Public Engagement News

Associate Professor Terri Friedline discusses financial system reform and consumer protections to ensure that people and communities have access to safe and affordable financial products and services during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

The Michigan COVID-19 Pandemic Resource Guide, published by U-M Poverty Solutions aims to make sure the people who would benefit most from these policy changes are able to take advantage of them.

“The guide demonstrates Poverty Solutions’ commitment to action-based research that is responsive to community needs,” said Kristin Seefeldt, Poverty Solutions associate faculty director and an associate professor of social work and public policy.

Associate Professor Terri Friedline’s research, “Mapping Financial Opportunity” can be used to inform the Automatic BOOST to Communities Act drafted by Rashida Tlaib, U.S. Representative for Michigan's 13th congressional district. In response to the coronavirus crisis, the proposed legislation would immediately provide a U.S. debit card preloaded with $2,000 to every person in America, which could be transitioned into a universal federal or postal banking account. Each card would be recharged with $1,000 monthly until one year after the end of the coronavirus crisis. Friedline's research focuses on universal bank account access and she maps post office locations to inform the potential for postal banking.

In February, the Vivian A. and James L. Curtis School of Social Work Center for Health Equity Research and Training announced the three inaugural awardees of the Curtis Center Signature Programs Initiative (SPI). SPI is a launch program for Michigan Social Work faculty to develop new or further existing health equity research programs.

Professor Joe Ryan presented his findings on how data can drive policy changes and improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families at the Wolverine Caucus.  The Wolverine Caucus is a forum held in the state capital where alumni, policymakers, and the public can hear from U-M faculty experts and engage discussions on topics that impact society.

Assistant Professor Odessa Gonzalez Benson leads an action research team from U-M’s School of Social Work, School of Information, Taubman College of Urban Planning and Architecture, and Tunisia-based The Association La Terre Pour Tous who developed “Missing Migrants of the Mediterranean.” This exhibition shares stories, voices and hopes of “missing migrants” and their families, using graphic documentation and data visualization works. Through the exhibit, the team hopes to synthesize social justice, advocacy, design and technology in the form of public scholarship. "We hope to synthesize social justice and advocacy with design and technology in the form of public scholarship," stated Gonzalez Benson.

Weiser Hall Art Gallery
500 Church Street, 5th Floor
Thursday, 2/7/2020 - Wednesday, 3/25/2020

Trina Shanks, professor and director of the Michigan Social Work Community Engagement, is a panelist at the Detroit Regional Chamber’s 2020 Detroit Policy Conference. Local and national leaders will highlight the work underway, new ideas, opportunities and challenges that will define the next 10 years for the Detroit region. Her panel will discuss corporate support for a reliable regional transit system.

Professor Rogério M. Pinto is a panelist for “How can the nuclear sector pivot and become a leader in inclusion, diversity and community-based practices?” at the Nuclear Futures Workshop in Washington D.C. The workshop, sponsored by U-M Fastest Path to Zero, brings together experts in energy, climate and community-oriented issues critical to any community which is considering a new generation nuclear power plant.