Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Events

February 19, 2016 - 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM ET

Larry E. Davis, MA, MSW, PhD, is the dean of the School of Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh, where he is the Donald M. Henderson Professor. He is the director and founder of the Center on Race and Social Problems, which conducts applied social science research on race, ethnicity, and color.  Davis earned his MSW '73 and PhD '77 from the University of Michigan School of Social Work.  His new book, Why Are They Angry With Us? Essays on Race, addresses the unresolved questions and conflicts about race in America from both the author's personal and a professional perspective. Davis relates racial incidents, observations, and issues to explain the workings of race and racism in America; confronting taboo topics such as race and prison, immigration, and internalized racism.

Discussants include Professor Rogerio Pinto and MSW student Danae Ross. Book will be available to purchase for $28 (cash or check) at the talk.  Lunch will be provided.

RSVP here »

February 19, 2016 - 10:00 AM to February 20, 2016 3:00 PM ET

The Michigan Journal of Race & Law presents, “Innocent Until Proven Poor: Fighting the Criminalization of Poverty” Symposium.

Day 1: Keynote: Vanita Gupta, (Asst. Attorney General, Civil Rights Division, U.S. Dept. of Justice)

Day 2: Keynote: Sarah Geraghty, (Managing Attorney, Impact Litigation, Southern Center for Human Rights)

The symposium will bring together scholars and practitioners from multiple perspectives to explore the interaction between poverty and the criminal legal system and strategize solutions. Issues include: aggressive policing of poor neighborhoods, prosecutorial discretion, legal categorization of crimes, debtors’ prisons, excessive bail, civil asset forfeiture, court fees and fines, and collateral consequences. In addition to keynotes and panels, the symposium will engage attendees in skill-building workshops.

 

February 17, 2016 - 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM ET

The School of Social Work Dean's Initiative on TBLG Matters is proud to announce the first of two lunch events this semester exploring and discussing the intersection of TBLG Identity and Christianity! 

The Dean's Initiative will be hosting the TBLG+Christianity Ministry Panel Luncheon on Wednesday, February 17th from Noon-1:30PM in Room B780 of the School of Social Work Building. 

*Lunch will be provided*

With Ministry panelists Jonathan Vanderbeck (MSW '16 and M.Div '16) and Reid Hamilton (Chaplain of Canterbury House), we will deconstruct the relationship and history between conservative Christianity and heterosexism, as well as explore alternative narratives on the relationship between Christianity and queerness.

Panelists

More on Jonathan: Seminarian Jonathan Vanderbeck (he/him/his) is currently pursuing degrees from Western Theological Seminary in Holland, MI (M.Div) and the University of Michigan School of Social Work (M.S.W.), and seeking ordination in the Reformed Church in America (RCA) as the first openly gay candidate for ministry, anticipating ordination in May 2016. Jonathan identifies as a Korean-adopted person-of-color, and is passionate about studying intersectionality between Korean and LGBTQ identities, developing a theology of queer liberation in the realm of Reformed Calvinism, and how to make the best cocktail of vodka, gin, and white tears.

More on Reid: Reid Hamilton is the Chaplain of Canterbury House because he loves everything the University environment has to offer, from bright and interesting people to ivy-covered libraries to smoky dives. Poet, musician and scholar, he is most interested in things he has not seen before. Before becoming a priest in 1998, Reid jumped out of airplanes, practiced law, got married, got divorced, and got married again – permanently this time! Reid has two children and has spent nearly half of his life in one school or another. He is passionately committed to justice and civil rights. His wife, Deb (originally from Detroit), also loves music and social activism. Reid and Deb enjoy cooking together and conducting bold culinary experiments on their friends. Born in Joplin, Missouri, Reid has lived in Nashville, in North Carolina, in Atlanta and Kansas City before at last making his way north. In his life as a priest he has served as Assistant Rector of St. Paul’s Church, Kansas City, Missouri, and as Rector of Christ Church in Kent, Ohio – home of Kent State University – where he encouraged a parish-based campus ministry.

February 16, 2016 - 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM ET

FAMILIES, RELIGION, AND AGING:  RESULTS FROM A 35-YEAR STUDY

How different are millennials from their grandparents in religion?  How are religious values passed down across generations in America today—if at all?  In this lecture, Professor Vern L. Bengtson will address these questions from his 35-year study of 400 multi-generation families.  His book based on this project, “Families and Faith:  How Religion Is (and Isn’t) Passed Down Across Generations” will also be discussed.

Event is complimentary. Registration is required.

Register Here »

February 15, 2016 - 7:00 PM ET

The Office of Greek Life, Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs, and the Department of Afroamerican and African Studies will be hosting Mr. Lawrence Ross as a guest lecturer. 

Ross is the author of several books about African American culture – namely The Divine Nine: History of African American Fraternities and Sororities – and he will be coming to the University of Michigan to discuss the research found in his new book Blackballed: The Black and White Politics of Race on Americas Campuses. This interactive and multimedia lecture will bring light to commentary about campus race relations across America, as told by the experiences of students of color at several predominant institutions.

The event will take place on Monday, February 15, 2016 at 7pm in the Michigan League Ballroom. It is FREE and open to the public! Copies of his book will be sold and autographed after the lecture. It is also an official part of the University of Michigan MLK Symposium.

February 13, 2016 - 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM ET

Interested in learning more about Detroit? Curious about the role of innovation, entrepreneurship and industry in social change work in Detroit? Join students from across the University as we engage with the city through dialogue with community members and activists, explore city businesses and organizations, eat delicious, locally catered food, and learn more about Detroit. *Note, this trip includes some walking. Please contact [email protected] with questions about accessibility. 
Email [email protected] to learn more about the trip.

February 12, 2016 - 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM ET

The Poverty and Inequality Learning Community is hosting a discussion with Lawrence M. Berger, MSW, PhD, Professor, Doctoral Program Chair, and Director of the Institute for Research on Poverty at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. His work informs public policy in order to improve its capacity to assist families in accessing resources, improving family functioning and wellbeing, and ensuring that children are able to grow and develop in the best possible environments. Associate Professor Shawna Lee will led the discussion.

Lunch will be provided.

RSVP here »

February 12, 2016 - 12:00 PM to February 15, 2016 12:00 AM ET

As part of the university-wide initiative to improve diversity, equity and inclusion, the School of Social Work is in the middle of a year-long planning process to address and improve these issues at the School within the context of our social work heritage, as expressed in our vision, mission and goals.

Student input and ideas are critical to this process and thus the SSW Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee needs to hear from YOU!

From February 3-15 MIDNIGHT we are asking students to take part in an open Call for Ideas. The goal of this Call for Ideas is to get input and feedback from SSW students related to issues of diversity, equity and inclusion in three specific areas:

What is your vision for the School of Social Work??;
What do you see are the strengths/barriers that exist?; and
What are your ideas that will help the School of Social Work get there?

The Call for Ideas is open to all SSW students. We encourage students to submit individual ideas and responses, but also to meet as groups to brainstorm and generate ideas. Students can submit responses to one, two or all of the prompts. We also encourage students to be aspirational when considering possible solutions.

The SSW Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee is committed to including ideas and solutions submitted through this Call for Ideas. Submitted ideas will be presented and discussed during the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion All School Meetings taking place Feb 24th and March 16th at noon in the ECC. Please plan to join these decision making meetings.

Learn more about the university-wide initiative, the SSW process, timeline, and the Diversity Committee and attend associated SSW events.

If you have any questions, please email [email protected]

Please click on the link below found under "Event Details" for the google form (right under "Relevant Website")

February 11, 2016 - 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM ET

In honor of Black History Month and co-sponsored by the UM Social Work Community Organization Learning Committee, the #UMBlackout: Mobilizing Black Communities for Radical Transformation in the Digital Age symposium invites your participation in a working session about contemporary black activist leadership for transformative change through digital forums. Through workshops, lectures, and a panel discussion, a wide variety of scholars, campus and grassroots organizers will engage in diverse reflections about the role of the internet in social change efforts through strategic mobilization. Join us in a collective discussion to advance discourse and direct action in community practice in the digital age.

RSVP here »

February 10, 2016 - 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET

This session seeks to support SSW faculty in considering and facilitating discussions regarding religion and diversity with students in the classroom. The session will explore grounding concepts from the NASW Code of Ethics and the recently revised NASW Standards and Indicators of Cultural Competency in Social Work Practice with opportunities to consider one’s own beliefs and values. Classroom facilitation and teaching strategies will be explored through discussion of relevant class examples.

Objectives

Differentiate concepts of religion and spirituality.

Identify 2 concepts from the NASW Code of Ethics relevant to the intersection of religion and diversity in Social Work practice.

Identify 2 concepts from the NASW Standards and Indicators of Cultural Competency in Social Work Practice (2015) relevant to the intersection of religion and diversity in Social Work practice.

Identify 1 teaching strategy to use in facilitating faith and ethics discussions in social work student education.

Agenda

With the goal of using our limited time most efficiently and effectively, we ask you to consider (4) questions in preparation for our time together. Click here to download the pre-workshop discussion/reflection guide. Please bring this guide with you to the session.

12-12:15pm: Welcome & Introduction

12:15-12:30pm: Providing Context

12:30-1:45pm: Classroom Case Examples & Discussion

1:45-2pm: Student Case Examples & Discussion

Presenters

Debra Mattison, LMSW, ACSW | Shari Robinson-Lynk, LMSW, ACSW | Leigh Robertson, MA, LMSW, ACSW

 

Open to all SSW faculty. This session is designated as a professional development opportunity for SSW faculty only. 

(2) free ethics CEUs offered to participants. (pending, subject to change)

Lunch will be served.

RSVP required »

We look forward to your participation! 

Sponsored by the Office of the Associate Dean for Educational Programs.

February 4, 2016 - 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET

Join the Making of a video and written collage documenting what solidarity means to you and enjoy free pizza!

Themes of Event

How to work and support the community

The benefits of the ID

Information on future events

How to get involved

January 29, 2016 - 8:30 AM to 11:45 AM ET

The New Leaders in African-Centered Social Work scholars program, with support from School of Social Work, is hosting a presentation by Drexel University's Dr. Kenneth Hardy. Dr. Hardy will speak on the historical and contemporary role of oppression in the lives of African American youth and families and the role of communities as sources of healing. Implications for micro and macro practice will be addressed. 

Continental breakfast will begin at 8:30AM. The presentation will begin at 9:00AM. 

For more information, see our Announcement.

RSVP »

January 27, 2016 - 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET

Students have shared their experiences with racial microaggressions that occur in the classroom, field, and broader society. Many microaggressions continue to go unaddressed. Participants in this workshop will learn what constitutes racial microaggressions, how to recognize them, power differentials in their interpretation, their effect on the academic success and well-being of Black students, and methods of intervention. Attention will be given to the interest faculty members have in creating safe and inclusive classroom environments. The workshop will be knowledge- and skills-based, including case studies, handouts, role-playing, group discussion/breakouts, and videos.

Objectives:

Participants will recognize racial microaggressions and their potential effects on Black Students.

Participants will explain how to intervene when racial microaggressions occur, either by themselves or by another in the classroom.

Agenda:

12:00-12:15pm: Introduction of the history of the topic
12:15-12:45pm: Understanding racial microaggressions
12:45-1:45pm: Intervening when in the presence of racial microaggressions
1:45-2:00pm: Wrap-up and next steps

Presenters:

Leslie Hollingsworth, PhD, LMSW & Phylicia Allen, MSW

 

Open to all SSW faculty. This session is designated as a professional development opportunity for SSW faculty only. 

(2) free clinical CEUs offered to participants.

Lunch will be served.

RSVP required »

We look forward to your participation! 

 

Sponsored by the Office of the Associate Dean for Educational Programs.

January 26, 2016 - 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM ET

In this event, we will be having a guest speaker present on the history of the IDs .

Some of the topics and themes discussed will be in realtion to the ID, which include:

Gender variance

Overview of the local IDs

Racialization of the ID Cards

Politics of the photo ID

Geneology of the ID card

Access and exclusion

Snacks and Refreshments will be provided