Angela Davis at Barry University: Ending Criminalization and the Prison Industrial Complex

In collaboration with community partner, Power U, the Center for Human Rights and Social Justice is working to disrupt structural oppression and violence targeting communities of color locally, regionally, and nationally. On Dec. 17, 2015, the CHRSJ hosted Dr. Angela Davis’ America’s Most (un)Wanted Fight Back: Ending Criminalization and the Prison Industrial Complex, an event sponsored by Power U, Dream Defenders, and Critical Resistance. This event was attended by more than 800 community members, as well as Barry University faculty, students, and staff. It was also viewed via livestream by over 300 individuals.

STAND FOR HOPE Concert
against Human Trafficking

Barry University’s School of Social Work hosted STAND FOR HOPE: A Human Trafficking Concert for the purpose of providing awareness and education to Barry students, faculty, administration, and our South Florida community. This event on Jan. 21, 2016 was a valuable opportunity to expose and educate our community and offer them resources on how to collectively stand against this atrocity on human life. Furthermore, it was an excellent opportunity to gain a greater understanding on how human trafficking is impacting a broad scope of our vulnerable communities, such as our crime rate, skewing our economy, perpetuating the objectification of women and gender based violence, as well as negatively impacting our overall quality of life by systematically selling the most vulnerable in our population --our women, children and LGBTQ population.

Members of our local anti-trafficking movement in Miami gave voice to the nuances of this issue, and how we can collectively intercede on behalf of the victims. Maria Clara Rodriguez, Director of Project Gold, hosted the evening, Nathan Earl, CEO of The Ark of Freedom, spoke on behalf of sexually trafficked male and transwomen, Jorge Veitia, CEO of The Life of Freedom Center, drew awareness on how pornography plays a pivotal role in sex trafficking, Sandy Skelaney, CEO of Ignition Fund, highlighted how the objectification of women through media increases the selling and exploitation of women, and lastly Bethany Brimer-Guilot, Director of The State of Florida’s Department of Juvenile Justice Center discussed what the State of Florida is doing to combat Human Trafficking. Accompanying the speakers were local performers and musicians, such as Butterly, spoken word artist, Latin Roots and Erica Sommer who used music to unify our collaborate efforts in taking a stand against sex trafficking in our South Florida Community.

LEAD DAY

Every spring, The National Association of Social Workers organizes Legislative Education and Advocacy Day (LEAD), formerly known as Lobby Day, for social work students and professionals. This year, the Florida chapter of National Association of Social Workers (NASW) invited all 14 schools of social work throughout the state to attend and over 900 students proudly represented NASW at our state's capital. Barry University was proudly represented in Tallahassee by 37 students and 4 faculty members who advocated for bills that directly impact the clients and communities we serve, as well as our profession.

On the night before LEAD, NASW facilitated an in-depth training about which legislation the organization had selected to support. During this training, students were encouraged to ask questions to clarify the bills and their impact on the social work profession.

A sea of social workers covered the steps leading into the Capitol Building. Our students were able to witness the workings of the Senate and House sessions. They also had the opportunity to attend committee meetings where bills were debated at length and then voted by the representatives to determine if they pass to the Senate or House floor for a final vote. Many of our students also had the opportunity to meet with their district's representatives in both the House and Senate and advocate for legislation they felt most passionate about.

LEAD is an incredible opportunity for students to not only witness macro level social work first hand but to become active participants in the process. LEAD allows students to see how important it is for all of us to "be the voice of change."

Christine Anderson, MSW Candidate '16
Graduate Assistant and Secretary of the Student Social Work Association
Barry University

SSW Receives proclamation from the Miami-Dade County Office of the Mayor and the Board of County Commissioners

From left to right: Titus Derek Morel, Atticus Ranck, Arianna Lint, Me, Leo Lam Haines, Landon Woolston

In response to the Center for Human Rights and Social Justice’s visible and unrelenting support and advocacy for transgender equality locally and globally, this year at the 3rd Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance and Resilience event Dr. Ashley Austin, along with local transgender community members and activists, were recognized for their commitment to transgender issues through a formal Proclamation from the Miami-Dade County Office of the Mayor and the Board of County Commissioners. The proclamation highlights the Center’s commitment to partner with transgender community members to bring transgender awareness to the forefront through programming, education, and community involvement. Dr. Austin and the School of Social Work were applauded for promoting the rights of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals to live in an inclusive and affirming world. This important honor underscores the School’s commitment to advance human rights and social justice for all individuals.

SSW Volunteer Days

The program “SSW Volunteer Days” which started in the summer of 2015 as part of Student Services to engage Social Work students in service-based community oriented events, has been growing with more service sites, and volunteer services. This past semester, students have had the opportunity to engage their social work skills in a variety of settings and agencies:

Lotus House

During visits to Lotus House, students were able to see what an amazing facility this is and how many services they offer to their residents. During their last visit they coordinated an arts and crafts class with the kids as well as make-up and nails for the girls. The kids made flowers out of water bottles and painted them. The girls also enjoyed some pampering by getting their nails and make-up done by our volunteers.

Perdue Medical Center

On their visit to Perdue Medical Center on Oct. 31, 2015 the SSW students planned a Halloween party for the residents. Students participated in arts and crafts and played board games with them, while ladies enjoyed themselves at the nail station. “Our visits Perdue are really about spending time and talking to everyone. They are all just looking for friendship and conversation.”- said Yvonne Alonso, Project Coordinator.

Feed My Starving Children

On Jan. 30, 2016 students volunteered with the Christian non-profit organization Feed My Starving Children, for their MobilePacking event at the Miami-Dade County Fair Expo. At the MobilePack event volunteers hand-packed meals specially formulated for malnourished children, to be sent to mission partners running orphanages, schools, clinics and feeding programs around the world. Feed My Starving Children's FMSC food has reached more than 70 countries in their history. The warehouse was full of students, families, parishes, co-workers all eager to give their time to help. Volunteers participated in one of several duties, either packing the food pouches, measuring the food, serving as runners (restocking food at the packing stations), or packing boxes and labeling them for transport. During the session, BUSSW students were able to pack 449,712 meals, enough to feed 1,232 kids for a year.

For more information about upcoming “SSW Volunteer Days” and to get involved, contact Yvonne Alonso: Yalonso@barry.edu

BUSSW Offers new PART-TIME MSW 60-credit Saturday Program for Working Professionals

Coming this fall, the School of Social work will add a part-time MSW Saturday Program at the Miami Campus. Designed for those who work full time, this unique 60 credit program allows you to earn your MSW degree in 28 months through weekend study. This program option is open only to new first-year MSW students. In addition to coursework, the SSW offers a variety of diverse placements across South Florida. The Office of Field Education meets with each student individually to discuss their areas of social work practice and internship availability, including the possibility of completing field education and their agency of employment. Application deadline is July 15, 2016.

For more information and to apply, contact SSW Office of Admissions, Enrollment & Student Services ssw-admissions@barry.edu or call 305-899-4765/3047 or visit www.barry.edu/social-work

Tibetan Monk, Geshe Pema Dorjee, talks to Social Work Students

On Feb. 4, 2016 Geshe Pema Dorjee spoke to Barry University Social Work students about Social Work and Spirituality, Mind-Body Connection. Geshe Pema Dorjee is an internationally recognized authority, scholar, and teacher (lama) of Tibetan Buddhism. He is fluent English, keen intellect, clear and practical explanations, warm-hearted nature, and infectious sense of humor enrich his talks and discussions with meaning and inspiration. Although he insists that he is only a simple monk, Geshe Pema Dorjee lives the compassionate life about which he preaches. He travels to the most remote and impoverished regions of Himalayan India and Nepal. Since 2009, Geshe Pema Dorjee has lectured and taught in cities across the United States, including New York, Chicago, Minneapolis, Portland, Miami, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Boston and Cambridge.

SAVE THE DATE! March 15, 2016
Paper Tigers Movie Screening and Guided Reflection

You are invited to join The Barry University Center for Human Rights and Social Justice to screen the inspirational and timely film, Paper Tigers. The field intimately examines the powerful impact and possibilities of trauma informed communities through its intimate look into the lives of students, and the transformation of a learning environment at an alternative school that specializes in educating traumatized youth.

The event will involve a firm screening, guided reflection and call to action for implementing trauma-informed service delivery.

WHEN: Tuesday, March 15, 2016. 6-9 p.m.
WHERE: Barry University, Andreas Room 112

To register, please contact yalonso@barry.edu with the subject line: Paper Tigers.