Promoting International Social Work Discourse through Conference Participation: Praxis and the Solidarity Fund of Global Social Work 2004

The acceleration in the twentieth century of the pace and extent of globalisation of economic and social life heightens the importance of an international perspective on social work education, research and practice. Both the International Federation of Social Workers and the International Association of Schools of Social Work have a key role in promoting discourse and exchange. The Solidarity Fund is a mechanism through which these bodies have financially sponsored delegates from low income countries to promote their participation in their international conferences. An evaluation of the Fund administration for the 31st International Congress of Social Work, Global Social Work 2004, was based on quantitative data from conference registrations and Fund applications, interviews with Fund sponsored delegates and focus groups with conference delegates. Positive outcomes of this sponsorship included extending the number of low income countries represented at the Congress, providing individual delegates with valued opportunities to appreciate the perspective of 'the professional other' from a high or low income country and to forge professional relationships. Suggestions to improve the effectiveness of the Fund included administrative and systemic issues, the latter evidencing a shared commitment to operationalising social justice and promoting a sustainable global professional community.