8th Annual Global Well-Being And Social Change Conference

Global citizenship: acknowledging interconnectedness and cultivating social justice

April 14-16, 2021 at Millersville University (virtually)

 

Millersville University School of Social Work's Learning Institute is dedicated to investigating global social issues.  In collaboration with various Departments and Offices at Millersville University, The Learning Institute provides a platform from which experts from various disciplines share their knowledge and offer training for agents of social change.  Each year, The Learning Institute hosts events that center on examining social, economic, and environmental injustices and human rights violations with intentional dialogue on ways to foster positive social change.

2014 - Global Youth: Understanding Challenges, Identifying Solutions, Offering Hope

2015 - Exploitation of Women and Children: Global Perspectives

2016 - Global Poverty: Human Needs, Economic Justice, and Social Change

2017 - Children's Rights: Building Resilience, Protecting from Harm, and Foster Well-Being Among Our World's Children

2018 - Wellness in Our Global Community: Clarifying Definitions, Providing Opportunities, Protecting Rights

2019 - Social Justice: Valuing Difference, Pursuing Equity, and Finding Space for Solidarity

2020 - Re-Envisioning Our World: Seeing What Works, Broadening Our View, Seeking Innovative Alternatives

 

Join us April 14-16th, 2021 for our 8th Annual Global Well-Being & Social Change (virtual) Conference!

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Conference Theme

Global Citizenship: Acknowledging Interconnectedness and Cultivating Social Justice

In the midst of a global pandemic, systemic racial injustice and global environmental crisis related to climate change, our connection to other groups and cultures is relevant now more than ever. The Learning Institute’s 8th Annual Global Well-Being conference will focus on using the social justice advocacy theoretical approach to developing global citizenry to address navigating our interconnectedness. A global citizen is aware of the wider world, has a sense of their own role as a world citizen, respects and values diversity, and engages in intergroup dialogue and cultural humility. With the interconnected and interdependent nature of our world, the global is not ‘out there’; it is part of our everyday lives, as we are linked to others in our own country and on every continent. As individuals and as leaders in larger organization how can we develop global citizenry to cultivate social justice? 

Our conference features research that identifies barriers to social justice and human rights, as well as strategies (policies, programs, and practices) to promote social justice and human rights across diverse populations.  Human rights are complex and multifaceted; strategies to enhance it require equally complex and interdisciplinary responses.  Scholars, practitioners, students, and agents of social change from all disciplines will be gathering for the conference to share their expertise.

Format: mixed virtual event

1. Live zoom sessions; interactive and held at a scheduled time between April 14-16

2. Pre-recorded video sessions; will be available during the conference and for one week afterwards.

flyer3. Virtual documentary screening and discussion of A Place to Breathe - a film exploring the universality of trauma, resilience, and healing in immigrant communities, Wednesday, April 14th, from 6:00-8:30pm. Discussion with Kim Mahaffy, PhD, will directly follow the screening. To register, complete conference registration. To learn more, contact Karen Rice at learninginstitute@millersville.edu.

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

   

THE LEARNING INSTITUTE | SPONSORED BY MILLERSVILLE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK. Click Here For Additional Conference Information

 Registration

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/8th-annual-global-well-being-and-social-change-conference-tickets-139692121897

 Conference Program

 

Cost

-General Admission: FREE, $10 suggested donation

-Student Admission: FREE

-Continuing Education Credits (ACT 48, Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors): $50 for max of 20 credit hours

 

Contact: Dr. Karen Rice at learninginstitute@millersville.edu for more info

 

 

  • Contact Us

    The Learning Institute:
    Global Well-Being and Social Change
    717-871-2103

    Karen Rice, Department Chair of Social Work at Millersville University
    (717) 871-5297

    internRasheed Osman, Learning Institute Intern, raosman@millersville.edu

    Rasheed Osman is a senior at the Millersville University of Pennsylvania Millersville, majoring in Social Work. His area of interest is researching best practices to supports people with intellectual disabilities. Driven by the passion for supporting people with intellectual disabilities and their families, Rasheed has completed internships with the Pennsylvania Office of Developmental Programs (ODP), Bell socialization services, and Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP). He is also An ODP certified Support Broker. In addition, he is an educational support coach for the Integrated Studies at Millersville University. Rasheed is interning with the Learning Institute - Center for Advancing Justice and Human Rights, leading the Ubuntu Leaders Fellows Program and Documentary and Dialogue Series. Rasheed aspires to pursue a master’s degree program in social work and emergency management, have a career in social work, and write a grant for social services agencies. Behind the scenes, he enjoys fishing and playing video games.

    internJenny Oravecz, Learning Institute Intern, jmoravec@millersville.edu

    Hello! I’m Jenny Oravecz (she/her/hers) and I’m a returning student to Millersville University. I graduated with my BA in Psychology and a minor in Women’s Studies in 2002. I’m really excited to be back, now pursuing my Master of Social Work (MSW) degree! Since graduating in 2002, I enjoyed an interesting career in the healthcare industry working mostly in non-clinical regulatory capacities. In early 2020, I took the leap and left my corporate career to pursue my next chapter: tying together my passion for social justice and my commitment to anti-racism. The academic knowledge I will obtain through the MSW program, as well as the professional experience through field work/internships, will equip me to engage in life’s work that is focused on sustainable and positive change. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking (and eating), appreciating nature and her abundant beauty in every season, practicing meditation, mindfulness and yoga and dancing (all kinds!). I love music and have an affinity for classical music. I’d love to hear who your favorite Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) and/or Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) composers are. I am grateful for the opportunity to be an MSW-Intern with The Learning Institute this year, and look forward to partnering with you on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives!