The somewhat different protection mandate
It sounds paradoxical, but without fire, the best project quickly degenerates into a cold pile of ashes. What does that mean? I have often wondered why the best and most successful projects in social work are sometimes so difficult to transfer to other regions with very similar starting conditions. My answer is that far too often the personality factor of the social worker is grotesquely underestimated. Of course, there are also other political and social contexts. Nevertheless, a lot also depends on the specific people in social work. Those who are passionately committed to their target group in their field of work rarely need the latest methods manual - above all, such people need concrete support and protection. Those who lack this fire will often not achieve the quality of those who are passionate about their cause, even with the most innovative training and the latest didactic concept.
Good practice combines three things
Some things cannot be learned and taught at university. It makes a difference whether someone can recognize social injustices (this can be learned during their studies) or whether they seriously disturb you to such an extent that you want to change the situation. In the lectures for first semester students, I often exaggerate this point. I then claim that they have to decide whether they want to change what Bourdieu called the "misery of the world" for the better, manage it or analyze it. That's not true, of course: really good practice combines the three things. It analyzes the misery, combats the causes, provides concrete help to those affected and manages its project funds cleanly and properly.
However, very few practitioners can actually combine these three things. I have seen the greatest and most credible campaigners for social justice driving around with open shoeboxes full of bills and receipts in their cars. Others wear themselves out for nights on end and feel responsible for everything - except themselves. They then need protection, even from themselves, and support in developing professional attitudes.
Passion, a sense of responsibility and a sense of proportion
In his famous text on politics as a profession, Max Weber lists three main things when asked what makes a good politician: Passion, a sense of responsibility and a sense of proportion. I often think that these points can also be applied to social work. It also needs a clear view of the real situation and should not get lost in abstract ideologies. It takes responsibility for its promises and offers and is passionate about getting support.
These emotional components of fire, passion or even combativeness, of honest indignation about injustices, among those involved, often make the difference between impressive and effective social work and solid or even poor practice. They are also contagious. These colleagues often sweep others along with them and captivate them. However, they also overwhelm many and are disappointed when others are not carried away. Some also experience flights of fancy of spontaneous approval and burn out in the heights like Icarus on his flight towards the sun. Change rarely happens quickly and swiftly. Max Weber formed the image of the political process as the "drilling of thick boards". On the one hand, he was alluding to the passage of time, but on the other, he also meant that achieving change is an arduous and laborious process. It takes a lot of patience and a lot of strength, and both are finite.
Passion cannot be trained. It can be exemplified and can inspire, but it cannot be awarded credit points and properly tested. You either have it or you don't. If you don't feel it, you can sometimes discover it later. The fighters of the heart are a permanently endangered species, without whom social work can never fully exploit its opportunities. However, the path from idealism to cynicism is often short. Instead of fire, there are then cold ashes and a vigorous blowing to spread them in space and time. The pioneers therefore need our protection - even from themselves. It is almost a mandate for everyone to stand by their side. They must be reminded not to forget their own lives. They must not be overwhelmed by administrative tasks, they need time and space to open up and get rid of their stories. Nothing works without concrete support and resources. They are not always able to tolerate like-minded people next to them, but it still helps to be part of networks of trust. They often make the difference and cannot always be found when a project idea goes on the road. This, among other factors, explains why good projects are not always transferable and fail instead of thriving.