A Note From the DEI Office

March is Women's History Month. The national theme for 2020 is "Valiant Women of the Vote," which recognizes the 100th anniversary of the passage of the right to vote for women as well as the 21st century struggle to actually make that right accessible for women of color via the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and beyond. It is vital to name that feminist movements have exclusionary roots and historically lacked focus on intersectionality. March is also Social Work Month. As individuals and as social work students and practitioners, it is vital for us to recognize, acknowledge and explore our social identities and positionalities as we advocate alongside and in support of individuals and communities. I want to encourage us all to invest in digging into social work history and being intentional as we engage in social justice practice through learning, researching and investing in our own growth.  Emily Osan MSW Intern

Happy Social Work Month!

“Social Work: Generations Strong” The theme for Social Work Month 2020 is Social Workers: Generations Strong. As we enter a new decade, it is important to look back and honor the powerful, positive impact the social work profession has had on our society for generations. We also want to spotlight the life-affirming work that social workers from all generations are doing. Join us for a kick-off celebration on Monday, March 9 from 12-12:30 PM in McGregor Commons for refreshments and giveaways!

SSW National Professional Social Work Month Celebration Thursday, March 19th, 2020 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM SSWB, RM 1804 (ECC) Join Dean Lynn Videka, alumni, faculty, staff and social workers from across the University for a special event to celebrate the social work profession. Registration is required - Walk-ins will not be permitted. RSVP HERE

A/PIA Heritage Month

Asian/Pacific Islander American Heritage Month 2020 Asian/Pacific Islander American Heritage Month (A/PIA Heritage Month) is a university-wide celebration of Asian/Pacific Islander American heritage. While the month is federally recognized in May, the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA) celebrates the month from mid-March to mid-April, with a diverse range of events that honor A/PIA history, heritage, community, and identities. Throughout the month, events will be added to the list so check back often for updates. All are invited to join.

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SSW DEI Events

SSW Book Club Wednesday, March 4th, 2020 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM SSWB, RM 2733 Saeed Jones is an acclaimed queer Black poet. The  SSW Book Club  will discuss his coming of age memoir,  How We Fight for Our Lives . You are welcome to join 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.

Political Plate Monday, March 9th, 2020 12:15 PM - 2:00 PM SSWB, RM 1804 (ECC) The Association of Black Social Worker Students would like to invite you to Political Plate. Political Plate is an event that will honor the history of Black Politicians, the power of the Black vote, and recognize the effects that policies have had/will have on the Black community. This event will include a panel discussion featuring:  Jewell Jones - State Representative Florence Alexander - Black the Vote Jewel Butler - BYP100 and Others... RSVP HERE

Common Roots: Meet + Mixer Friday, March 13th, 2020 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM SSWB, RM 1804 (ECC) Common Roots invites you to join them for a fun, food-filled mixer with student organizations of color at the School of Social Work! The hope is to foster community building, collaboration, and networking opportunities for different student organizations and their leaders.  RSVP HERE

Celebrating Student Action Toward Campus & Community Change Tuesday, March 17th, 2020 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM SSWB, RM 1804 (ECC) In the spirit of the CASC Minor 10 Year Anniversary theme: Celebrating Student Action Toward Campus & Community Change, this program will present discussion and reflection about the influence of student led action toward shifting societal culture, and transforming institutions of higher education. Led by public speaker, human rights activist and educator  Kim Katrin , the session will explore 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 Alumni. RSVP HERE

Truth in Sentencing Town Hall Saturday, March 28th, 2020 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM SSWB, RM 1804 (ECC) Learn about and discuss ways to bring back good/earned time credits within the Michigan prison system with local and state legislators. Featured Panelists include Senator Jeff Irwin, Senator Sylvia Santana and more! RSVP HERE

Jews & Money: An Interactive Conversation about History, Stereotypes, and Personal Relationships to Money Sunday, March 29th, 2020 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Trotter Multicultural Center The SSW Jewish Communal Leadership Program is hosting a program to explore how antisemitism, privilege, poverty, and philanthropy have impacted the relationship between Jews and money, especially as it relates to Jews at the University of Michigan. Guest speakers, engaging activities, and small group discussion will help attendees understand the myths and realities of Jewish wealth and identify antisemitic stereotypes related to money. People of all ages, backgrounds, and religions are encouraged to attend. Students and community members welcome.

MSW Student Town Hall Monday, March 30th, 2020 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM SSWB, RM 1804 (ECC) Hosted by the Office of the Associate Dean for Educational Programs, the MSW Student Town Halls provide the opportunity to gather together, discuss concerns and learn the latest news. This town hall will focus on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts within the School. RSVP HERE

Campus DEI Events

Meals with Faculty Tuesday, March 10th, 2020 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM  Pierpont Commons - Center Room The Spectrum Center, Rackham Graduate School, and the Division of Student Life invites any and all LGBTQ+ graduate students to our new Meals with Faculty series, which have been created to give you all the opportunity to connect with LGBTQ+ faculty and researchers in the community. There is no required or preferred discipline and all are welcome no matter what you're studying. This month's faculty guests are Michael Bastedo, an Associate Professor in School of Education and Omar Sosa-Tzec, an Assistant Professor in STAMPS. The meals are free, but do require pre-registration. RSVP HERE Togetherness: QTIPOC Dinners Wednesday, March 11th, 2020 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM Michigan Union Spectrum Center and the Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs Office (MESA) are proud to continue an initiative centering Queer and Transgender People of Color (QTPOC): Community Dinners for/by QTPOC. FREE DINNER will be provided to the first 15 students who sign up for the respective dinners. The host for this dinner is Leon Golson. RSVP HERE

City on the Edge - Ypsilanti Thursday, March 12th, 2020 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Palmer Commons - Forum Hall Dr. Alford A. Young, Jr. explores the themes of his research captured in his latest book, From the Edge of the Ghetto: African Americans and the World of Work. His extensive interviews with the low-income African American community in Ypsilanti bring new insights about perceptions of and preparation for the future of work outside of the major cities and middle to upper-class society. RSVP HERE

A Discussion with Robin DiAngelo on “White Fragility” Friday, March 13th, 2020 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Michigan League Ballroom In 2011,Dr. Robin DiAngelo coined the term White Fragility in an academic article which has influenced the international dialogue on race. Her book, White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard For White People To Talk About Racism was released in June of 2018 and debuted on the New York Times Bestseller List. In addition to her academic work, Dr. DiAngelo has been a consultant and trainer for over 20 years on issues of racial and social justice. RSVP HERE

Queer & Trans Artists of Color Book Read Event #3 w/Nia King Saturday, March 14th, 2020 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Ann Arbor District Downtown Library Join us for a talk by artist, activist and author, Nia King. King will speak about her book series, Queer & Trans Artists of Color and other projects. Copies of the books will be for sale along with a book signing will follow the event. Nia King is a queer mixed-race (Black/Lebanese/Hungarian) journalist and media-maker based in Philadelphia, PA. She has been hosting and producing We Want the Airwaves podcast, on which she interviews queer and trans artists of color about their lives and work, since 2013.  RSVP HERE

CEW+Inspire Workshop: Launching Your Ship Friday, March 20th, 2020 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM CEW+ (330 E. Liberty Street) In this workshop, Wendy Woods will share experiences in creatively tackling problems and experiencing the joys of coalition building. Participants will be encouraged to think about how they approach situations where the ship they are in seems to be stuck in a port and is not going anyplace. Stuck in racism? Stuck in sexism? Stuck in certain social classes? What do you need to make your ship sail? Have you outgrown the mundane, xenophobic habits of those in your circle? Short, interactive activities will assist each participant in using the ship metaphor to move forward in their life. RSVP HERE

Black Reproductive Justice: The Work Friday, March 27th, 2020 from 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM School of Public Health The Public Health Students of African Descent (PHSAD) will host their 33rd Annual Health Equity Conference. It will highlight the work being done in the space of black reproductive justice as it concerns policy, radical doulas, access to contraceptives, and grassroots organizing.

Women In Leadership Conference Saturday, March 29th, 2020 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM Palmer Commons - Great Lakes Rooms Join the Society of Women Engineers for the second annual Women in Leadership Conference! In addition to networking and professional development opportunities, attendees can expect to develop and renew friendships while attending a series of workshops and hearing from leaders in industry and academia about leadership at all levels. RSVP HERE

DEI Faculty Spotlight: Lisa Fedina

Lisa Fedina is an Assistant Professor here at the School of Social Work. Her PhD work focused on investigating the role of social determinants in health outcomes as it relates to sexual violence among women. Her research analyzed data from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) with emphasis on race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic factors. Lisa is also committed to promoting social justice through the Undoing Racism Workgroup. She has worked with students and other faculty members to drive conversations surrounding anti-racism and other social issues. Lisa is committed to promoting values of diversity, equity, and inclusion as she continues to collaborate with others to shape the Social Work program and impact communities.

Save the Date! 2020 Multicultural Graduation Ceremonies

These graduation celebrations are part of the larger commencement experience on campus and mark a tradition of valuing the various cultural offerings to the University and world community. First Generation Apr. 28, 6pm, Michigan Union, Rogel Ballroom Middle Eastern/North African Apr. 29, 7pm, Michigan Union, Rogel Ballroom Asian/Pacific Islander (A/PI) May 1, 2pm, Power Center La Celebration Latina May 1, 6pm, Michigan League, Mendelssohn Theater Native Student Graduation May 2, 7pm, Botanical Gardens Black Celebratory May 2, 7pm, Power Center DACA/Undocumented Celebration Coming soon! Stay tuned for updates  here.

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."  -M ahatma Gandhi

University of Michigan School of Social Work Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 734-615-5085 ssw-dei-office@umich.edu https://ssw.umich.edu/about/diversity-equity-inclusion