understand how farming and rural life has changed in the latter half of the 20th century.
Addressing Health and Social Disparities through Community-Based Participatory Research in Rural Communities: Challenges and Opportunities for Social Work (View PDF)
Tiffany D. Baffour; Winston-Salem State University
Abstract: Social workers can increase the translational ability of their research efforts to create sustainable community change in rural communities through the use of community-based participatory research (CBPR). CBPR is a congruent approach to social work values, representing a balance between research and community empowerment. This article focuses on methodological concerns in conceptualization, setting research goals, measurement, data collection, and dissemination of the findings. Recommendations for how interrelated areas of social work education, practice, research, and policy can address rural social and health disparities through CBPR are advanced.
Online Task Groups and Social Work Education: Lessons Learned (View PDF)
George A. Jacinto; Saint Leo University, Young Joon Hong; Arkansas State University
Abstract: This paper focuses the use of an online task group for social work students to solve problems and produce recommendations. An online site provides students the opportunity to edit documents produced by the group’s work. Online task groups provide an alternative to face-to-face task group meetings in social service agencies with a number of distant service delivery locations. Additionally, online task groups provide a cost effective way to accomplish the business of social service agencies by eliminating the time and cost of travel to attend meetings. This paper offers a stage model of online group development and a discussion of lessons learned from an online task group used in a graduate Clinical Supervision class.
Foot Soldiers for Social Justice: Realities, Relationships, and Resilience (View PDF)
Carole J. Olson; Morehead State University, Holly A. Riffe; Northern Kentucky University, Caroline Reid & Norma Threadgill-Goldson;
Eastern Kentucky University
Abstract: Social justice is embraced as a central mission of social work, yet how the profession defines social justice lacks a clear and common understanding. This qualitative study explored social justice as perceived and practiced by social workers in diverse practice settings in mostly rural areas, small towns, and small cities. Their experiences illustrate ways that social workers engage and advocate for their clients with the goal of improving access to tangible and intangible resources through both conventional and unconventional means. The authors provide insight into the resilience that bolsters social workers’ efforts as they navigate between practice ideals and realities.
A Logic Model for Program Planning and Evaluation Applied to a Rural Social Work Department (View PDF)
Linda Leek Openshaw, Ara Lewellen, and Cynthia Harr;
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Abstract: A logic model is framework that is used to delineate goals and resources. It was used by the Social Work Department at Texas A&M University-Commerce to help visualize and establish the initial accreditation of the MSW program and continues to be a valuable tool for this rural social work program. The model has helped faculty determine a vision for the program. This vision has transferred to other areas such as recruitment and retention of faculty, curriculum choices for students, resources for alumni, and community development to reach rural social service agencies that are lacking in resources. The logic model provided a guiding framework that started at the inception of the social work program and has helped clarify strengths and weaknesses in building the social work program.
Building Relationships across Systems to Enhance Resiliency and Improve Foster Care Outcomes (View PDF)
Karen Rice, Heather Girvin; Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Abstract: Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) of Lancaster County represents a collaborative, systemic response to gaps in current service systems in a largely rural/suburban area. This paper discusses strategies used to foster support for CASA and on-going efforts to develop, implement, and evaluate the CASA program. We share lessons learned related to the development of innovative systemic responses to service gaps in rural areas.
Factors That Impact Service Delivery to Individuals Living With HIV/AIDS in Rural Northeastern Texas (View PDF)
Wilma Cordova, H. Stephen Cooper, & Freddie L. Avant; Stephen F. Austin University
Abstract: This study surveyed participants in focus groups to identify factors that affect individuals living with HIV/AIDS in rural northeastern Texas. The average age of the respondents was 45.44. Participants included a diverse group of American Europeans, Hispanics/Latinos, and African Americans. Although results are inconclusive, other studies have supported similar results regarding factors that impact treatment and services (Zuniga, Buchanan, & Chakravorty, 2005). Some of the factors include lack of financial resources for the consumer, stigma and discrimination, and lack of understanding on the part of the consumer and the community. More studies in rural areas serving people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) are needed to begin the work towards breaking down barriers to provide healthier environments and achieving social and economic justice.