Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Events

September 14, 2019 - 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM ET

Purpose: The purpose of this event is to explore how AfroFuturism informs Our knowledge in Social Work/Social Science fields. How we will Go Beyond what Beyond White Social Work means and its destination to explore the impact on emphasizing, listening, centering Black voices, as often Black experiences/pain are utilized as tools for others' learning.

We do not see ourselves historically in the conversation of social work Beyond being subjects in Our classrooms. We have come together to organize a community event to present social work beyond a white professional framework, and dive into exploring the Black Struggle and the optics of Our contribution towards liberation.

The sessions will explore Black Womxn, Hypervisibility/Invisibility in Spaces, Environmental Justice, Transformative Creative Arts Movements, Black Veterans, AfroFuturism and AfroWomynhood Exploring Creative Impact on the Diaspora, Beyond Allyship: Anti-Racist Coherence and Afrofuture Consonance etc.

Register here

This event is part of the University of Michigan's School of Social Work SEED Orientation week, and is free and open to all. For more information please contact Florence Alexander, Yusef "Bunchy" Shakur, Lauren Davis, Nyshourn Price, & Daicia Price at [email protected]

Sponsored by: Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, New Leaders in African Centered Social Work, U-M School of Social Work Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Office, Black Radical Healing Pathways, U-M School of Social Work

September 11, 2019 - 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM ET

The protests in Hong Kong that started with oppositions to the extradition bill have evolved rapidly, garnering international attention due partly to the scale of the protests but mostly to the level of brutality exhibited by the Hong Kong police and the threat of China’s military intervention (this article has a good background: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/08/world/asia/hong-kong-protests-explained.html). The protests have been led by young people who use social media to organize without identifiable leaders, and their tactics were inspired by Bruce Lee’s line: “Be water.” The ongoing protests have exposed deep-seated fear of China’s control of Hong Kong, and long-simmering frustration of young people with the society. Dr. Lydia Li will provide a brief history of the relationship between Hong Kong and China, and background contexts of the Hong Kong society to help understand the current conflict.  The protests have triggered many questions relevant to social work, especially those related to organizing and tactics. For example, what are the strengths and weaknesses of being leaderless and “like water”? How to draw the line between non-violence and forceful tactics? How to remain peaceful when being treated violently? Are tactics that cause inconvenience to innocent others, such as blocking public transportation and airport, justified?  The event is an open discussion.

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August 30, 2019 - 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM ET

First Generation Students (FGS) are students who are the first in their families to go to college for a bachelor's degree. FGS are trailblazers within their communities and at University of Michigan. Come meet other staff, students, and faculty who are also trailblazers at UofM. This event is free and open to all incoming and transfer first-generation students and their parents to meet and greet faculty, staff, and students across the university.

It is highly encouraged to complete the RSVP form included below by August 20, 2019. Though it is not required for attending the Open House, we use this form to assist with design and accommodations at the event. Light snacks will be provided. There is no dress code for this event. 

August 20, 2019 - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM ET

The SSW Book Club will discuss Fracturing the Founding: How the Alt-Right corrupts the Constitution, by John E Finn.

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. Feel free to bring your lunch.

July 22, 2019 - 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM ET

Microaggressions - the subtle everyday verbal and nonverbal slights and insults which communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages - can effect anyone. In this thought-provoking presentation, attendees learn how background influences individuals' perceptions and experiences of other; strategies for building strong relationships; and ways to create more mindful & inclusive work environments. Facilitated by Clarissa Love of the Office of Health, Equity & Inclusion.

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June 27, 2019 - 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM ET

Led by the Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies (OGPS) Wellness Counselor Kate Hagadone, PhD, LP, and OGPS Admissions & Diversity Coordinator Reginald Beasley, MA, session focuses on microaggressions prevention and useful strategies when they do occur. Snacks served. Free and open to the public.

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June 26, 2019 - 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM ET

During this workshop, attendees will follow Dr. Cindy Leung’s trajectory in public health. Exploring her early work in local food banks with food-insecure populations and her scientific research on the effectiveness of our federal food programs, attendees will then discuss her present-day qualitative research to better understand the lived experiences of food-insecure individuals. Participants will learn about populations affected by food insecurity, including low-income families and college students. To wrap up the session, attendees will learn how all of this information is being used to design programs and affect future policies to benefit food-insecure populations. A hands-on wellness activity will be presented by the CEW+ Inspire team to complement this workshop.

The discussion will be followed by a networking reception.

 

June 24, 2019 - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM ET

Join us as we come together in community to discuss and process the recent events with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, and finding ways to assist families and individuals at risk.

RSVP Here »

June 5, 2019 - 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM ET

It’s not unusual to find yourself in a situation where you doubt your own ability to succeed, even when those around you view you as capable. Research finds that you are not alone in coping with this feeling that brings discomfort. Come to this interactive workshop to learn more about impostor syndrome and ways to manage it.

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May 28, 2019 - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM ET

In this workshop series, Carrie Landrum, Assistant Director of the Office of Student Conflict Resolution, and Dillon Cathro, MSW'19 candidate, will be exploring a very helpful communication technique that many facilitators, counselors, and educators find invaluable: the Non-Violent Communication (NVC) process developed by Marshall Rosenberg. We will also be exploring intercultural conflict styles to normalize and legitimize the many varied ways that humans may engage through conflict.  As social workers, we may unconsciously impose our cultural norms on others when we ask that others engage in ways that we believe to be superior or "best." To ensure we engage with others non-violently, these sessions will encourage social work students to recognize the ways in which we may unconsciously be imposing dominant norms on others, and give students the skills needed to mitigate those unconscious biases, in the midst of conflict. Lunch will be provided.

RSVP Here »

May 21, 2019 - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM ET

In this workshop series, Carrie Landrum, Assistant Director of the Office of Student Conflict Resolution, and Dillon Cathro, MSW'19 candidate, will be exploring a very helpful communication technique that many facilitators, counselors, and educators find invaluable: the Non-Violent Communication (NVC) process developed by Marshall Rosenberg. We will also be exploring intercultural conflict styles to normalize and legitimize the many varied ways that humans may engage through conflict.  As social workers, we may unconsciously impose our cultural norms on others when we ask that others engage in ways that we believe to be superior or "best." To ensure we engage with others non-violently, these sessions will encourage social work students to recognize the ways in which we may unconsciously be imposing dominant norms on others, and give students the skills needed to mitigate those unconscious biases, in the midst of conflict. Lunch will be provided.

RSVP Here »

May 20, 2019 - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM ET

In this workshop series, Carrie Landrum, Assistant Director of the Office of Student Conflict Resolution, and Dillon Cathro, MSW'19 candidate, will be exploring a very helpful communication technique that many facilitators, counselors, and educators find invaluable: the Non-Violent Communication (NVC) process developed by Marshall Rosenberg. We will also be exploring intercultural conflict styles to normalize and legitimize the many varied ways that humans may engage through conflict.  As social workers, we may unconsciously impose our cultural norms on others when we ask that others engage in ways that we believe to be superior or "best." To ensure we engage with others non-violently, these sessions will encourage social work students to recognize the ways in which we may unconsciously be imposing dominant norms on others, and give students the skills needed to mitigate those unconscious biases, in the midst of conflict. Lunch will be provided.

RSVP Here »

April 10, 2019 - 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET

Come drop in to learn more about what the DEI office has accomplished, upcoming initiatives, or just relax and share your ideas! Participants can come and go freely during this event. Light snacks will be available, and students, staff, and faculty are all encouraged to participate.

April 6, 2019 - 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM ET

"Hope, Cope, and Learn about Disabilities,"

Come join us in gaining insight into living and working with people with a disability 

Program:

12 -12:40 PM Welcome, Panel & Lunch

12:45 -1:30 PM Concurrent workshops

1:30- 2:20 PM Concurrent workshops

2:25 - 3:10 PM Concurrent workshops

3:15 - 4 PM Closing remarks

Guests:

Darold Gholston, MSW Candidate – Opening remarks

Professor Shanna Kattari, Ph.D., MEd, ACS, University of Michigan School of Social Work

Jill Rice, The University of Michigan Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)

Allie Young, Assistant Manager of Dining

Alex Gossage, Center for Independent Living (CIL) 

Jennifer Hays, American Learning with John C. Scott, Esq.

Workshops:

Seeing From a Visually Impairment Perspective - Kathy Christensen of Washtenaw Intermediate School District & Peggy Pantelis of Macomb Intermediate School District (room B780)

How to Interact with People Who Have Mobility Challenges - Alex Gossage, Center for Independent Living (CIL) and guest (room B798)

How to Work with the Deaf & Hard of Hearing - Jill Rice, The University of Michigan Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) (room B684)

Lunch will be served.

 Please RSVP »

Sponsored by:

Darold Gholston and The University of Michigan School of Social Work

April 3, 2019 - 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM ET

This panel discussion will feature faculty, staff and students sharing their expert knowledge & personal experiences surrounding the intersection of mental health & diversity. Participants will be given an opportunity to engage with the content of the panel discussion in small groups following the panel.

If you have any questions regarding this event, please reach out to Mental Health Matters ([email protected]) or the DEI Office ([email protected]).

RSVP here »

Feel free to join us earlier in the day for the Free the Mind Wellness Fair!

Co-sponsored by Mental Health Matters, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Office of Student Services.

April 3, 2019 - 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET

Come take an opportunity to relax and unwind at the Free the Mind Wellness Fair! The fair will feature self-care activities, games, healthy snacks, and on-campus resources that support wellness. Michelle Mattison will also lead a yoga session from 12:30-1:30 PM in room 1636. If you plan to attend the yoga session, please RSVP below.

If you have any questions regarding this event, please reach out to Mental Health Matters ([email protected]) or the DEI Office ([email protected]).

RSVP here (for Yoga) »

Join us later that evening for the Destigmatizing Mental Health Panel and Discussion.

Co-sponsored by Mental Health Matters, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Office of Student Services.

March 27, 2019 - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM ET

This SSW Book Club meeting has been rescheduled from Wed Feb 20. 

We will discuss Kevin Boyle's book Arc of Justice; A Saga of Race, Civil Rights, and Murder in the Jazz Age. This book tells the "electrifying story of the sensational murder trial that divided a city and ignited the civil rights struggle." It won the 2004 National Book Award for nonfiction.

On Nov 7, 2018, Jamon Jordan of the Black Scroll Network spoke at SSW. He provided an excellent overview of history and of structural racism, and then told the story of Ossian and Gladys Sweet. His presentation inspired our choice of this book.

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. Feel free to bring your lunch.

March 25, 2019 - 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM ET

Join us for an open dialogue about Masculine of Center (MoC) lesbians and how gender impacts our experience, wellbeing, and relationships. Following the documentary screening, we will have a panel of MoC lesbians who participated in the documentary to discuss the documentary and engage the audience in a dialogue about the gender binary and the challenges it creates.

This is event is co-sponsored by the School of Social Work Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, TBLG Matters, the Queer Advocacy Coalition, the Institute for Research on Women & Gender (IRWG), and the Initiative on Gender Based Violence and Sexual Harassment at IRWG. Refreshments will be served.

RSVP Here »

For those who cannot join in-person, LINK TO LIVESTREAM THE EVENT: https://bluejeans.com/725920477

*Use the CHAT feature to pose questions during the Q&A or for technical assistance.*

TO WATCH THE FILM: PLEASE FOLLOW THE LINK TO THE YOUTUBE VIDEO: https://youtu.be/RX6R_jSelRY

After the film, please re-join the livestream to view the panel discussion.

March 22, 2019 - 11:30 AM to 4:00 PM ET

The purpose of the event is to look at social work/social science fields through the black struggle. We have come together to organize a community event to present social work beyond a white professional framework, and dive into exploring the Black Struggle and the optics of Our contribution towards liberation. This is a free event and all are welcome. 

RSVP here »

Sponsored by: Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion, Black Radical Healing Pathways, University of Michigan's School of Social Work Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Office, New Leaders in African Centered Social Work.

March 22, 2019 - 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM ET

School of Social Work Guest Lecture and Workshop by Nikkita Oliver

Join the Nikkita Oliver guest lecture and workshop on community participation, and grassroots organizing in policy and politics.

Co-sponsored by the School of Social Work, Community Action and Social Change Minor, and Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

RSVP here »

Lecture: Community Participation in Policy and Politics

Thursday, March 21st, 12:00 - 1:30PM, RSVP Required

Educational Conference Center, Lunch Provided

Inspired by the events of the November 2018 primary election, the lecture will provoke discussion on the role and importance of representation in the electorate, and strategies to engage community in the political process. Guest speaker Nikkita Oliver will share her story as the first political candidate of the Seattle People's Party, in her run for Mayor of Seattle in 2017. Through her story, participants will learn more about her journey as a political candidate, and the importance of continued community participation in social and political action. The program will present discussion about the role of community practitioners in political advocacy at the intersection of grassroots community organizing, and the use of politics and policy to promote social justice.

Workshop: Political Grassroots Organizing and Social Action

Friday, March 22nd, 9:00AM - 12:00PM, RSVP Required

Educational Conference Center, Breakfast Provided

Guest speaker Nikkita Oliver will lead an interactive workshop on community participation and grassroots political organizing and action. Participants will gain knowledge of tacit skills, tools and approaches to engage community through political education and advocacy in local governing structures.

In order to join each program, complete the online reservation form.

justice is just us being us

Nikkita Oliver is a Seattle-based creative/artist, community organizer, educator, and attorney. Working at the intersections of arts and organizing she strives to create experiences which draw us closer to our humanity. Her work asks us to engage what we see happening now and to imagine what we hope to see in the future. Nikkita holds a J.D. and Masters of Education from the University of Washington. She is also the case manager for Creative Justice, an arts-based alternative to incarceration, and has worked for arts organizations such as Writers in the Schools and Arts Corps. Nikkita is one of the Seattle Mets 2018 50 Most Influential Women in Seattle, the recipient of the 2018 UW Women's Center Women of Courage Award, 2018 UW Evan's School of Public Policy NOW (Network of Womxn) Award, 2017 City Arts Artists of the Year, Gender Justice Power Award (2017), Seattle King County NAACP President's Leadership Award (2017), Columbia Legal Services Imagine Justice Visionary of the Year (2017), the University of Washington Women's Law Caucus Outstanding Achievement as a Young Lawyer Award (2017), the Seattle Office of Civil Rights Artist Human Rights Leader Award (2015), and the 2014 Seattle Poetry Slam Grand Champion.

March 21, 2019 - 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM ET

School of Social Work Guest Lecture and Workshop by Nikkita Oliver

Join the Nikkita Oliver guest lecture and workshop on community participation, and grassroots organizing in policy and politics.

Co-sponsored by the School of Social Work, Community Action and Social Change Minor, and Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

RSVP here »

Lecture: Community Participation in Policy and Politics

Thursday, March 21st, 12:00 - 1:30PM, RSVP Required

Educational Conference Center, Lunch Provided

Inspired by the events of the November 2018 primary election, the lecture will provoke discussion on the role and importance of representation in the electorate, and strategies to engage community in the political process. Guest speaker Nikkita Oliver will share her story as the first political candidate of the Seattle People's Party, in her run for Mayor of Seattle in 2017. Through her story, participants will learn more about her journey as a political candidate, and the importance of continued community participation in social and political action. The program will present discussion about the role of community practitioners in political advocacy at the intersection of grassroots community organizing, and the use of politics and policy to promote social justice.

Workshop: Political Grassroots Organizing and Social Action

Friday, March 22nd, 9:00AM - 12:00PM, RSVP Required

Educational Conference Center, Breakfast Provided

Guest speaker Nikkita Oliver will lead an interactive workshop on community participation and grassroots political organizing and action. Participants will gain knowledge of tacit skills, tools and approaches to engage community through political education and advocacy in local governing structures.

In order to join each program, complete the online reservation form.

justice is just us being us

Nikkita Oliver is a Seattle-based creative/artist, community organizer, educator, and attorney. Working at the intersections of arts and organizing she strives to create experiences which draw us closer to our humanity. Her work asks us to engage what we see happening now and to imagine what we hope to see in the future. Nikkita holds a J.D. and Masters of Education from the University of Washington. She is also the case manager for Creative Justice, an arts-based alternative to incarceration, and has worked for arts organizations such as Writers in the Schools and Arts Corps. Nikkita is one of the Seattle Mets 2018 50 Most Influential Women in Seattle, the recipient of the 2018 UW Women's Center Women of Courage Award, 2018 UW Evan's School of Public Policy NOW (Network of Womxn) Award, 2017 City Arts Artists of the Year, Gender Justice Power Award (2017), Seattle King County NAACP President's Leadership Award (2017), Columbia Legal Services Imagine Justice Visionary of the Year (2017), the University of Washington Women's Law Caucus Outstanding Achievement as a Young Lawyer Award (2017), the Seattle Office of Civil Rights Artist Human Rights Leader Award (2015), and the 2014 Seattle Poetry Slam Grand Champion.

March 14, 2019 - 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM ET

The Office of Global Activities hosts bi-weekly coffee hour for all international students and visitors at the School of Social Work. It is a time to relax and get to know each other. 

Please join us! Boba tea will be provided if you RSVP before 10 AM on the day of the event. 

RSVP Here >>

February 28, 2019 - 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM ET

The Common Roots planning committee is proud to announce our first event, the Faculty and Staff of Color Meet and Greet. This event gives students an opportunity to connect with one another and provide networking opportunities for the School of Social Work's faculty and staff of color.

Common Roots is a planning committee consisting of members from the Office of Student Services, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office, the LatinX Social Work Coalition, the Associaition of Black Social Workers and the Black Radical Healing Pathways.

For more information please feel free to contact the planning committee, [email protected]. 

Dinner will be served and doors will open at 5:00 PM, the event will formally begin at 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM. 

 

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