Students will gather from around the state on Saturday, Nov. 12th for the NASW-MD Annual Student Conference. Headlining the conference will be Dr. Charles E. Lewis Jr., Founder and Director of CRISP, the Congressional Research Institute of Social Work and Policy and DeRay Mckesson a leading voice in the Black Lives Matter movement. Dr. Lewis’s topic, “Millennials have the Power to Shape America’s Future”, will challenge social work students to move beyond their desires to see a more just and equitable society, to making a commitment to be part of the solution. As election day will have just passed, he will also discuss the implications of the election results, particularly the rebalancing of the House and Senate.
We are also fortunate to have DeRay Mckesson speaking to us on the topic of Black Lives Matter. Mr. Mckesson is an organizer, activist, and educator. He has become a leading voice in the effort to confront the systems and structures that lead to the mass incarceration and police killings of black and other minority populations.
Topics for the conference were chosen by social work student leaders at their retreat in October. In addition to the keynote and the workshop on Black Lives Matter, there will be workshops on homeless youth and human trafficking, social work licensing, and applying to graduate school. A number of graduate schools will have admissions officers present to speak to interested students and those who are ready to graduate with their MSW or BSW will be able to learn about jobs which are available to new graduates.
It is not too late to register! The cost is just $10 for NASW members and $20 for non-members,
lunch is included! Visit our website at www.nasw-md.org to learn more and to reserve your seat.