Volume 115 | March 2022
OGA Newsletter
The Office of Global Activities (OGA) is dedicated to connecting MSW students to international social work opportunities through fundingspecial programs, academic resources, internationalized curriculum, and arranging faculty and student exchanges at partner institutions.
World Social Work Day (last Tuesday, March 15)
World Social Work Day is celebrated on the third Tuesday in March each year. This year, World Social Work Day was March 15. World Social Work Day is a celebration that aims to highlight the achievements of social work, raise the visibility of social services for the future of societies, and to defend social justice and human rights. If you are interested in learning more about global social work careers, consider visiting our website's Global Career Guide. Or, if you would to learn more about social work in a global context, please consider registering for the virtual panel discussion below (happening today!).
Social Work in a Global Context: Thinking Globally and Acting Locally
Social Work in a Global Context: Thinking Globally and Acting Locally
Today, March 21, from 6:00 - 7:45 PM
In honor of World Social Work Day, please join the Global Social Work Pathway and the Office of Global Activities to highlight the contributions of social workers across global contexts. During the panel discussion, practitioners and academics will share information about their specific roles and engagement in global social work. Time will be included for Q&A with the panelists.
The panel will be moderated by the School of Social Work's Dr. Ashley Cureton.

Panelists include Dr. Huang Chao-Hsing, Ekram Hanna, Soma Sarkar, Dr. Prince Solomon, and Dr. Justus Twesigye.

The panel discussion will take place virtually via Zoom. There is still time to register! Click the link below to register. If you cannot attend but would like to learn more about social work in a global context, the event will be recorded and distributed to all who register for the event. The recording will also be included in our weekly newsletter.
Events
Date: Tuesday, March 22 from 3:00 - 4:30 PM EDT
Brief Description: The last few years have shown a substantial increase in bias-motivated incidents in the United States. In this virtual event, Dr. Melissa Borja, a religion scholar and 2022 Anti-Racism Collaborative Research and Impact Fellow, leads a discussion with other religion scholars who draw on their research and scholarship to inform their involvement in anti-racist and social justice efforts in religious communities. Discussion topics include the possibilities and perils of using religion as a starting point for having important conversations about difficult topics, such as racism and immigration, and the challenges and opportunities of applying one's research and scholarship to influence social change in religious communities.
Date: Tuesday, March 22 from 1:00 - 2:30 PM EDT
Brief Description: As the war in Ukraine expands, the importance of Transatlantic relations has never been clearer. The United States and its European partners must work together to address a range of daunting challenges including Russian military aggression, economic stress, and a new refugee crisis. They must also work to address tensions within Western and Central Europe, such as the longer-term implications of Brexit and democratic backsliding in Central Europe. In that context, U.S. relations with Ireland play an increasingly important role. Please join us for a conversation with Irish Ambassador to the U.S. Daniel Mulhall about Irish-U.S. relations, Brexit and Northern Ireland, and the broader policy challenges and opportunities facing the two states and their European partners.
Date: Tuesday, March 22 from 3:30 - 5:00 PM EDT
Brief Description: Discussion and insight:
  • Making Arab Americans visible in health disparities research, Dr. Kristine Ajrouch
  • The role the census plays in health inequities among Arab and Chaldean Americans, Dr. Florence Dallo
  • Equity concerns and health behaviors in Arab Americans, Dr. Mouhanad Hammami
  • Q&A/Discussion: Promoting MENA/Arab American health, Tasneem Abushaban
Date: Wednesday, March 23 from 5:00 - 6:30 PM EDT
Brief Description: During your international experience this summer, you will likely be exploring a new culture and engaging with a new community. This workshop will cover a range of topics, including:
  • Navigating your social identities abroad.
  • Entering and exiting your community respectfully.
  • Ethical photography and social media considerations.

This workshop is open to all students! The workshop will be presented by the Ginsberg Center as part of the International Center's Global Wolverines series - a preparatory series of events for students pursuing international internships over the summer.
Date: Thursday, March 24 from 8:00 - 10:00 AM EDT
Brief Description: This virtual panel will have Spanish-English interpretation. Click here to see the panel flyer and panelists. The panel is linked to three other panels that may also be of interest. Please click here to see the related panels.
Date: Thursday, March 24 from 12:30 - 1:30 PM EDT
Brief Description: In this coffee hour, we will discuss the topic of employment in the United States for international students. Monica Roskamp, an International Student & Scholar Advisor from the International Center, will be joining us to talk about on-campus employment as well as post-graduation employment, and students will have the opportunity to ask her questions after her presentation. Since the University's policy regarding food and beverages in events has changed, milk tea will be served at this Coffee Hour! Please fill the RSVP form to confirm your attendance and select the flavor of your milk tea. Kindly note that the deadline to RSVP is Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at 12:00 PM.
Date: Thursday, March 24 from 4:00 - 5:30 PM EDT
Brief Description: Join us for a virtual info session with the International Institute of Education, for an official national presentation session of the Fulbright U.S. Student Program, 2022 (2023-24 Program Year)! This info session will address the basics of the program, the anticipated timeline, and national application process. In the event you cannot attend, this session will be recorded for future viewing and will be available on our U-M Fulbright U.S. Student Resources Site on Canvas.
Date: Friday, March 25 from 2:00 - 3:30 PM EDT
Brief Description: International Coffee Hour is a great place for international and U.S. students to socialize with each other and meet new people from around the world! The March Coffee Hour is co-sponsored by Rec Sports. In the spirit of March Madness, the March coffee hour will take place in the North Campus Recreation Building (NCRB). Come meet new people and learn about recreation and fitness activities available to members of the U-M community through Rec Sports - including exercise classes, ski and bike rentals, and intramural sports. This will be a social coffee hour (we will not be exercising); however, we do hope to have access to a few basketballs to shoot around (optional!). Given that we will be on a gym floor, gym shoes (sneakers) are recommended.
Date: Tuesday, March 29 from 3:00 - 4:00 PM EDT
Brief Description: Are you thinking about visiting, working, or living in Canada? Whether you are planning a short trip to Canada, are interested in working in Canada, or would like to live there, there are specific requirements and different programs that you should understand. Representatives from the Canadian Consulate General will talk about these requirements and answer any questions you have!
Date: Tuesday, March 29 from 5:30 - 7:00 PM EDT
Brief Description: The Trotter Interfaith Program is hosting an Interfaith Alumnae Panel. This virtual event is being presented as part of Women's History Month. The panelists and moderator are all graduates of the University of Michigan. Each brings a wealth of experience and perspective on how religious, spiritual and secular (RSS) worldview intersects with all facets of our identity and with our careers. Andrea Buckley, SSW alum, Social Worker, Licensed Therapist, Mental Health Consultant and owner of Drea Inspires LLC is a featured panelist.
Date: Thursday, March 31 from 12:00 - 12:50 PM EDT
Brief Description: Ford School and the Weiser Diplomacy Center are excited to welcome the next U.S. Department of State Diplomat in Residence North Central, Shannon Farrell. She will sit at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan and will offer advice and guidance to students interested in exploring careers, internships, or fellowships with the U.S. Foreign and Civil Services. All University of Michigan students are welcome to join for a virtual introduction session. 
Professional Opportunities
Application Deadline: Friday, April 1
Brief Description: The Southeast Asian Studies Summer Institute (SEASSI) will be held at the University of Wisconsin-Madison from June 20-August 12, 2022, and plans to return to an in-person format this year. Students can study Burmese, Filipino, Hmong, Indonesian, Javanese, Khmer, Lao, Thai, and Vietnamese at elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels. Tuition scholarships are available.
Application Deadline: Rolling
Brief Description: The team also seeks to hire two U-M student summer interns interested in education abroad. Applicants will collaborate with the staff working on a variety of global education projects. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and qualified candidates will start as early as May 2, 2022.
Application Deadline: N/A
Brief Description: We The People MI (WTPMI) works to build a multi-racial, working class constituency across the state that is engaged in community organizing, the development of leaders, and the building of a unified, proactive agenda rooted in economic, racial, and social justice for all Michiganders. They are looking for Field Organizers and Field Organizer Supervisors to help them with their 2022 election work. All jobs are temporary (year long) but full time positions start at $42,000/year plus benefits. 
Application Deadline: N/A
Brief Description: Samuel Hall is a social enterprise that conducts research, evaluates programs, and designs policies in contexts of migration and displacement. They recently announced two new openings for a Migration & Displacement (Pillar 1) Research Manager (RM) and Migration & Displacement (Pillar 1) Project Lead (PL). To see all of their current openings, click here.
Application Deadline: N/A
Brief Description: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is launching a one-year Afghan Support & Investment Project (ASIP) across Northern California, including the greater Sacramento region, Bay Area, and Central Valley. The project will center on disbursing housing funds in support of newly arrived Afghans. IRC will be hiring around 24 new staff members to support this project. Most positions are either remote or hybrid.

Multiple Positions Available: Switchboard/International Rescue Committee
Application Deadline: N/A
Brief Description: Switchboard, International Rescue Committee's funded training and technical assistance provider, is growing its team to accommodate increased needs among providers serving Afghan newcomers. Switchboard is a one-stop resource hub for refugee service providers in the United States.
Grant Opportunities
Deadline: Friday, April 1
Brief Description: The Mark and Myra Sorensen International Travel Scholarship is designed to support students who will participate in study, internship, volunteer, or research programs abroad. The scholarship's goal is to fund a diverse array of students, regardless of field of study. Awards will be made in the amount of at least $750 to cover expenses such as program fees, transportation, room and board, and/or local excursions made in connection with the project. For eligibility criteria, the application process, and more information, visit here.
Deadline: Friday, April 15
Brief Description: The Swieca Family Israel Travel Fund is designed to financially support students who will be participating in educational travel to Israel. Educational travel is defined as study, internship, volunteer, or research opportunities, as well as conference attendance. Funding will be distributed to cover expenses such as program fees, conference registration, transportation, room and board, and/or local excursions made in connection with the project. For eligibility criteria, the application process, and more information, visit here. Questions? Contact the International Center at ic-abroad@umich.edu.
Deadline: Rolling
Brief Description: The International Center offers a grant opportunity to help student organizations and University departments recognize the diversity of the U-M international student population through special events and programming. Organizations and departments should apply at least 14 days in advance of their event (the earlier, the better). Grants amounts will vary based on the submitted budget and the availability of funds.
Resources
To find previous OGA Newsletter volumes, click the OGA Newsletter Archive.
Email ssw.oga@umich.edu if you have any questions.