NGO “Community Self-Help” partnered in a panel discussion alongside the Department of Pedagogy and Social Work at the Ukrainian Catholic University and the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Stirling (Scotland). Together, we explored ways to build a more just and resilient society, drawing on the insights of Professor Lena Dominelli—a renowned British scholar in social work who wholeheartedly supports Ukraine.

The discussion was moderated by Kateryna Buchko, psychosocial support officer of Community Self-Help.

Following Lena Dominelli’s presentation at “Resilience, War and Justice: The Role of Social Work in Prolonged Disaster” online conference panel on February 20, here are the key takeaways.

10 Recommendations from Lena Dominelli to Ukrainian Social Work students, practitioners and teachers on What do social workers need to know to intervene effectively in disaster situations?

1️⃣Understand the history of disaster intervention in social work.

2️⃣Know national and international legislation from a social work perspective.

3️⃣Social workers must uphold their core values: social justice and environmental justice. Create situations where people can secure their rights.

4️⃣Understand the theories and concepts of disaster intervention: risk analysis, social vulnerability, adaptation, prevention, and reconstruction. Social workers are always involved in disaster response and recovery.

5️⃣Ukraine will rebuild itself—it will be different from before. Your role is to support and sustain this process.

6️⃣Major rebuilding efforts require protecting the elements that provide leverage and power for future resilience.

7️⃣Believe in yourself—have confidence in your knowledge, skills, and understanding of your society.

8️⃣Prioritize effectively: What needs to be addressed today? What can wait until tomorrow? Meaningful conversations are essential.

9️⃣Foster dialogue over controversies. Discussions are necessary to reach consensus and move forward.

1️⃣0️⃣Focus on sustainability and resilience. Will he try to attack us again? How can our actions become sustainable? How can you build on the changes already made?