Power and Oppression: Foundation

This module provides participants with engaging with a structural framework of oppression as well as the NASW Code of Ethics to include the obligation to challenge social injustices. After a self-assessment of personal biases, common agreements will be introduced to be utilized while discussing dynamics of power and oppression.

• Identify biases by completing a self-assessment.
• Describe a systems framework to oppression.
• Identify ethical considerations related to dismantling oppression.
• Identify common agreements to utilize when dismantling oppression.

Power and Oppression: Tools of Oppression

This module introduces four common tools that are used to support the perpetuation of systemic oppression.

• Identify tools of oppression.
• Utilize common agreements to utilize while engaging in dismantling oppression.
• Describe ethical considerations related to dismantling oppression.

Tools of Oppression: Knowledge

This module provides an opportunity to expand terms and definitions to knowledge and understanding of tools of oppression in relation to implicit and explicit bias and the impact on historically marginalized individuals and groups.

• List and describe specific tools of oppression.
• Differentiate between implicit and explicit bias.
• Identify at least one impact of power and oppression.
• Identify personal privileged and oppressed identities.

Anti-Oppression as a Strategy

This module provides information on policies, procedures, and practices that are recommended to mitigate the harmful impacts of oppression at the individual and institutional level.

• Outline research findings on the experience of traumatic stress as it relates to oppression.
• Describe epigenetics.
• Identify anti-oppressive strategies for policy and practice.

Commitment to Action

This module is designed to support participants in creating a plan of action to actively engage in dismantling racism based on their sphere of influence.

• Describe methods to address conflicts and oppressive actions within an organization.
• Describe one's area of influence and change.
• Identify a strategy to respond when oppression is present.

Practice Implications

This module will be utilized to identify potential challenges and barriers to implementing anti-oppressive behaviors. Methods of implementation and advocacy of increasing access to resources in practice will be reviewed.

• Develop script to interrupt interpersonal oppression.
• Create personal plan of accountability.
• Describe potential challenges to interrupting oppression in practice and identify potential solutions.

Please note all times listed are Eastern time.

For the live interactive sessions, participants require access to high-speed Internet and a computer with a camera and microphone. You do not need special skills to participate successfully in a distance-learning environment. We will provide detailed, user-friendly instructions and technical support.

We are dedicated to prioritizing the accessibility needs of participants in this program. If you have any questions or concerns related to your learning needs, please contact ssw.conted@umich.edu.

$525 for the 18-hour certificate program

$450 for U-M SSW field instructors, faculty, and staff.

For 10 or more registrations from the same organization in a cohort, the cost is $450 per person.

The University of Michigan School of Social Work, provider #1212, is approved as a provider for social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) www.aswb.org, through the Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. The University of Michigan School of Social Work maintains responsibility for the program. ASWB Approval Period 5/15/2023-5/15/2026. Social workers should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval. Social workers participating in this course will receive 11 synchronous interactive online, 1 synchronous interactive ethics, and 6 asynchronous online social work continuing education contact hours.