Final Social Justice Reflection

Social justice, to me is providing hope and support to those who have experienced
hardships or less fortune. Whether it be through advocacy, volunteerism, communication, or
donation it is important to be an active social justice advocate. As occupational therapist, we
must strive to promote equal and fair participation in the meaningful occupations people chose to
perform. Occupational therapists have the ability to improve and modify the lives of people who
are marginalized by age, gender, socioeconomic status, and disabilities. Over the past two years
I have participated in more social justice opportunities than any other time in my life. Being in
the program has helped increased my understanding of the beliefs, cultures, and characteristics of
many different people. Through the numerous social justice opportunities it has helped me to
develop my own beliefs in the importance of participating in social justice opportunities.
Throughout the program I had the opportunity to work with the local foundation
Positively Kids numerous times. I volunteered for set up at the Positively Kids Duck Derby
family festival. The event is an all-day family festival that raises money for the children and
families that receive services from Positively Kids. My volunteer duties included setting up
tables, chairs, setting up the booth for the different activities, and filling the pond with 1000's of
rubber duckys. Also, for the Duck Derby fundraiser I was personally able to raise $100 for the
organization. I also headed and organized the OT class of 2015 donations and each student raised
a minimum of $10 or more to benefit the organization, raising $400 total. I really enjoyed
working with this organization and believe that they have a good program set in place to benefit
the medically fragile children of southern Nevada.
My classmates and I had the opportunity to volunteer for the American Heart Association
Saving Strokes Golf Clinic. We had the opportunity to golf with people who had suffered from a

stroke. The people varied from young to old, with different areas affected by the stroke. We
worked with people who used wheelchairs, canes, and walkers. We had the opportunity to alter
the activity of golf to ensure participation for the participants. This event gave us hands on
experience working with people with a disability and increased our confidence when doing
different activities of daily living. It was a great event that was enjoyed greatly by the
participants and volunteers.
I participated in multiple walks/runs to benefit foundations and populations by awareness
and donations. I ran the Multiple Sclerosis Walk and the Ugly Sweater Run by the Save the
Children Foundation. The Multiple Sclerosis walk gave me the opportunity to involve my family
members by educating them about Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and also raise donations. I raised a
total amount of $140. While educating my family members about MS, I was also able to talk
about occupational therapy and my role as a therapist for a client with MS. It was a great way to
advocate what occupational therapy can do to my family and friends. It was also great to support
one of my classmate's mother who is diagnosed with MS.
Through my experience in many social justice opportunities I have developed an
understanding of people and their situations. I have established beliefs and values as well as a
voice in advocating and participating in social justice situations. Throughout my practice I ensure
to continue to participate in community, personal, and professional social justice opportunities.