Issue 135 | October 2022

School of Social Work Office of Global Activities logo
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.

Indigenous Peoples' Day (October 10)

Today is Indigenous Peoples' Day, a day meant to celebrate and honor Native Americans and indigenous populations in the United States. DoSomething.org says: "The holiday recognizes the legacy and impact of colonialism on Native communities, and it also celebrates the cultures, contributions, and resilience of contemporary Native peoples." The celebration of Indigenous Peoples' Day in replacement of Columbus Day was first proposed in 1977 at the United Nations International Conference on Discrimination against Indigenous Populations in the Americas. You may be interested in listening to This Land, a documentary podcast by Rebecca Nagle, citizen of Cherokee nation. The current season discusses "how a string of custody battles over Native children became a federal lawsuit that threatens everything from tribal sovereignty to civil rights", and it touches on the involvement of social workers in the systemic removal of Native children from their families and tribes.

Spotlight: Global Independent Study Information Session

Global Independent Study Information Session

Wednesday, October 12, 2:30 - 4:00 PM ET

The Office of Global Activities is hosting an information session for MSW students interested in pursuing a Global Independent Study!


A Global Independent Study (GIS) is a student-initiated opportunity to design a global social work project abroad. First-year students from all pathways and curriculum tracks are eligible to apply and can receive 1-6 elective credits. Grant recipients will receive up to $2,500 to help cover the cost of their experience. 


This session will provide an overview of the grant, the application process, and travel considerations, followed by a Q&A session. We will also have a panel of returned global independent study students who will share their experiences.


The session will be held at the School of Social Work Building, Room B780. Snacks will be provided. If you cannot attend the session, a recording will be made available.

Click here to RSVP!
Events

U-M International Opportunities Fair (Click here to learn more)

Date: Tuesday, October 11, 12:00 - 4:00 PM ET

Brief Description: The University Career Center and the International Center are pleased to host the 19th annual International Opportunities Fair, an event that brings students and representatives of organizations together to explore internships abroad, volunteering abroad, teaching abroad, post graduation opportunities, and grants, fellowships, and scholarships. This year, the International Opportunities Fair will be held in conjunction with the University Career Center’s annual Fall Job & Internship Fair. The last day of the Fair will be held virtually this Tuesday, October 11.

International Health and Development Career Panel (Click here to RSVP)

Date: Tuesday, October 11, 5:30 - 7:00 PM ET

Brief Description: The School of Nursing and School of Public Health are hosting a panel for students considering international careers in global health and development as part of the International Career Pathways network. The panel will feature successful professionals in the field and is open to all the U-M community. It will be held via Zoom and will cover information about some career opportunities and how students can better prepare for the global health careers of the future.

La Misma Luna: Film Screening Dialogue

Date: Tuesday, October 11, 6:00 - 7:00 PM ET

Brief Description: Join SCOPE, the Student Community of Progressive Empowerment, in the OAMI Lobby to watch, discuss and unpack themes seen in the film Under the Same Moon/La Misma Luna (2007). Food and snacks will be provided, and attendees are welcome to bring their own blankets and pillows.

Latinx Heritage Month 2022 Closing Performance: LADAMA (Click here to RSVP)

Date: Wednesday, October 12, 5:00 - 6:30 PM ET

Brief Description: The Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs and the Latinx Heritage Month Planning Committee invite you to a night of music and dialogue with LADAMA. LADAMA consists of four members - Lara Klaus from Brazil, Daniela Serna from Colombia, Maria Fernanda Gonzalez from Venezuela, and Sarah Lucas from the U.S. - who are all socially engaged musical artists. LADAMA has been on a journey to share rhythms and create a pedagogy aiming to empower women and girls to connect through voice, percussion, and movement. The night will consist of a performance, workshop, and dialogue.

Kaleidoscope 2022-2023: Environmental Racism (Click here to RSVP)

Date: Wednesday, October 12, 6:00 - 7:30 PM ET

Brief Description: The Trotter Multicultural Center's Kaleidoscope events provide an opportunity for students to come together for a conversation with their peers and get the chance to dive beneath the surface, lean into vulnerability, and to explore the struggles and stories that make up their lives. In these conversations, students will explore how the identities they hold shape their experiences on campus and beyond, as well as influence their understanding of different topics. In particular, Kaleidoscope’s first session will focus on environmental racism and its impact on the health and wellness on both our communities and communities around the globe. Dinner will be provided at this event; however, space is limited, so students are encouraged to RSVP soon.

Lunch & Learn: Culture is Not a Costume (Click here to RSVP)

Date: Thursday, October 13, 12:00 - 1:00 PM ET

Brief Description: Join the International Center's "Culture is Not A Costume" Lunch & Learn to discuss cultural appropriation and how it comes into play during Halloween. Tips will be shared for creating costumes that are appropriate. Participants of Lunch & Learn are encouraged to come with questions and be prepared to engage in conversation.

The Global Implications of the War in Ukraine (Click here to RSVP)

Date: Thursday, October 13, 4:00 - 5:30 PM ET

Brief Description: The Weiser Diplomacy Center at the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy and the American Academy of Diplomacy are co-hosting a discussion with four former ambassadors on the global implications of the war in Ukraine. Click here for more information about the speakers and the topics they will be discussing.

Fedele F. and Iris M. Fauri Memorial Lecture: Child Trafficking and Child Safety (Click here to RSVP)

Date: Wednesday, October 19, 3:00 - 5:00 PM ET

Brief Description: The Fedele F. and Iris M. Fauri Memorial Lecture on child welfare is presented annually in recognition of the former University of Michigan Dean and Vice President Fedele F. Fauri and his wife, Iris. This year's focus will be on dynamics underlying child trafficking in and across local and global contexts. The lecture will examine how and where child trafficking occurs; who is most vulnerable, and conditions under which child exploitation and trafficking place victims at risk. Experts will also speak about the consequences of child trafficking, measures taken to protect vulnerable children, and potential solutions to this enduring, global problem. In their remarks, panelists will integrate research and practice to inform policy at the local, state, national, and international levels. Click here for more information about the lecture and presenters.

Navigating the U.S. Job Search for International Students (Click here to RSVP)

Date: Tuesday, October 25, 2:30 - 4:00 PM ET

Brief Description: This program, which is co-sponsored by the University Career Center and the International Center, is designed to help international students maximize their chances for finding employment in the U.S. The presenters will discuss how to put together an effective job search, provide an overview of immigration regulations pertaining to international students, and highlight some of the resources and services available in the University Career Center. A recording of this program will be made available on the University Career Center and International Center websites.

Clinton Global Initiative University Information Session (Click here to RSVP)

Date: Thursday, November 3, 1:00 - 2:00 PM ET

Brief Description: Clinton Global Initiative University provides the opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students nationwide to take an idea for a global social impact project and move it to action. This program connects participants to mentorship, resources, funding streams, and networks of experts to build leadership capacity and bring social impact ideas into reality. The application period for the 2023 cohort of CGI U is open now through December 16. Join us for an information session with Dr. Ashley Cureton, a current SSW faculty member and former CGI University participant, to learn more about this unique global leadership opportunity. The session will include time for Q&A. This event will be held in person. A recording will be available for those who cannot attend live.

The Dance for Mother Earth Powwow Exhibit (Click here to learn more)

Date: Running until November 30

Brief Description: This exhibit features various aspects of the Native North American powwow. More specifically, it features the history and culture behind Ann Arbor’s "Dance for Mother Earth Powwow," which is approaching its much-anticipated 50th celebration. The Dance for Mother Earth Powwow is a multi-decade, intertribal celebration of Indigenous cultures. Stop by to learn more about The Dance for Mother Earth Powwow, modern Indigenous culture, and resources to connect to today on campus. The exhibit is on display at the Hatcher Library North Lobby.

Announcements

Resources to Support Puerto Rico After Hurricane Fiona

The Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in STEM and the Puerto Rican STEM non-profit organization CienciaPR created a list of 30+ vetted nonprofits doing work on the ground to help in the recovery efforts in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Fiona. Many of the listed organizations are community groups directly linked to affected communities. You can access this list and learn more about how you can support these efforts by clicking here.

2022-2023 U-M Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Registration Form and Survey Now Available

If you are a RPCV and wish to get connected with the U-M Peace Corps office and to be added to their RPCV listserv, please fill out the 2022-2023 U-M RPCV registration form and survey by clicking here.

U-M Graduates Now Eligible for "High Potential Individual" (HPI) UK Visa

U-M graduates are now eligible for a United Kingdom (UK) work visa, the High Potential Individual (HPI) visa. This visa aims to recruit skilled young workers from top universities across the world to elevate Britain’s workforce.


The HPI visa policy states that any person who graduated from a list of top eligible universities within the past five years is able to receive this visa to reside in the UK for two years. Those with doctoral qualifications are eligible to reside for three years. 


A job offer in the UK is not required to apply for the visa and those applying for the visa are allowed to bring dependents along with them. For more information about the HPI visa, visit the UK Government's website here and read this Michigan Daily article.

Professional Opportunities

Position Available: Research Position for a Graduate Student to Work With Afghan Refugee Communities

Application Deadline: N/A

Brief Description: A research team at the U-M School of Information is looking for a graduate student to join their NSF-funded Community Tech Workers Project. In this project, they are exploring how members from within a community can be trained as Community Tech Workers (CTWs) to meet the digital needs of the community, and whether access to CTWs leads to an overall increase in the community's digital capacity. The work will include conducting interviews, analyzing survey data, and a scoping review of the academic literature on ways to reduce the digital divide. The work focuses on Afghan refugee communities in the Washtenaw County area. 


Applicants must demonstrate prior experience with conducting qualitative research, strong communication skills, proficiency in writing, and passion about the role of design in working towards justice. Prior experience conducting and analyzing interview data and working with marginalized populations is advantageous. Pashto or Dari language skills would be a plus.


This position is available to start in the Fall 2022 semester and has the potential to continue through the Winter semester and the summer. The workload will be 10-20 hours a week and flexible in terms of days/times worked. The position can be an independent study for credit or an hourly position, with a pay rate determined according to experience and level. Interested applicants should send a resume, one paragraph describing their interest in the project and experiences related to the project, and a list of coursework relevant to the position to Mustafa Naseem (mnaseem@umich.edu) and Julie Hui (juliehui@umich.edu).

Multiple Positions Available: International Rescue Committee

Application Deadline: N/A

Brief Description: The Resettlement Asylum and Integration (RAI) team at International Rescue Committee (IRC) is hiring across multiple regions in the United States. Missy! Orr, a School of Social Work and Global Activities Scholars Program alum and current employee at IRC works on their RAI team. For more information and to apply for the positions, see below:


RAI US East Region

Grant Opportunities

Luce Scholars Program (Click here to learn more)

Application Deadline: Saturday, October 15

Brief Description: The Luce Scholars Program provides stipends, language training, and individualized professional internships in Asia for a total of 20 young Americans nationally each year. The program's purpose is to increase awareness of Asia among future leaders in American society. Each candidate must first be nominated by their home university. Click here to learn more about the application process and requirements.

OGA Global Social Work Event Grant (Click here to learn more)

Application Deadline: See below for details

Brief Description: The OGA offers event grants to students who would like to propose and plan an event with a global theme. Two grants per semester are available in the fall and winter, and each grant is up to $125. Student events that have been proposed and funded in the past include showing a documentary with a global focus, hosting a discussion on a global topic, or organizing a panel of social workers who work (or have done work) abroad. Events are not limited to these categories and we encourage students to get creative and propose something new. The OGA Event Grants are given on a rolling basis. However, the full application must be received before the following deadlines and at least 14 days prior to the event date proposed.

  • Fall semester events: the end of the first full week of November
  • Winter semester events: the end of the second Friday in March
Resources

National Archives - Highlighting Hispanic Heritage Month

U-M Considerations for International Travel

To find previous OGA Newsletter volumes, click the OGA Newsletter Archive.
Email ssw.oga@umich.edu if you have any questions.