about us

The Truth and Witnessing Circle provided a refreshing and rewarding experience for me. Witnessing group members’ truths compelled me to reevaluate how I engage with clients, encouraging me to reflect more on my role and responsibilities. I found it incredibly liberating to hear others tell their truths, and I was eager to do the same. I had not realized how much I conformed to the uncompassionate culture of the organizations I worked with, but sitting through this group allowed me to reflect on who I was as a social worker when I first entered the field versus who I have become over time. I realized that I had some truths to tell, and I want the opportunity to tell my story as it no longer serves me to hold on to my past mistakes. It was a real awakening for me personally and professionally.  I am different because of that experience.  

- Webinar participant

The willingness of each participant to share painful personal truths that allows us all to explore our own complicity in the white supremacist system we've dedicated our lives to. It's humbling and sobering to think that we have been trying to offer help and support to families, and we've actually hurt those same people.

- Webinar participant

I need to hear these conversations and be around others who care about the work and want to be honest about their full experiences. I am connecting to own experience in ways I never knew I needed.

- Webinar participant

I used to think that as a social worker, I needed to have all the answers and always know what to do. But this experience has taught me that it’s okay not to know everything. In fact, not knowing forces me to stay present and open to learning, which is really where the growth happens. I’m starting to see that it’s less about having solutions and more about creating space for conversations, listening, and being willing to adapt.

Through all of this, I’ve come to see how every task I’m doing with the Collective is adding to my growth. Whether it’s leading a discussion or listening to others' experiences, each moment feels like a small step forward. It’s been humbling, but also exciting, to realize that this work is shaping me into the social worker I want to be.

- Former MSW placement student

Thank you for allowing me to join this group. It's extremely valuable to me as an old-timer in the work, and someone who can still change and learn and see myself through a new lens.

- Webinar participant

My last weekly reflection… It is bittersweet. I remember when I started with the Collective, I felt overwhelmed and struggled with imposter syndrome. As I wrap this part of my journey, I am so grateful for this experience. I really resonated with what another student shared in Connections this week about how the Collective inspires us to think differently about things and it helps us “re-wire” certain ways of thinking. I wholeheartedly think this is true. I am leaving my placement experience with so many profound lessons and learnings, ones that I don’t think I would have gotten anywhere else. I am so thankful for the opportunity to explore, learn and grow – and not just produce things. I don’t know where my career will take me next, but I know I have been able to make small changes in my social work practice, ones I hope will have a positive impact on those I work with. I will take these experiences and learnings with me, wherever I go.

- Former MSW placement student