July 7th, 2020
CAS C Newsletter
Greetings CASC'ers

The following newsletter includes information about available courses in the Fall term, and a number of social work and campus wide events and programs available for virtual discussion on topics related to social justice and action, as well as CASC and community resources and opportunities to volunteer. We've also included a student project section with projects developed by students in the minor exploring topics, themes, conversations, and activities related to social justice and change, in light of covid-19. Check them out below!

For more information related to advising, courses, programs, or otherwise, please contact cascminor@umich.edu
Course Guide
A flyer of Spring/Fall CASC Courses
Review classes that count toward the minor on the  CASC Course Guide. Looking for undergraduate social work course offerings? Visit the  SSW Course Catalog. Please note that per university standard, all Spring and Summer classes will be remote.

Course Substitution Request
If you do not see a course listed that you think should count for your CASC minor, please email the syllabus and a short paragraph about which cluster you think it should count for and why to  cascminor@umich.edu .

CASC Minor Course Planning Advising
In order to schedule an advising appointment, go to the  LSA advisor portal  to set up a phone or virtual meeting, and we will contact you during your appointment time. In-person drop-in hours, Wednesdays 1-4, are currently due to COVID-19. We will continue to monitor the  cascminor@umich.edu   email account to address advising questions, or other concerns. 
Academic Advising
The School of Social Work is officially closed to the public. Given the circumstances, we will remain available by email, phone, or virtually. In order to schedule an advising appointment, go to the LSA advisor portal to set up a phone or virtual meeting, and we will contact you during your appointment time. Additionally, in-person drop-in hours, Wednesdays 1-4, are canceled for the remainder of the term. We will continue to monitor the cascminor@umich.edu email account to address advising questions, or other concerns. 
School of Social Work: ENGAGE
The uprising in defense of Black lives is a historic moment in our history that has laid bare the gross inequities in our criminal justice system, exposing us to its blatant use to perpetuate the exploitation stemming from slavery. As social workers, our code of ethics mandates that we learn the extent of this injustice and calls us to stand alongside those on the frontlines demanding equity and freedom. We will devote the focus of our ENGAGE virtual discussions in July to examining the complex and vast inequities within our criminal justice system. We will end the month debriefing with students on how we got here, and what actionable initiatives the School can take to create change.
From Protests to Policy Reform: The Legislative Fight Against Police Brutality
Time: Thursday, July 9th, 12 pm ET
The Intersection of Disability, Race, and Police Brutality
Time: Thursday, July 16, 12 pm ET
Criminal Justice Reform and Debrief: What Can We Do As a School
Time: Friday, July 17, 12:30 pm ET
Student Projects and Resources
Students are initiating and engaging community in a variety of ways, in light of the covid-19 pandemic, as well as anti-racism efforts that address issues of hate, marginalization, discrimination, and violence. This summer, students in the SW 305 Theories and Practices of CASC course developed projects that include resources, materials, fundraising campaigns, and opportunities for volunteerism that reflect inequities experienced during this global pandemic. We invite you to check out resources, educational materials, as well as opportunities to engage in CASC'ing from their projects, below.

Their presentations are below, which include an overview of their materials, in addition to the websites developed by a few student groups. If you have questions, email cascminor@umich.edu .
Covid-19 and Housing Insecurity
Students present topics related to housing disparities in the city of Detroit, in light of covid-19. For more information about their project, resources, and campaign, visit:  https://sites.google.com/umich.edu/sw305/home
The Rise of Asian American Hate Crimes
Students in the presentation share educational resources, information and narratives related to the rise of anti-asian racism and hate crimes during the height covid-19. For more information about their project website and materials visit:  https://kdonn0.wixsite.com/website
Food Access in the Ann Arbor Community
Students present topics related to food insecurity, access, and volunteerism in Washtenaw County, in light of covid-19. Their website can be found here:  https://sw305project.weebly.com/covid-19.html
Resources
CASC MINOR | Anti-Racism Resource Document
Many of you may have questions about the nature of the conversation about anti-racism and the specific call to action. The resource document includes information on educational materials, current news articles, petitions, fundraisers, and more. This list is not exhaustive but we hope it can be a start to engage in current issues and provide information on action items. Feel free to use this document to learn more about how you can engage. If there are materials you would like to request we add to the list, email cascminor@umich.edu
 
For additional information, check out the SSW Supportive Responses and Call for Action document as well.
COVID - 19 Emergency Response Volunteer Opportunities
During times of uncertainty and crisis, people come together to support one another. COVID-19 is a new test of our collective strength. The Community Engagement team and the Office of Field Education have created a webpage that includes a list of volunteer opportunities to support community members and organizations as well as additional resources. Access the opportunities document here .
Stay Connected
Community Action and Social Change Undergraduate Minor
cascminor@umich.edu  | (734) 763-5733 |  ssw.umich.edu/casc