Social Workers at the Frontline: Call for Stories Guideline for Writing and Submitting Stories
1. Contributors should be licensed social workers who have been affected by the pandemic in their work as well as in their personal circumstances. They may or may not be
involved in implementing COVID-19 response programs. The stories should reflect challenges faced and how they were able to overcome these challenges. (See #5 Criteria)
2. Length of the stories should be around 2,000 to 4,000 words. Submit in Word format, using Arial 12, single space, regular margin, on a letter-size paper.
3. All stories have to be true, based on the contributor’s direct experience written from first- person perspective, and have never been published. We encourage UP Social Work alumni to submit their entries.
4. We welcome stories from various fields of social work practice, taking into consideration any of, but not limited to the following:
Changes in the roles and duties before and after the pandemic;
Personal reactions to lockdowns;
Changes in work schedules;
Problems/challenges encountered at the onset of the pandemic (personal, family, work related, social situation etc.);
Innovations made to respond to the problems and challenges faced by social workers;
Self-care strategies;
Role of networks and partnerships.
5. If your stories are selected, you will get an opportunity to have them published. Stories will be selected based on the following criteria:
a. Clarity in describing experiences in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, the roles a social worker plays, as well as challenges faced;
b. Able to convey reflections about coping strategies, lessons, and innovations developed from the experience;
c. The stories should inspire social workers and other helping professions.
6. If you plan to write your story, the deadline for submission is 15 December 2021. Write your story using Arial 12, single space, regular margin, on a letter-size paper. Submit by email in Word format, to [email protected] using the subject caption, “Call for Stories”. Use the template in the following page.
Templete for Story Submission
Please provide the following information in your story submission.
Name of Writer:
E-mail Address Mobile phone Social work setting (Please tick and provide information)
Medical setting
Welfare institution:___________ Specify clientele __________
Government social welfare agency
NGO, specify area of concern: (environment, women, children etc) __________
Others, please specify: _____________
Current Function
(Specify roles and responsibilities) Title of the Story
Write your story using Arial 12, single space, regular margin, on a letter-size paper. Submit by email in Word format, not later than by 15 December 2021, to
[email protected] using the subject caption, “Call for Stories”.
