Empowerment from Within: Department of Social Work’s Lunch and Learn Series Betsy Jenkins ‘11, Peace Corps Volunteer-Vanuatu Wendy Campbell, Assistant Professor
Presentation Outcome
Presentation Goals Outline social work values Discuss concept of empowerment Assess student experiences, knowledge, skills Identify strategies to engage students Integrate global issues into department Discuss future strategies
International Social Work Values Human Dignity Human Rights Social Justice
Empowerment Invest with power through knowledge and skills Allowing people to make decisions and direct change Upholding the concept of social change from within Allowing those with newly acquired power to chart the future
Student Experiences Study Abroad/Travel Abroad Volunteer/Internships Abroad Social Activism Peace Corps
Strategies to Enhance Student Global Learning Informal sharing of stories Class discussions Field Trips Videos Formalized sharing of information and experiences
Integration of Global Learning into the Department International Committee Encouraging study abroad and travel abroad International Social Work course Inclusion of global content across courses Student-guided/directed cultural events
Lunch and Learn Series: Empowerment-Based Approach Arose from course presentations in summer elective Global Issues Lunch and Learn Sponsored by Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society Students speak on global issues Arranged cultural event credit Student-organized and student-led presentations
Future Goals Continuation of Lunch and Learn Series Coordination with Social Work Club and service opportunities Formalized communication on Facebook Opportunities for student research