Note from the CASC staff:

Hi Everyone,
 
We hope you all have been enjoying the sunshine these last couple weeks as we have been busily preparing for the school year!  Most importantly, we have been preparing for some transitions with CASC staffing.
 
We are very happy to announce that Alice Mishkin has accepted a teaching position in LSA this fall with the Program on Intergroup Dialogues (a CASC class!). This is something she has been interested in doing and we are excited that the opportunity has presented itself. However, this means that she will transition out of the program manager position. Alice will teach and will continue to work part-time with the CASC office through the Fall 2016 semester. She is excited to connect with you all via teaching, and will continue to pop up at CASC events! We are so grateful for the work Alice has done with the minor and are happy that she will continue to work with us through teaching and other opportunities. 
 
As one door closes, another opens and we are extremely excited to announce that we have hired Amber Williams as the new Program Manager. Amber comes with a great deal of CASC and social justice related experience. She has worked with Ginsberg, MESA, and NCID in program roles. She was a lead organizer of the most recent #UMBlackout Conference on social media, social justice, and Black activism. She also recently completed a joint masters degree in Social Work and Higher Education. We know that Amber is going to bring an incredible new energy to the program, and will most certainly up our social media game. Amber and Alice will work together this fall to ensure a smooth transition. The CASC office will no doubt be buzzing with these two incredible people working together. 
 
Bri Jackson  will also be moving west to Colorado in late September. This will be an exciting step for Bri as she moves towards new adventures and has the opportunity to take care of her new baby nephew! We are indebted to Bri for all that she has done for CASC over the last two years. She has been such a huge asset to the program, and we will miss her dedication, her thoughtful social justice lens, and her smiling face. Bri will be with us through September to support CASC programming. You can find her by the hot fudge bar, doling out ice cream on September 13 at our Welcome Back Ice Cream Social!
 
In Bri's place we are excited to announce that Ashley Elliston is joining our team  as the first Graduate Student Staff Assistant for CASC. Ashley is a 2016 CASC alum and is enrolled in the MSW program here in the School of Social Work. We are excited to have Ashley join us, and already love the number of color-coded spreadsheets she has brought into our lives.               
 
Although there are lots of changes, CASC director Katie Richards-Schuster and advisor Joe Galura will continue to be familiar faces in the office. We are very excited about the future of CASC and look forward to continuing to work with all of you to promote social justice, community action, and social change in the minor, on campus, and beyond.
 
You can stop by our offices, or find us at the Ice Cream Social, Senior Night, and So Cool So Just, (see below for details!) to meet our new staff.
 
Best,
The CASC Staff
casc announcements
Ice  Cream Social
Join CASC students and staff for a welcome back event! Eat free  ice  cream (dairy-free included), reconnect with the CASC community, get important updates on upcoming CASC programming, and soak in the last days of summer. Stop by to thank Alice and Bri for the work they have contributed to the CASC community and welcome Amber and Ashley to the CASC staff!  RSVP for this event.
When: Tuesday, September 13, 4 - 5PM
Where: School of Social Work Courtyard and McGregor Commons
 
Save the Date: Senior Night: SSWB Room B780 
All CASC seniors are required to attend CASC senior night. The first half of the evening will review graduation requirements, senior minor release processes, 401 registration, and other components of your senior year. This section of the evening is mandatory. The second half of the evening provides an opportunity for students to connect over shared interests and future plans, and to meet with many different programs and alumni as you consider your post-graduation plans.
When: Tuesday, September 13, 7- 8:30PM 
Where: B780, SSW

CASC Info Session
Interested in learning more about the Community Action and Social Change minor? Come to this info session to learn more about the CASC community, what CASC is and what it can offer you in your undergraduate program, the types of courses you'll take, and the available opportunities for CASC students after graduation! Please note, there was a date change.
When: Friday, September 16, 12- 1:00PM 
Where: 1794, SSW

So Cool, So Just Fair 
Come check out the amazing student orgs on campus dedicated to social change. Over 30 orgs representing a diverse array of social justice causes and movements will be there. Find the group that speaks to you and start making change!
When: Thursday, September 22, 11AM - 2PM
Where: Central Campus Diag 

Shadow Peer Facilitators for CASC "DECLARE" Retreat
CASC is looking for shadow facilitators for the DECLARE Retreat. We are seeking 2-3 undergraduate students to work as shadow facilitators and social justice mentors during the 2016 fall term. Students will be responsible for helping to plan, lead, and recruit for retreats focused on critical social identity reflection, community engagement, and self-development. Shadow facilitators should be able to commit to facilitating the retreat in the Winter or Fall 2017 terms. If you are interested, please  read the full description and apply, or contact  Alice.

CASC COURSES
CASC Course Guide
The CASC Course Guide is now available on our website for Fall 2016. If you would like to petition a course to count for CASC, please email the syllabus, what cluster it should count for, and a short paragraph about why it should count to [email protected].

SW 300, Section 1/DECLARE Retreat
Join us for the fifth DECLARE retreat. This is a great opportunity for students to dive deeply into thinking about social identities, social justice work, and how to work to implement change. Participants will receive 1 credit toward the diversity or additional cluster of the CASC minor. Learn more and apply today!

SW 300, Section 2/SOE 311
"Home, School & Community: Realities, Interventions and Policies for Young Children in Poverty" takes an ecological perspective on the experiences of young children in poverty (ages 0-8) in the U.S. and examines the educational, social, and economic services and policies meant to support them and their families.Through readings, classroom lectures and activities, and assignments focused on local agencies, students will learn about the lived experience of the children, the systems and interventions available to them, and how the gaps in programs contribute to inequalities and disparities in opportunities. We will offer career models for undergraduates to learn about how to get involved in making a difference for low income children and their families.  Register for this course by searching under Schools and Colleges, then Social Work, on Wolverine Access. This course can be substituted for the Context cluster of CASC.

SW 400
This course is an undergraduate elective designed to familiarize students with the profession of social work and the MSW program. The particular social problems selected for discussion is dependent on the faculty and student interest. There will be a brief overview of the social context for the kinds of roles, interventions, and fields of service that the profession generally operates from, before exploring in depth the professions response to each selected social problem. Themes include multicultural sensitivity to various diversity dimensions, empowerment, prevention, and value based intervention.  Register for this course by searching under Schools and Colleges, then Social Work, on Wolverine Access. SW 400 is an elective for the context cluster of the CASC minor. You do not need permission to register for this course.

SW 401
SW 401 is the CASC Capstone course. It is only open to CASC seniors. You should take SW 305 prior to taking SW 401. You must petition for enrollment in SW 401 by completing one of these formsEmail [email protected]du with any questions. SW 401 will be offered in the winter term as well. Please note: Petitions will be issued on a first come, first served basis. 
 
SW 513, Section 2
"Doing CASC: Issues, Skills, and Strategies" is a special course exploring Community Action and Social Change in practice, including engaging with current issues and opportunities for community action work. It will involve advanced discussion of issues and skills needed in organizing and planning for community action and social change. Department permission is required. This class can be used toward CASC requirements. Some seniors may be eligible to take SW 513 in place of SW 305, and other students should consult with the CASC office to determine which cluster they will use the course for. You can  apply to enroll in the course here.
AnnouncementS
UC 178: Global Understanding
In this 3-credit course, you will discuss topics like cultural traditions, college life, social justice, and the environment. During class, you will meet with high school and college students from various parts of the world living and studying in the Ann Arbor area or at Seoul National University. To register or learn more, email instructor Rima Hassouneh at  [email protected].  In your message, include your full name, UM student ID number, and unique name.

Yoni Ki Baat
Yoni Ki Baat (YKB) is an organization that promotes social justice issues pertaining to Women of Color on campus. We are putting on our first ever dialogue series, SILENCED, this fall. Come to YKB's first mass meeting of the year to find out more about the organization and how you can get involved! Our meetings are open to all Women of Color students. Contact [email protected] with any questions.

Camp Kesem Mass Meeting
Camp Kesem at The University of Michigan supports  children in the SE Michigan community who are affected by a parent's cancer by providing a week-long summer camp experience and year-long peer support.This organization offers community service opportunities, leadership positions, business experience, and the ability to come to be a camp counselor for one week in August! Please email michigan.volunteer@campkesem.org for Camp Kesem emails or if you have any questions.
When: Friday, September 16, 7PM
Where: Anderson Room, Michigan Union

SEED Social Justice Series
Join us at the School of Social Work next week as we kick off the SEED Social Justice Series. The theme this year is Social Justice & Politics. The School of Social Work will host debate watch parties, community conversations, and more. Please contact [email protected] with any questions.

FATE Volunteer Opportunity
The FATE  program is a 4-year, cohort-based mentorship and enrichment program for Detroit youth. FATE's mission is to provide sufficient resources and opportunities for under-served youth to embrace education and become world-class citizens. If you are interested in becoming a mentor or have questions, please contact Rachel Mazzaro at [email protected].

Shanty Town
Design and construct your own shelter from found materials (cardboard, tape, tarp, rope, etc.) and learn about sub-standard housing and poverty in the metro Detroit area and around the world.  Three representatives from your organization or group will be required to stay with your shelter from Thursday at 8PM until Friday at 8AM.  Email Melissa Booth at [email protected] if interested (and start collecting your found materials!).  Register for this event today.
When: Thursday, September 29 - Friday, September 30

Innovation in Action: Solutions to Real World Challenges
The Innovation in Action competition harnesses the talents of Michigan students to address real-world problems. Having completed its third year, the competition has expanded from its original public health focus to include an education track. Within this framework, the program equips students with an innovator's toolkit in a supportive environment where they combine new, marketable skills in innovation and social entrepreneurship with their creativity and passion to make an impact.  Learn more and apply today.

Michigan Refugee Assistance Program Mass Meeting
All interested in working with and supporting recently resettled refugees in Ann Arbor this upcoming year can check out the  Michigan Refugee Assistance Program . If you are intere sted in becoming a member of this new organization, please  take a quick survey .
When: Wednesday September 14, 7PM
Where: East Quad, B852

+LAB Research Opportunity
You are invited to join the +LAB, a co-curricular program that runs through the academic year though the Ross Center for Positive Organizations. You will work with other students, researchers and business leaders, explore positive psychology applied to organizations, and change the world of work. Find out more information and apply by Wednesday September, 14.

Bicentennial Student Advisory Committee
Starting this fall, the Bicentennial Student Advisory Committee will work  to increase awareness among students about the Bicentennial year, events, and activities. Additional details about the committee can be found on their website The application closes on Friday, September 16.

OSE Community Service Day
The Office of Student Engagement partnered with the Henry Ford Estate, Gleaners Community Food Bank, Cass Community Social Services, and Capuchin Soup Kitchen to host the 2016 Service Day. 44 spots remain - if you and/or your org would like to attend  register here. The first 50 participants to register and show up for their sites receive a free t-shirt! For questions or more information, contact [email protected].
When: Saturday, September 17

Scholarships and funding opportunities
Funding for Student Organizations
CASC students are involved in many activities around campus and we receive multiple requests for funding. CASC has a limited pool of money that CASC students are eligible to apply for. In order to apply for a CASC grant, you must be part of a registered student org and have an SOAS account. There are four funding deadlines throughout the year- October 1, December 1, January 15, and March 15.  To apply for funding, students must submit a funding proposal.  Contact the CASC office with questions.
Jobs and Internships
University Pediatrician Autism Center
The University Pediatrician Autism Center in Wayne State is currently hiring students who are interested in learning behavior intervention techniques with children who have autism. Employees are trained to implement a variety of behavior change strategies, observational assessment techniques, and data collection. Positions are part-time with flexible hours to accommodate student schedules. Contact Ragen Wingate at (248) 305-6199 for more information.

Fair Food Network Internship
Fair Food Network (FFN) is a national nonprofit working to pioneer solutions that support farmers, strengthen local economies, and increase access to healthy food- especially in our most undeserved communities. FFN is interested in hiring an intern from September to December 2016 with responsibilities including community outreach, maintaining their communication "hotline" and supporting Double Up program participant engagement.  Learn more and apply today.

Available Positions with CIL
The Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living (CIL) presently has two positions open: Resource Development Director and Independent Living and Information Assistance Specialist. Individuals interested in applying should email Carolyn a cover letter and resume.

Program Assistant Position
A part-time Program Assistant is needed to facilitate a Healthy Start Engaged Father program. This individual will be employed by U-M, but based in Flint and will conduct outreach through the Genesee County area. All interested can learn more and apply today.
 
Caregivers Needed
The Catholic Social Services of Washtenaw County (CSSW) is seeking non-medical caregivers for their Interfaith Volunteer Caregiver Program. Volunteers will assist with families that are caring for a loved one and need a break or home-bound seniors who would like someone to talk to and spend time with. Caregivers must be 21 years of age or older and willing to commit to 2-4 hours a week for 6 months. To learn more or get started, contact Samantha Larsen .

Communities Coordinator Position
The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center (MIRC) is seeking a full-time Communities Coordinator. Responsibilities include coordinating educational and community-building activities in partnership with local governments and community organizations; facilitating local committees of volunteers to implement Welcoming Michigan's goals and activities; conducting outreach, and developing
relationships with community leaders. This is a great opportunity for anyone interested in working with immigration issues and immigrant communities as an organizer. 

University of Michigan
School of Social Work
1080 South University Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106
Phone: (734) 763-5733