NSCSW Connections: Black & African social worker community of practice

Closed space for Black & African Nova Scotian social workers to talk ethics & practice issues, and build connections for safe(r) social work

African Nova Scotian and Black social workers in Nova Scotia are invited to join colleagues from across the province to connect, network, organize, & share resources. Providing spaces and resources for closed groups can create safe(R) spaces for social workers who have shared identities and lived experiences.

Communities of practice are wonderful opportunities for like-minded practitioners, or professionals engaged in similar areas of practice, to be able to gather and share ideas and best practices. They are an opportunity for networking, fellowship, resource sharing, and advocacy development. They can also help reduce burnout by reminding us that we are not alone, but rather part of a larger whole. Get together with your colleagues to talk about what matters to you and build your professional network!

These sessions are intended to be a low-barrier and informal opportunity. There is no preparation required to attend these events, and you are encouraged to arrive as you are! Bring your lunch, something you want to talk about, or just show up.

This session is hosted and facilitated by Kyiaisha Benton, Associate Registrar, NSCSW.

Objectives

• Relational: Connect with other Black & African Nova Scotian social workers and build relationships that support professional social work identity and practice. (Create)
• Skill: Develop and implement self-reflective processes that support ethical social work practice (Apply).
• Knowledge: Identify and understand strategies and approaches to ethical social work practice used by other social workers in the Black & African Nova Scotian context (Analyze & Understand).
• Values: Examine and shift beliefs, worldviews, and ideologies contributing to ethical social work practice (Evaluate & Understand).

Facilitator

Kyiaisha Benton, MSW, RSW (she/her)

Kyiaisha Benton identifies as an African Nova Scotian with ties to the historical black community of New Glasgow. Kyiaisha is a registered social worker and is the Associate Registrar with NSCSW. She is an active member of the Association of Black Social Workers (ABSW). After completing both a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and a Bachelor of Social Work, at Dalhousie University, Kyiaisha decided to further her academic development and has recently completed the Master of Social Work program at Dalhousie University. Kyiaisha has a strong passion for helping others and advocating for meaningful change within marginalized communities. In addition to travelling, Kyiaisha enjoys singing in her church choir and spending time with her family, especially her niece and nephew.

Foundations

Several sections of the NSCSW Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice (2026) apply to this session:

Value 2: Promoting Social Justice

• Guiding Principle 2.3: Social workers advocate for the rights of African Nova Scotians, and Persons of African Descent to be free from systemic hate, inequity, and racism, pursuant to “An Act to Dismantle Racism and Hate” (2022)

Value 4: Valuing Relationships

• Guiding Principle 4.2: Social workers continually develop self-awareness and practise self-reflection to guide their practice and personal well-being.

Value 7: Providing Culturally Responsive Competent Professional Services

• Guiding Principle 7.1: Social workers are committed to the ongoing development of their professional abilities and knowledge, aiming to ensure the delivery of culturally responsive professional services.

• Guiding Principle 7.2: Social workers practise within their level of competence and seek appropriate guidance when services required are beyond their competence.

• Guiding Principle 7.3: Social workers contribute to the ongoing development of the social work profession and current and future social workers.

Eligibility

This event is only for members of the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW) who identify as being African Nova Scotian and/or Black. All active, associate, retired associate, and student members who are part of these communities are welcome to attend. There are no other prerequisites for this session.

This space is created to be a closed group that is not open to allies outside the Black and African Nova Scotian communities. If you are outside these communities and practicing allyship/solidarity you are invited and encouraged to join the main Community of Practice sessions which occur every three months.

Black and African social workers outside Nova Scotia may wish to explore the monthly conversation series hosted by the Canadian Association of Social Workers and its partners.

Tracking professional development

For members of NSCSW, this event is eligible towards the annual requirement for professional development in prevention of vicarious trauma & secondary stress. Members who have already fulfilled that requirement may choose to track this session as an informal self-care activity instead.

Visit nscsw.org/pd for more information about the updated professional development requirements for Nova Scotia social workers.

Questions?

If you have questions, please contact the College's Professional Development Consultant Tyler Colbourne, tyler.colbourne@nscsw.org.