WSSW Common Day Explores Economic Crisis

On Wednesday, March 18th, Wurzweiler School of Social Work's faculty and students joined together for their annual Common Day to explore the topic of Hope in the Midst of Crisis: Social Work in Action.

Common Day is a collaborative effort between a committee of faculty and student members that was created over 7 years ago in response to 9/11 as a means of furthering a sense of community at Wurzweiler during a time of collective crisis. Today, Common Day maintains its commitment to community-building by bringing social issues of common concern to the awareness of both the faculty and student body. This year, the topic focused on the profound impact the financial crisis in America is having on the clients and the communities that social workers serve.



Students viewed a short excerpt from "60 Minutes" that highlighted the experience of a company in Wilmington, Ohio, that employed most of the townspeople, and had to begin laying them off. This was followed with in-depth table discussions between faculty and students involving analysis, brainstorming, and policy planning.

Common Day will be followed by a day of social action to benefit the community of Washington Heights. More about this to come.
(Thanks to Lynn Levy & CBS News)

Ceremonial Violence is Topic for Toronto Alum Bookgroup

Professor Jonathan Fast and Alumni Coordinator Mark Miller traveled to Canada on March 8th to speak to WSSW Toronto alumnae who have started a social work themed book-group. Gracious hosts Roslyn Schultz, Class of '72, and her husband, Ben, offered their home as a meeting place, refreshments, and a welcoming atmosphere. Dr. Fast read from his new book, Ceremonial Violence, The Psychological Explanation of School Shootings, and led a lively discussion.

Toronto alums who are interested in socializing with other like-minded graduates, joining the book-group, or just bringing us up to date on their activities are invited to contact Mark at (212) 813-0572 or email him at cmMiller@yu.edu.

JQYouth Panel Speaks at Lunch-and-Learn

On Wednesday, March 4, Wurzweiler's Student Goverment brought back JQYouth for a lunch and learn program. JQYouth are a social/support group made up of Orthodox gay, bi, trans and lesbian Jews between the ages of 17 and 30.

In addition to providing information about their backgrounds and experiences as gay Orthodox Jews (in particular their experiences of "coming-out" to their families and friends,) the presenters discussed therapeutic strategies for working with gay individuals.

(Thanks to Jay Sweifach)

Food Drive Big Success -- Donations Still Needed!

The WSSW food-bank, the work of our social action committee, continues to thrive. We have already distributed more than 16 boxes of food to the Washington Heights community. This project will continue throughout the semester and all donations of non-spoilable foods and toiletries are welcomed.

Please drop off off food and toiletries in boxes located on the 8th and 9th floors of Belfer Hall.

A special thank you to those of you who have already generously given to this food drive!

--The Social Action Committee
(Catherine Cassidy, guest editor & photographer)

Jobs in Social work: Wurzweiler School of Social Work Hosts Informational Panel

Like everyone else in today's troubled economy, students at Wurzweiler School of Social Work are wondering about their job opportunities.

On Wednesday, February 25th, Wurzweiler hosted an informational panel with representatives from six social service agencies that serve clients in the metropolitan New York area:

• FEGS
  
• OHEL
• JASA
• United Jewish Communities
• YAI/National Institute for People with Disabilities,
• The Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services,

The panel was very well attended. Students learned how they can market themselves in a challenging environment. The panelists offered 'straight' talk that included some helpful hints about how to be flexible in this market and how to utilize their skills to re-envision their roles in the workplace. The agencies all reported that they would be hiring and accepted resumes from many grateful students.
(Thanks to guest editor, Lynn Levy)