Living Justice: How Social Workers Breathe Life Into Equity, Every Day

At the SWEET Institute, we believe that social justice is not a slogan, it is a living, breathing principle that calls us to action. It is not confined to policies or protest signs. It pulses through the work we do, the choices we make, and the way we show up for others, day in and day out.

As part of our Social Work Month reflections, we asked our community:

“How do you define social justice, and how do you incorporate this value into your daily work?”

The answers we received were honest, reflective, and deeply grounded in lived experience. These responses remind us that social justice is not abstract, it is deeply personal, practical, and rooted in every interaction.

Social Justice as Compassion in Action

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to live freely and peacefully! Support and compassion are key in my work, offering encouragement and guidance for my patients and clients as they work toward goals in all areas of their life.”
—Lorie Meiselman, Psychotherapist/Social Worker

Lorie’s definition cuts to the heart of what it means to be human: freedom, peace, support, and encouragement. Social justice, in her hands, becomes a daily practice of walking alongside others, reminding them of their worth, and helping them reclaim their power.

This is social justice lived through empathy—the kind that uplifts individuals not by fixing them, but by believing in them.

A Vision of Equity and Integrity
“Social justice is a vision portraying a state of human equity that values difference and strives for balance. Whether with students, allies, or colleagues, applying this definition favors listening, careful assessment, dialogue, and integrity.” —Stuart Aaronson, Student Advisor/Lecturer

For Stuart, social justice is a deliberate practice—a thoughtful, relational act that begins with listening. It values diversity not as a challenge to overcome, but as a truth to honor.

In a world that often demands speed and certainty, Stuart invites us to pause, assess, and engage in dialogue with openness and honesty. His words remind us that social justice is not only about what we do, but about how we do it, and who we are while doing it.

From Awareness to Accountability
“Social justice for me is treating people as equals and allowing for questions to be answered before judging. I’m incorporating this value by holding myself accountable for my actions, as I would like for fellow citizens to do the same.” —Sol Reyes, Social Worker

Sol’s reflection is both powerful and raw. Social justice, in her view, is not just about equality. It is about curiosity before judgment, accountability before blame, and clarity before reaction.

She added, “I’ve been working on making more conscious decisions as I quiet my mind from all my experiences, emotions, and societal messages, and listen to my newfound voice.”

Her honesty about the inner work it takes to uphold these values is a reminder that social justice is not just external advocacy, it is an internal alignment. It is the willingness to unlearn, to examine, and to respond from a place of integrity.

The Daily Work of Justice
What unites these voices is a shared understanding:

• Social justice is personal.
• It begins with how we treat one another.
• It demands presence, compassion, accountability, and courage.

At the SWEET Institute, we know that social justice is not a once-a-year theme. It is a lens we choose daily. It shows up in how we advocate, how we challenge systems, how we speak truth, and how we sit in silence to truly listen.

A Call to Embody Justice
As we move deeper into Social Work Month, we invite you to reflect and act:

1. Define justice for yourself. What does it look like in your life, relationships, and community?
2. Examine your daily choices. Where are you practicing compassion? Where can you create more space for equity, inclusion, and healing?
3. Speak, even when your voice shakes. Like Sol, we all carry the weight of experience. But in quieting the noise, we often find a voice that is wiser, stronger, and more just.
4. Join us. Each week, SWEET Institute members are responding to questions that ground us in who we are and what we stand for. These reflections are not just content, they are testaments to a movement. Be part of it.

To Every Social Worker and Clinician

You are not only supporting individuals.

You are shaping a just world.

With each act of care, you are advancing a vision of humanity rooted in dignity and healing.

This is the power of social work. This is the power of mental health. This is the heart of justice.