ETHICS AND VALUES
At the very core of the Human Services profession, there are two key components that drive the "why" of this particular field. Why do we help? Why do we find this issue important? Why do we approach these issues and/or provide help in this way?
Because of ethics and values.
Now, not every person has the same ethics or values--far from it. This was a very important lesson we learned while studying Human Services. I had the opportunity of learning about, researching and presenting these differences, as well as showcasing my personal ethics and values. To explore this topic, I will first provide definitions and examples of the two terms, then I will reflect on my own ethics and values that have served to guide and develop who I am as a human being and human services professional.
To begin, ethics are how one behaves based on how that individual views what is morally good and bad (according to Merriam-Webster). There are two instances where I expressed this within my coursework: Once in my HSP 315: Human Development and Human Services course, and the other for my Culminating Project as part of this portfolio. The assignment for HSP 315 pertained to writing a reaction toward a very unethical approach to working with terminally ill patients in hospitals. During my Culminating Project, I had to write a Constitution, detailing how members of the club I created should interact (and not interact) with each other and the community at Western Washington University.
Treating others ethically is a very important concept that I hold dear. In fact, I actively advocate on the subject at a local, state, and national level. The area I am most active at advocating for are "right to life" issues against such things as abortion, euthanasia, genocide, unjust (in truth, any) wars, legal assisted suicide, and the death penalty. I also frequently advocate for promoting and defending the rights of persons with severe disAbilities or disorders. First and foremost, I spell "disAbilities" with a capital "A" to represent the fact that such persons do have abilities. I have also worked with many of these stereotyped individuals. As part of my work with Service Alternatives, Inc., I assisted my clients in learning basic life skills that would help them find employment and possibly upper education later on in life.
Because of ethics and values.
Now, not every person has the same ethics or values--far from it. This was a very important lesson we learned while studying Human Services. I had the opportunity of learning about, researching and presenting these differences, as well as showcasing my personal ethics and values. To explore this topic, I will first provide definitions and examples of the two terms, then I will reflect on my own ethics and values that have served to guide and develop who I am as a human being and human services professional.
To begin, ethics are how one behaves based on how that individual views what is morally good and bad (according to Merriam-Webster). There are two instances where I expressed this within my coursework: Once in my HSP 315: Human Development and Human Services course, and the other for my Culminating Project as part of this portfolio. The assignment for HSP 315 pertained to writing a reaction toward a very unethical approach to working with terminally ill patients in hospitals. During my Culminating Project, I had to write a Constitution, detailing how members of the club I created should interact (and not interact) with each other and the community at Western Washington University.
Treating others ethically is a very important concept that I hold dear. In fact, I actively advocate on the subject at a local, state, and national level. The area I am most active at advocating for are "right to life" issues against such things as abortion, euthanasia, genocide, unjust (in truth, any) wars, legal assisted suicide, and the death penalty. I also frequently advocate for promoting and defending the rights of persons with severe disAbilities or disorders. First and foremost, I spell "disAbilities" with a capital "A" to represent the fact that such persons do have abilities. I have also worked with many of these stereotyped individuals. As part of my work with Service Alternatives, Inc., I assisted my clients in learning basic life skills that would help them find employment and possibly upper education later on in life.
In a similar, but different, way, a person's values are the desires, actions, and goals that a person finds of great importance (according to Merriam-Webster). One action and goal I find very important is the ability to teach patience and personal safety. To express this to my fellow classmates, I created a PowerPoint that taught the importance of proper deescalation techniques and what such skills would look like in a realistic setting.
One thing that I find highly valuable is a person's dignity. I find it absolutely deplorable when a person is treated as less than they deserve. I'll touch again on my stance against abortion. With my view of life being that it is precious and priceless, it saddens me when I see others willingly take the life of another being away. Life is the most valuable thing on earth (for me).
One thing that I find highly valuable is a person's dignity. I find it absolutely deplorable when a person is treated as less than they deserve. I'll touch again on my stance against abortion. With my view of life being that it is precious and priceless, it saddens me when I see others willingly take the life of another being away. Life is the most valuable thing on earth (for me).
And everyone deserves a chance at exploring what life can bring them. I think of immigrants (legal or illegal) and refugees when I reflect on this topic. That said, an Immigration Reform is something I heavily support within our nation.
Now, my personal ethics and values are obviously interconnected. I can thank many influences for this. Primarily, these viewpoints stem from my family. As explored in my Landscape Portfolio, I come from a very Catholic background. Being a practicing member of the Church, I agree with its teachings around the sanctity of life. However, even without my faith, I believe these stances would still hold true.
Life is too precious a gift to treat with such contempt. It is the thing I value most and it is the core principal behind my take on ethical behavior.
Now, my personal ethics and values are obviously interconnected. I can thank many influences for this. Primarily, these viewpoints stem from my family. As explored in my Landscape Portfolio, I come from a very Catholic background. Being a practicing member of the Church, I agree with its teachings around the sanctity of life. However, even without my faith, I believe these stances would still hold true.
Life is too precious a gift to treat with such contempt. It is the thing I value most and it is the core principal behind my take on ethical behavior.
Related CSHSE Standards...
Standard 13: The curriculum shall address the scope of conditions that promote or inhibit human functioning.
Standard 19: The curriculum shall incorporate human services values and attitudes and promote understanding of human services ethics and their application in practice.
Standard 20: The program shall provide experiences and support to enable students to develop awareness of their own values, personalities, reaction patterns, interpersonal styles, and limitations.
Standard 21: The program shall provide field experience that is integrated with the curriculum.
Standard 13: The curriculum shall address the scope of conditions that promote or inhibit human functioning.
Standard 19: The curriculum shall incorporate human services values and attitudes and promote understanding of human services ethics and their application in practice.
Standard 20: The program shall provide experiences and support to enable students to develop awareness of their own values, personalities, reaction patterns, interpersonal styles, and limitations.
Standard 21: The program shall provide field experience that is integrated with the curriculum.