Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Events

January 21, 2021 - 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET

Join us for our first meeting of the semester to build community collaboration and continue the conversation about anti-racist practice and actions.

Undoing Racism is a community collective of students, staff, and faculty in the School of Social Work dedicated to fighting white supremacy at individual, school and structural levels. This workgroup was established in 2019 after the community took part in the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond Undoing Racism workshops, and builds on their anti-racist community organizing model. Our work has been largely focused on building collective community and emphasizes the role that white members of our community must take on to dismantle and undo white supremacist structures. 

We know there are many important efforts going on at SSW; Undoing Racism will amplify all these efforts, including the advocacy sparked by MSW and Doctoral students. No matter what role you play here at SSW, you are always welcome and encouraged to come to Undoing Racism meetings.

RSVP Here »

January 19, 2021 - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM ET

Interested in learning more about the Community Action and Social Change minor? Join an info session to learn more.

These informationals provide an opportunity to learn more about the minor, requirements, course offerings, the msw prefered admissions program, and other opportunities to get involved in programs, events, and other experiences in the minor. We invite you to join us for a virtual presentation Tuesday, January 19th, from 12 - 1PM. 

In order to join, complete the RSVP below. The zoom link and official invitation will be sent the day before the event, via email.

We look forward to meeting you!

RSVP

January 18, 2021 - 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM ET

Bodies represent the sites of socially constructed differences and power relations such that the personal is political. ‘Politics’ govern the dynamics of who, what, when, how, and why of human experiences. Body politics based on racial or ethnic ascriptions (and other intersecting elements such as gender, sexuality, age, social class, ability, etc.) govern and adversely affect the overall health and wellness of bodies of Color in general, and Black bodies in particular by impacting their abilities, opportunities, access (inclusion/exclusion), care/treatment, and the overall nature of their experiences.

As such, body politics create and contribute to health disparities. However, movement offers a variety of health benefits and thus, is a source of empowerment for racially politicized bodies.This event will feature a keynote presentation by Dr. Monique Butler that will address the theme Where Do We Go From Here: Body Politics and Movement Towards Racial Empowerment.

This event is sponsored by the U-M Health Sciences units.

December 17, 2020 - 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET

Join us to build community collaboration and continue the conversation about anti-racist practice and actions. A Zoom link will be sent out to those who RSVP.

RSVP Here »

December 11, 2020 - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM ET

The SSW Book Club will meet at noon via Zoom to discuss the award-winning novel, Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo.

You are welcome to join us, whether or not you have attended before, and whether or not you have finished the book.

All members of the SSW community are invited. Use your umich email to join. If needed, contact 4-HELP at (734) 764-4357 to help you with SSO authentication.

Zoom link:  https://umich.zoom.us/j/92230315799

Passcode: Books

December 4, 2020 - 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM ET

The following lecture is in the spirit of the CASC Minor 10 Year Anniversary theme: Celebrating Student Action Toward Campus & Community Change. The program will present discussion and reflection about the influence of student led action in shifting societal culture, and transforming institutions of higher education. Led by public speaker, human rights activist and educator Kim Katrin, the session will explore important issues, approaches, and challenges in student led social action including intersectional organizing, allyship and co-resistance, coalition building, and fostering institutional change. The session will conclude with a reaction and conversation from CASC Minor alumni including Amy Navvab, and Hoai An Pham, followed by question and answer.

Kim Katrin is an internationally acclaimed award winning educator, writer, artist & consultant. Recognized stateside as one of The Root's' Young Feminists to Watch', celebrated in Canada as 2016's National Youth Role Model and nationally as one of the 50 Most Loved Gay Canadians. As an educator, Kim travels around the world talking to people about justice, equity, and human rights. One of the most fundamental things she shares is a reframing of the golden rule. The golden rule suggests that we should treat other people the way that we want to be treated. That might seem simple enough, but it assumes that there is a standard for other people's experiences. Instead, she encourages audiences to treat people the way they want to be treated, which means we have to ask.

A passionate speaker, Kim is dedicated to intersectionality and invested in arousing a sense of curiosity and empathy in her audience. She uniquely weaves together the historical context, statistical analysis, as well as current events. She is a dynamic speaker, invested in the issues and inspiring in her approach to solutions. By focusing on small meaningful actions and choices, she makes creating large scale change accessible. A public researcher, consultant and human rights educator, she has shared hundreds of unique resources and presentations around issues including race, ability & gender. As a social entrepreneur, she speaks to the opportunities and challenges for women in business and leadership roles. With great openness, she welcomes difficult conversations hosting community dialogues and sharing practical strategies around ‘Sexuality & Consent', ‘Queer & Trans Allyship' and ‘Anti­Racism & Equity'.

Amy Navvab graduated from the University of Michigan in 2013 (B.A. Women's Studies and Psychology with a Community Action Social Change minor) and the University of Michigan's School of Social Work in 2014 (Master of Social Work). Upon graduation she worked in Restorative Justice for over 5 years in Chicago, Boulder, and Denver primarily in schools but also in the criminal justice system. She has experience facilitating restorative practices with kindergarten students up to 12th graders as well as training and supporting adult educators around Restorative Practices. She recently switched to be a School Social Worker with Jefferson County Public Schools in Colorado and is still supporting restorative practice in schools but as a Mental Health Provider for students in Special Education.

Hoai An Pham graduated from the University of Michigan in 2018 (B.A Social Theory and Practice, and with a Community Action and Social Change minor). Hoai An Pham is an organizer based in Ann Arbor, MI, where she was born and raised as a first generation Vietnamese American. As a queer disabled abolitionist, she has worked in movements around immigration, labor, climate, prisons, and racial justice, with the goal of building long-term, welcoming community. She is currently the Digital Organizer for We the People-MI and also the manager of her twenty-six Sims.

Session held remotely. Zoom link will be sent prior to the event.

RSVP Here »

This event is co-sponsored by the Community Action and Social Change Undergraduate Minor, and SSW Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

November 19, 2020 - 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET

Join us to build community collaboration and continue the conversation about anti-racist practice and actions. A Zoom link will be sent out to those who RSVP.

RSVP Here »

November 19, 2020 - 12:00 PM ET

A virtual panel discussion sponsored by the University of Michigan Health Sciences units, hosted by the School of Kinesiology, and featuring:

Vanessa Barrow, DPMPodiatrist & Owner, Sole Aesthetic, LLCSpecialization: Aesthetic and regenerative medicine of the foot and ankle

Neha Gothe, PhDAssistant Professor of Kinesiology & Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignResearch: Bio-psycho-social health benefits of physical activity across the lifespan; yoga as a means to improve health and quality of life

Samuel R. Hodge, PhDProfessor of Kinesiology, Ohio State UniversityResearch: Intersection of diversity, disability, and social justice in education and sport

NiCole R. Keith, PhD, FACSMProfessor of Kinesiology & Associate Dean, Indiana University School of Health & Human SciencesPresident, American College of Sports MedicineResearch: Community-based participatory research, physical activity, and health equity

November 19, 2020 - 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM ET

It is essential to connect our critical analysis of social justice issues to multi-level collective action for systemic and institutional change. Join us on September 19, from 12 pm-1:30 pm, for a special joint-session in partnership with CASC to explore how racial and socioeconomic inequity in Washtenaw County is connected to historic and ongoing discriminatory policies and practices. This virtual discussion will feature social workers in the field, CASC alumni, among others, discussing the history of racial inequity in Washtenaw county, its connection to the present, the role of social work practice in addressing this issue, and the activists leading change.

Attendees will learn about the racial equity issues in Washtenaw county, how historic and ongoing policies have created it, and the institutions and infrastructures in place that uphold it. Attendees will learn about racial inequity in housing, education, socioeconomic, among other indicators. The session will also feature current social workers and activists working to address racial inequity in Washtenaw county, and present ways to get involved.

Presenters

Hear from CASC and social work alumni engaged in fighting for equity in Washtenaw County, including Clinical Assistant Professor Justin Hodge, Washtenaw County Commissioner Felicia Brabec, and others. Associate Professor and CASC Director Katie Richards-Schuster, and CASC Assistant Director Amber Wiliams, will also join us to share how we move from critical analysis to action for equitable change.

Agenda

12:00 - 12:30pm | Introductions and Identifying Issues

12:30 - 1:00pm | History of racial inequity in Washtenaw County and its connection to current problems

1:00 - 1:30pm | Activism and its connection to social work practice

Learning Objectives

Describe how historic and ongoing policies have contributed to racial inequity in Washtenaw county.

Identify strategies for addressing racial inequity in Washtenaw county.

CE Approval Statement

The University of Michigan School of Social Work, provider #1212, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. The University of Michigan School of Social Work maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 5/15/2020-5/15/2023. Social workers participating in this course will receive 1.5 synchronous online continuing education contact hours.

Please see the CE Policies page for more information about continuing education.

Event Recording

November 13, 2020 - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM ET

The SSW Book Club will meet at noon via Zoom to discuss the award-winning YA novel, Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson.

You are welcome to join us, whether or not you have attended before, and whether or not you have finished the book.

All members of the SSW community are invited. Use your umich email to join. (If needed, contact 4-HELP to help you with SSO authentication. 734-764-4357)

Here's the Zoom link and the passcode = Watson.

 

November 13, 2020 - 12:00 PM ET

With our power, resources, and knowledge - what can we do about food injustice in this country? How do we address the policies that have been strategically put into place to deprive some, but not others? Join us for a special debrief session to discuss the connection of food justice to historic social policies, racism, and other social justice issues. Students, faculty, and staff doing work on food and environmental justice are encouraged to join and share their endeavors, and discussion on how the school can better integrate food and environmental justice into its curriculum, field experiences, and student learning is welcome and encouraged.

Attending this session counts for field credit. Please document your attendance and contact your field faculty supervisor for information.

RSVP

November 12, 2020 - 12:00 PM ET

Food deserts have been purposefully and strategically created, aided by historic redlining and other discriminatory policies and practices that have segregated our Black and Brown communities to impoverished urban areas. These communities lack access to grocery stores and other vendors that provide wholesome, nutritional food, while liquor stores and fast food restaurants are prevalent. Join us in a special virtual discussion featuring prominent Detroit food justice activists and organizers who have taken food sovereignty and environmental empowerment into their own hands. Panelists include Executive Director of the Detroit Black Food Security Network (DBFSN), Malik Yakini, Executive Director of Sustainable Community Farms, Michelle Jackson, and Executive Director of Oakland Avenue Urban Farming and Jerry Hebron, Northend Christian Community Development, INC.

Attending this session counts for field credit. Please document your attendance and contact your field faculty supervisor for information.

Event Recording

November 11, 2020 - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM ET

Join us for a virtual talk with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, author of "Stamped from the Beginning" and "How to Be an Antiracist." This event is being sponsored by the School of Social Work, Rackham Graduate School, the Ross School of Business, and the School of Education.

Ibram X. Kendi is the Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities at Boston University, and the founding director of the BU Center for Antiracist Research. He is a contributing writer at The Atlantic and a CBS News correspondent. Kendi is the 2020-2021 Frances B. Cashin Fellow at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University. He is the author of many books including "Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America", which won the National Book Award for Nonfiction, and three #1 New York Times bestsellers, "How to Be an Antiracist; Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You", co-authored with Jason Reynolds; and "Antiracist Baby", illustrated by Ashley Lukashevsky. His next book, "Be Antiracist: A Journal for Awareness, Reflection, and Action", was be released in October.

November 10, 2020 - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM ET

Interested in learning more about the Community Action and Social Change minor? Join an info session to learn more.

These informationals provide an opportunity to learn more about the minor, requirements, course offerings, the msw prefered admissions program, and other opportunities to get involved in programs, events, and other experiences in the minor. We invite you to join us for a virtual presentation Tuesday, November 10th, from 12 - 1PM. 

In order to join, complete the RSVP below. The zoom link and official invitation will be sent the day before the event, via email.

We look forward to meeting you!

RSVP

October 29, 2020 - 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET

Join us to build community collaboration and continue the conversation about anti-racist practice and actions. A Zoom link will be sent out to those who RSVP.

RSVP Here »

October 19, 2020 - 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM ET

Showing Up For Racial Justice (SURJ) is hosting a relational organizing workshop presented by Progressive Pipeline at the SSW. The purpose of this event is to learn how to talk to our communities about the importance of voting in this year's election! We opted for the longer format of the workshop to include breakout rooms for practicing these vulnerable conversations. We are excited about bringing this educational opportunity to the SSW. Remember - voting is social work!

As a local chapter of the national network of SURJ groups, we organize white folx for racial justice. We recognize that many of the recipients of this email are Black, indigenous, or people of color, and we hope to offer useful information for people of all racial identities. We welcome feedback from community members at any time.

Below is an event description provided by Progressive Pipeline for anyone looking for further information about the workshop or the organization:

Get Everyone To The Polls

November's once-in-a-lifetime election will come down to turnout. In the time of COVID-19, the best messengers are friends voters already know and trust. Studies show that relational organizing is the most effective tool to drive voters to the polls - and we want to give you the tools to put it into practice.

Join Progressive Pipeline - a non-profit that's recruiting, training, and deploying the next generation of progressive leaders - for an interactive online organizing workshop, led by the star alumni of our fellowship program. We'll introduce you to Prof. Marshall Ganz's organizing practice and prepare you with the organizing tactics you need to get your friends, family, and neighbors to the polls.

Everything is on the line this fall. We'll show you how to do your part to make sure everyone's voice is heard.

October 13, 2020 - 12:15 PM to 1:15 PM ET

Join the UM-SSW Access & Inclusion Task Force to the second event in a series of activities, kicking off a month-long celebration of 30 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

October 9, 2020 - 12:15 PM to 1:15 PM ET

Join the UM-SSW Access & Inclusion Task Force to the first in a series of activities, kicking off a month-long celebration of 30 Years of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

 

September 17, 2020 - 12:00 PM ET

It is essential to connect our critical analysis of social justice issues to multi-level collective action for systemic and institutional change. Join us on September 17, from 12 pm-1:30 pm, for a special joint-session in partnership with CASC to explore how racial and socioeconomic inequity in Washtenaw County is connected to historic and ongoing discriminatory policies and practices. Hear from CASC and social work alumni engaged in fighting for equity in Washtenaw County, including Clinical Assistant Professor and Washtenaw County Commissioner, Justin Hodge, CASC alumni and Communications and Public Relations Specialist of the Washtenaw County Intermediate School District, Ashley Kryscynski, among others.  Associate Professor and CASC Director Katie Richards-Schuster, and CASC Assistant Director Amber Wiliams, will also join us to share how we move from critical analysis to action for equitable change.

Attending this session provides field credit. Please document your attendance and contact your field faculty supervisor for information.

This session is eligible for CE Contact Hours.

RSVP

September 16, 2020 - 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM ET

Join Common Roots in this orientation where we celebrate individuals with identities that have been historically underrepresented. This will be an opportunity to get to know your peers, share challenges, success, and envision our collective hopes and dreams.

Watch this video to learn more!

RSVP

September 11, 2020 - 12:00 PM ET

With our power, resources, and knowledge - what can we do about water injustice as a school? All discussions and ideas are welcome - whether it be proposing new field placements that focus on water and environmental justice, integrating more course content on how water injustice is tied to systemic and historic discrimination, or current advocacy efforts demanding access to safe, clean, water is a human right.

Attending this session provides field credits. Please document your attendance and contact your field faculty supervisor for information.

September 10, 2020 - 2:30 PM ET

CEW+ Advocacy Symposium has postponed this event. The new event will appear on this calendar.  

Rogério M. Pinto and the Faculty Allies for Diversity received the Carol Hollenshead Inspire Award for Excellence in Promoting Equity and Social Change. Pinto will present a lightening talk, Diversity Matters: How about Equity and Inclusion?, during the CEW+ Advocacy Symposium.

The 2020 Symposium includes a diverse group of scholars and community practitioners who embody leadership in varied ways as they advocate for change. Dr. Martha Jones will discuss the role of Black women in the civil rights and voting rights movements and the ongoing struggle for voting rights for different populations. This year’s Symposium will take place virtually as a series of presentations and workshops that will take place over the course of the academic year. At the kickoff event, 2020 CEW+ Inspire Awardees will present lightning talks about their work as a precursor to a full-length workshop that will happen later in the academic year as a component of the Symposium. The learning opportunities throughout the year-long Symposium will supplement Democracy and Debate Theme Semester coursework and activities.

This symposium is free and open to all activists, advocates, and allies from all U-M campuses (students, staff, faculty) as well as the local community.

Register

September 10, 2020 - 12:00 PM ET

Join the ENGAGE team for a discussion featuring prominent water justice activists Monica Lewis Patrick and Bryce Detroit to discuss their work, how water injustice is tied to historic and systemic discrimination, and how lack of access to clean, safe water has exacerbated our current public health crises

Monica Lewis Patrick is Chief Executive Officer of We the People Detroit and a long-time water justice advocate.

Bryce Detroit is CEO and Founder of Detroit Recordings LLC and a long-time water justice advocate.

Attending this session provides field credits. Please document your attendance and contact your field faculty supervisor for information.

This session is approved for CE Contact Hours.

Watch the Recording Here