Book Review: Diversity Acrostic Poem

Okeze-Tirado, V. (2021) Diversity Acrostic Poem: Working with Diversity Developing Culturally Sensitive Practice in Social Work and Social Care, London, VOT Training ISBN 9781838444105

I have found acrostics to be a really useful, memorable teaching tool — that is, making a set of points that spell out a relevant word. This book uses the word DIVERSITY to do just that. So, for example, D stands for Decide to be a culturally sensitive practitioner; I stands for Invite people to talk about their culture, values, beliefs, experiences; and so on. Each of the nine elements is then helpfully explained.

This book, with its innovative way of structuring the material, is basically a practical guide to making anti-racism a reality. Written by an experienced senior social worker, practice educator and provider of training, it is a helpful resource for taking practical steps towards culturally sensitive and anti-racist practice.

What comes across from the book is an endearing blend of intelligence and passion. The ideas presented have clearly been carefully considered and come across as well grounded in actual practice experience. This is complemented by a strong passion for making a positive difference.

People new to anti-discriminatory practice will find it particularly helpful in bringing to life theoretical ideas about social justice. However, this is not suitable only for inexperienced workers or beginning students, it also has insights that will be of value to ‘old hands’.

The fact that it has been written by a practitioner who speaks from personal experience of the issues covered gives the book a strong sense of authenticity.

I very much enjoyed reading this book and I feel it will be a useful guide for many people in the fields of social work and social care. It deserves to be widely read and used.

Neil Thompson is an independent writer, educator and adviser and a visiting professor at the Open University. He is also the Vice President of Vigoroom UK, a sophisticated employee wellness platform (www.vigoroom.co.uk). His website, with free learning resources, is at www.NeilThompson.info.