Please access the Discussion Board via the Discussion link to participate in responding (at least 250 words) to one of the questions. After postiing our discussion, provide substantive comments regarding at least two of your classmates’ discussions.  

1. Using Lum’s framework, discuss how the “contextual realities” adversely affect people of color and other diverse groups in the United States.
2. In what ways can social workers and other professionals become empowered and develop critical consciousness through which people come to an understanding of power, empowerment, and oppression?
3. Discuss how social workers can employ strategies to assist in addressing the social forces/factors that adversely affect people of color and other diverse groups.