June 26, 2008
2008 7th Annual Induction Ceremony

On May 1, 2008, the faculty of the Florida Atlantic University School of Social Work held their 7th Annual Induction Ceremony to honor the 53 graduating MSW students.  The evening was an opportunity for faculty, family and friends to acknowledge the accomplishments of the graduating students.  Along with warm welcome and congratulatory comments from university officials, one highlight of the evening was an inspiring keynote speech by Ms. Jackie Nash, President of Florida NASW. 

The solemn candlelight induction and pinning ceremony included individual recognition of each graduate by Drs. Michele Hawkins and Elwood Hamlin as well as distribution of the NASW pins by Ms. Nash.  Graduates recited the “Pledge to the Profession of Social Work” wherein they pledged their dedication and loyalty to carry on the traditions of social work.  Following the ceremony, the graduates, their 270 guests, and faculty attended a reception in the graduates honor. Graduates stated they felt many emotions including a sense of pride in their educational endeavors and amazement at how much they have learned through their educational studies and field placements.   Click here to see pictures of the event.

June 26, 2008
Dr. Campoverde’s Retirement

Dr. Cecilia Campoverde officially retired at the end of the Spring 2008 semester.  For those of you who are not familiar with Dr. Campoverde, she was best known around FAU for teaching social policy, research, practice, and social justice, as well as for helping to build community in the town of El Triumfo following the devastation left by Hurricane Mitch. Dr. Campoverde is moving to Guatemala, leaving her FAU position, but continuing her commitment and work for social and economic justice.   She will be missed by all who knew her.  To honor Dr. Campoverde with support for her wonderful work in international community development please consider donating online at www.guatemalanproject.com.  Click here to see pictures of the retirement party that was held on April 11, 2008.

June 26, 2008
Legislative Training for Lobby Day and Alumni Reception

We had a great turnout for our 1/31/08 Lobby Day an Alumni event which was a success.  Click here to see pictures of the event.

Donation to Support Students for Lobby Days

• Lobby Day Registration (Registration Form | Release Form)
• Fundraising Campaign

May 15, 2008
BCOA Broward Coalition on Aging 2008 Scholarship Program

The Broward Coalition on Aging is offering 2 scholarships of $1000 each plus one year membership to BCOA. To be elgible, all applicants must reside and/or work in Broward County and must be currently enrolled at an accredited Florida college or university.

The deadline to submit your application is May 20th.

For more details and to apply, please fill out the application on this site:
http://browardcoalitiononaging.org/scholarship2008.pdf

FAU social work students join rally in Tallahassee
April 4, 2008

Click this link for the full story.

February 07, 2008
Celebrate Dr. Campoverde’s Career and Retirement

Please join us for a fun-filled celebration of Dr. Cecilia Campoverde's career, retirement, social action achievements, and transition to Guatemala with a fundraising festival on April 11 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the rotunda outside the Social Sciences building on the Boca campus. In lieu of gifts, please consider a cash or check donation to the Guatemalan Project in honor of Dr. C. Enjoy great company and refreshments, and honor Dr. Campoverde with support for her wonderful work in international community development. For those of you who are not familiar with Dr. Campoverde, she is best known around FAU for teaching social policy, research, practice, and social justice, as well as for helping to build community in the town of El Triumfo following the devastation left by Hurricane Mitch. Dr. Campoverde is moving to Guatemala, leaving her FAU position, but continuing her commitment and work for social and economic justice. You may also donate online at www.guatemalanproject.com.

January 23, 2008
Legislative Training for Lobby Day

January 31, 2008 - Thursday
Legislative Training for Lobby Day

BSW & MSW Students & Faculty – No RSVP required 4pm-5pm

Lobby Day 2007

 

Question & Answer Session 5p-6p

Locations:
Boca - FAU Board of Trustee-Admin Bldg 3rd Flr

Video Conference 4p-7p:
Davie - LA 139
Jupiter - AD 222
PSL - JU 324

Following event:
FAU School of SW Alumni reception
All SW students & faculty are invited – Refreshments will be served - RSVP at 561-297-3234

Human Trafficking
Regina Bernardin-FL Freedom Partnership - 6p-7p

Networking
Alumni, bsw & msw students - 7p-8p

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Sponsored by: Acolyte, FAU School of SW, FAU School of SW Alumni Society, NASW-FL & Phi Alpha Honor Society

January 23, 2008
New FAU program encourages students to volunteer

Florida Atlantic University may soon have more civic-minded students.

The university has created a Center for Civic Engagement and Service, a new program designed to encourage more students to volunteer, and to tie community service directly into the classroom.

"We want to show students that it's fun to be active and to get involved with their community," said Monica Jara, assistant director of the center.
Before this fall, FAU had a smaller operation known as the Volunteer Center, which also encouraged students to perform community service. But the services were available mainly to the 18,000 students on the Boca Raton campus and had no direct tie-in to academics, Jara said. The new center will include liaisons at the Davie, Jupiter and Port St. Lucie campuses, expanding its reach to all 26,000 students. The center coordinates with faculty members and about 100 community organizations to come up with volunteer opportunities for students.

Officials came up with the idea to expand their volunteer efforts in March after 25 students and five advisers from several FAU campuses went to New Orleans over Spring Break to help Katrina victims. Students provided food for the homeless, volunteered as tutors in an after-school program and gutted homes in the badly damaged lower Ninth Ward.

Jara said the joint effort provided better results than if the center had only taken students from the Boca Raton campus.

The university hasn't hired additional people to staff the other campuses but instead designated existing employees to coordinate volunteer efforts, in addition to their other duties.

While the exact number of FAU students who do volunteer work is unknown, about 400 participated with the volunteer center in spring 2007, the latest figures available. FAU officials hope this new focus will at least double that.

The new center is working with 15 faculty members who make volunteer work a part of their academic requirements. Jara said she's trying to recruit more faculty.

Business Professor Dennis Palkon requires students in his health care administration classes to perform community service. Students in an introductory class must complete eight hours a semester, while students in an upper-level class have to complete nine hours a week in a hospital, doctor's office or nursing home.

"It gives them some experience. Some students come in not knowing anything about the field they're studying," he said. "Somebody might go into a nursing home, and realize that's not what they want to do."

Others, like Claudia Toussaint, realize they've made the right choice.

Toussaint, 20, a junior who lives in Boca Raton, was required to do 20 hours of volunteer work for her Social Work and Social Problems class. She has volunteered for Pearl City Cats, a literacy and tutoring program held at Dixie Manor housing project. She said the experience has been so rewarding that she stayed on, two months after completing her required hours.

"I want to work with children, and this is helping me to get to know them better," she said. "The kids are nice. They're really wanting to learn."

While the center would love to see participation soar, there are no plans to follow the lead of some other colleges that make community service mandatory.

"We want to make sure students volunteer because they want to, not because they have to," Jara said.

Scott Travis can be reached at stravis@sun-sentinel.com or 561-243-6637.

January 01, 2008
Dr. Campoverde Celebration, NASW Conference

Please mark your calendars for these upcoming Florida Atlantic University School of Social Work Spring, 2008 events:

NASW-FL Social Work Investment Day
Date: January 18, 2008
Place: Hilton Deerfield Beach/Boca Raton
100 Fairway Drive, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 (954) 427-7700
Time: 8am – 4pm

Tentative schedule for this event :

8:00 – 9:00am Registration

9:00 – 10:30am Marketing the Social Work Profession - Gail Woods Waller, Chief Communications Officer. NASW-Washington DC

10:30 – 10:45am BREAK

10:45am – 12:00pm Reinvestment in the Social Work Professions, Work Force Challenges / Legislative Solutions, Betsy Clark, Executive Director, NASW-Washington DC

12:00 – 1:30pm - LUNCHEON, Presentation of the NASW - National Social Worker of the Year Award - Dr. Cecilia Campoverde, MSW, Ph.D.

1:30 – 3:00pm NASW-FL Legislative Summit TBA

3:00 – 4:00pm - Guatemalan Project: Social Work and Social Action at Work, Dr. Cecilia Campoverde, MSW, Ph.D.

Limited space. RSVP for both events at 561-297-3234!

Florida Atlantic University School of Social Work Alumni Reception
Date: January 31, 2008
Place: FAU Board of Trustee Room, Boca Campus
Time: 6-8pm
Free CEU for alumni!

April 18, 2007
Announcement: Monica Vezquez appointment

This morning, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners appointed Monica Vezquez to the Advisory Board for Individuals with Disabilities.

This past semester Monica completed her BSW degree and now with advanced standing is completing her MSW. Monica serves as an inspiration to many of her classmates and faculty members, she is a reminder that in the face of adversity, we adapt to our environment and are resilient. As a fellow student of social work, it was my honor to recommend Monica Vezquez to Commissioner Ken Keechl for this appointment. She will be a strong advocate to represent vulnerable populations.

Michael Emanuel Rajner
National Secretary - Campaign to End AIDS

April 9, 2007
FAU Students and Faculty on the steps of the Capitol in Tallahassee, and on their way to meeting State Representatives and Senators for Lobby Day 2007

April 9, 2007
Acolyte Elections

Dear Students and Faculty,

ONE MORE WEEK FOR NOMINATIONS FOR ACOLYTE OFFICERS.

Acolyte will accept nominations for President, Vice President, and Secretary until 5 PM Friday, April 13, 2007. We will then email all nominations for you to vote on by by Friday, April 20, 2007. Officers will be announced Monday, April 23, 2007.

(Nominations for Treasurer, Boca campus rep., and 4 student rep.positions will be made in Fall 2007 to allow incoming students an opportunity to participate.)

Below is a brief description of the job requirements of each office:

President:

• Preside over Acolyte meetings
• Appoint students to fill any vacant officer positions
• Provide leadership to the student body
• Abide by NASW Code of Ethics

Vice President:

• Coordinate with campus and class representatives to inform the MSW student body about activities
• Assist the President with duties and assume these duties in the absence of the President

Secretary:

• Take minutes at Acolyte meetings
• Provide communication to the MSW student body by email and newsletter

Activities include: Orientation, Salon Sessions, Lobby Day, Career Fair, Fundraising, etc.

Please email all nominations (including yourself) and the office for which they are being nominated to acolytefau@hotmail.com.

Sincerely,
Sherry Weinschenk
President, Acolyte

April 06, 2007
Congratulations!

Congratulations to Dr. Allan Barsky, who won FAU’s 2007 Creative Scholar of the Year Award on the strength of his three textbook publications within the past two years.

  
http://www.barsky.org/publications.htm

 

March 30, 2007
Representative Dorothy Hukill meets FAU SW

Forty FAU students and professors trekked hundreds of miles from southern Florida to Tallahassee on March 24 to 25 to advocate for social justice, and advocate they did! We learned all about the bills currently being considered, researched our positions, and spoke face-to-face with numerous Senators, Representatives, and key staff people. We were able to obtain co-sponsors for the social work title legislation, request equity and fairness for property tax reform, educate legislators about the rights of foster children and people with mental health issues, advocate for equal treatment for gay men and lesbian parents who want to adopt, and let the “government of the people” know some of the key priorities for making Florida a more socially just society for all of Florida’s people. We learned that advocacy is not only an ethical obligation for all social workers, but an activity that all social workers can participate in. FAU won the award for biggest improvement in the number of advocates we sent, from 7 last year to 40 this year. Join us next year for a new record – no school has ever sent 100 students. We can do it!

March 20, 2007
Social Work Awareness Month Activities at FAU

The School of Social Work celebrated March as Social Work Awareness Month with a number of activities. Acolyte put on its largest and most successful Career Fair for MSW and BSW students, thanks to the hard work of Sherry Weinshenk, Patrice Migliori, and many others. The School of Social Work and the National Association of Social Workers-Palm Beach Unit put on a social work awards breakfast, honoring FAU student Sarah Holland and Professor Cecilia Campoverde, among others. Speakers included FAU Associate Provost Diane Alperin, CAUPA Dean Rosalyn Carter, and Director Michele Hawkins. Dr. Campoverde’s class also brought in the Palm Beach County Director of Elections so students could learn how to empower various populations to vote.  Can you pick out who’s who from the photos?

 

February 27, 2007
2007 Conference

International Conference for the Advanced Professional Practice of Clinical Social

2007 Conference

Newport, Rhode Island October 11-14, 2007

Evidence-Based Practice Wisdom:
Issues and Controversies

Hyatt Regency Newport Hotel & Spa

ICAPP is the oldest Clinical Social Work organization in the country, having originally been created to promote private practice among Clinical Social Workers. Now open to all Clinical Social Workers, whether in agency or private practice, ICAPP is an international organization that sponsors annual Conferences all over the world on relevant and timely clinical topics.

ICAPP Conferences have a unique and intimate format, unlike any other conferences: papers are sent to attendees prior to the Conference, so that the conference is devoted to discussion. Meetings are held in the mornings, so that the remainder of the day is devoted to to socialization or sight-seeing. Life-long professional contacts are made.

This year’s theme is “Evidence-Based Practice and Practice Wisdom: Issues and Controversies.” Promoted internationally for a number of years, evidence-based psychotherapy seeks to identify treatment approaches and techniques that have been validated by research to be most effective and targeted to patients needs. Some who hold this view have called practice wisdom the practice of “making the same mistakes with growing confidence over the years.”

While sound practice does require scientific knowledge and understanding to effectively help others, what do we mean by evidence? Are there ineffable factors in the therapeutic process and among patient, therapist, the interventions and the context that defy reduction and quantification? If so, how then do we proceed? We welcome all proposals, which should include practice examples, that would serve to illuminate this discussion.

Come to the beautiful seaside town of Newport, rich in colonial history and numerous other attractions. The Gilded Age saw unprecedented affluence among America’s upper classes which are reflected in the “summer cottages” of the Vanderbilts and Astors landscaped homes of unparalleled opulence and beauty. Visit the 1763 Touro Synagogue, the nation’s first, and other religious sites illustrating Newport’s legacy of religious toleration and freedom. Learn about Newport’s rich and varied past at the Museum of Newport, the International Tennis Hall of Fame and the Yachting Museum, to name just a few places to visit. As you breath in the sea air of glittering Narragansett Bay while sampling its fresh seafood you will be glad you made the trip.

For Conference Information: Helen Hinckley Krackow, LCSW, BCD, ICAPP President 212-683-1780 or HHKrackow@aol.com

Submit Abstracts to: Allen A. DuMont, LCSW, BCD, ICAPP VP & Conference Moderator 39-06 210th St. Bayside, NY 11361
718-224-4886 or A.DuMont@verizon.net

All papers must be oriented to practice with case examples.
Please submit 3 copies of 1 page abstract(or via e-mail in MS word or PDF format) by April 7, 2007

Conference Registration: Marilyn Paschel
718-961-8332 or MJPaschel@aol.com

Website: www.icapp-csw.com

February 13, 2007
AIDS Activist Award

Congratulations to FAU BSW STUDENT Michael Rajner, National Secretary of the Campaign to End AIDS, Fort Lauderdale, FL for receiving the U.S. AIDS Activist Award; $10,000 grant from THE HOUSING WORKS THIRD ANNUAL KEITH D. CYLAR AIDS ACTIVIST AWARDS As National Secretary of the Campaign to End AIDS (C2EA), Michael Rajner has played a major role in growing a two-year old coalition dedicated to ending AIDS stigma and discrimination into a thriving national network of activists. C2EA already boasts 12 robust statewide chapters, including one in Louisiana, where the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina threatened that state's AIDS infrastructure. In 2005, Mr. Rajner, who has had HIV since the mid-'90s, spearheaded C2EA's "Tropical Storm" caravan, a three-week activist pilgrimage from Florida to Washington, D.C. In 2006, he secured a "Pledge to End AIDS" from major Florida elected officials.

February 07, 2007
Barry University Workshop

The Florida Chapter of the Association for the Advancement of Social Work with groups presents Winter/Spring group work series.

Saturday, February 10, 2007
9:00 am to 12:15 pm
Barry University School of Social Work
Powers Room 243

"Old Queers Acting Up"
Using group Work to Address Issues of Homophobia

This workshop will present information on the dynamics of oppression and in particular homophobia and the use of group work to address the impact of these dynamics. The use of socio-drama and sociodrama ensembles will be presented as activity-based groups that involve participants in exploring the impact of oppression in their lives. The presenter will share her experiences using group work with LGBT'S and with facilitating the group " Old Queers Acting Up" in NYC in her position of Group Worker at Senior Action in a Gay Enviroment(SAGE).

Workshop Objectives: Participants will be able to:

1. Identify the fundamental tactics of oppression that are used against marginalized populations.
2. Understand how these tactics operate against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and the particular challenges LGBT clients face as a result of homophobia.
3. Appreciate why group work can be particularly effective in addressing internalized oppression.
4. Explore the use of socio-drama and the creation of sociodrama ensembles as activity based groups that involve participants in exploring the impact of oppression on their lives.
5. Participate in a sociodrama exercise that offers an experience of the technique.

3 CEUs applied for: Clinical Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, Mental Heath Counselors.

Kris Drumm M.S.W. is an educator, writer, artist, and group worker. Kris is the executive director of Wolf Bear Institute, an organization committed to helping individuals and groups explore pathways to their enlightenment and growth. Kris has worked with older lesbians, gay men and people of transgender experience at Senior Action in a gay environment where she directed the theater troop Old Queers Acting Up. As an educator, Kris has presented numerous sociodrama workshops and presentations exploring the dynamics of ageism, homophobia, racism, sexism, and “ableism” using drama techniques. Kris has been involved with the battered women’s movement for over twenty years and was the former Domestic Violence Program Coordinator at the NYC Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project where she provided individual and group counseling to battered lesbians, gay men, and people of transgender experience. Kris is a published author on social work with groups and working with LGBT people.

REGISTRATION

AASWG Member ………….Free
For more information Contact Mary Consuegra at(305)899-3900 or email KarenRutman@hotmail.com

See the AASWG Florida Chapter Website
www.AASWGFlorida.org

January 30, 2007
Congratulations

Congratulations to:

1. Dr. Cecilia Campoverde for selected by NASW as the "Florida State Social Worker of the Year!" She will receive her award at the NASW State Conference in Orlando June 7-9, 2007 at the Renaissance Hotel.

2. Dr. Allan Barsky for his publication: Barsky, A. E., & Albertini, V. L. (2006). Facilitators and barriers to care for Haitian Americans with HIV or AIDS. Journal of HIV/AIDS and Social Services, 5(3/4), 63-86.

3. Dr. Diane Green for her publication: Roundtree, M, Pomeroy, E.C. & Green, D.L. (2006) HIV Prevention Intervention: A Psychoeducational Group Designed for Incarcerated Women. The Law Enforcement Executive Forum 6(6), 89-100.

4. Dr. Wilma Greenfield for being invited to Oxford University to present on "Successful Aging: Enhancing the Quality of Life" in August.

January 28, 2007
Lobby Day - March 2007

A great way to learn about advocacy - doing it with colleagues in Tallahassee!

By joining forces with NASW, we demonstrate to legislators and other leaders in Florida the importance of social work issues, such as the Professional Social Worker Identification Bill, and help to move our legislative agenda forward (see http://www.naswfl.org/lobbyday.html).

Last year, over 450 social workers participated. We hope everyone - social workers, students, faculty, and all—will help us break the 500 mark. We hope to see YOU there!

SOCIAL WORK LOBBY DAY 2007 SCHEDULE

January - February 2007 - Legislative Summits: Three local events, held in North, Central, and South Florida, designed to provide advance training for Lobby Day.

March 25, 2007 - Legislative Training Workshop - 2 contact hours: This workshop for social work professionals and students will provide training and tools in legislative advocacy. It will be held from 3:30–5:30 PM in Tallahassee, and will be followed by a reception hosted by the Big Bend Unit.

March 26, 2007 - Lobby Day: There will be a rally from 9:00–10:00 AM on the front steps of the Historic Capitol Building including the distribution of lobbying information, followed by visits and appointments with your legislators.

For more information, contact Acolyte at acolytefau@hotmail.com or Prof. Allan Barsky at abarsky@barsky.org