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Social Work to Wealth Podcast

7. P4P: Why Social Work Interns Should Be Paid w/ Pilar O. Bonilla, MSW & Aiden Bondurant, MSSW

In this episode, we were joined by Pilar Bonilla and Aiden Bondurant from Payment for Placements (P4P), an organization fighting for social work students to be compensated for their labor. We dive into the challenges of changing perceptions around student labor, the biggest roadblocks to securing funding, and the legislative efforts currently in motion to make paid placements a reality. We also chat about the larger implications of financial wellness in the social work profession and how collective advocacy can push the field forward. If you're a social worker or ally who believes in fair pay for our future social service practitioners, this is a must-listen!


Takeaways from this episode

  • The ethical issues surrounding unpaid social work internships
  • How unpaid placements negatively impact social workers' long-term financial stability
  • The biggest challenges in pushing for paid internships
  • Advocacy for paid placements is crucial for the sustainability of the social work profession
  • Advocacy requires patience, grace, and a willingness to engage in difficult conversations


Mentioned resources & transcript

  • Check out the affiliated blog post for the full list of resources mentioned in this episode and the unedited transcript. 


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Disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast & on any affiliated platforms are for educational, informational, & entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Consuming this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice pertaining to your particular situation, consult one-on-one with an attorney.

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