Three members of the School of Social Work faculty participated in the International Federation of Social Work (IFSW) general meeting and international conference during the week of July 12-19. The conference, which was scheduled to take place in Calgary, Canada, was turned into a free online conference, which allowed 20,000 social workers from across the globe to participate.
Associate Professor Michael Cronin, Ph.D., and Associate Professor Anne Deepak, Ph.D., both presented papers during the conference. Cronin’s presentation was on “Innovative Problem Solving Utilizing a Design Thinking Approach,” while Deepak presented “Rethinking Human Trafficking Responses: A Postcolonial Feminist Social Work Perspective.”
Dean of the School of Social Work Robin Mama, Ph.D., was invited by the National Association of Social Workers to serve as an observer with their team for the general meeting of the IFSW. This is the business meeting of the organization and was held two days prior to the conference. As part of the business over the two-day meeting, three new countries were voted into the IFSW membership: Republic of Congo, Jordan, and Mexico; bringing the total number of IFSW member countries to 144.
During the conference, Mama was a member of the North American Region panel which gave a live presentation on the global agenda for social work and social development. Mama covered the topic of social determinants of health as part of the panel.
Cronin, Deepak, and Mama all represent the IFSW at the United Nations in New York City. IFSW is the global body for the social work profession. The federation and its national members strive for social justice, human rights, and inclusive, sustainable social development through the promotion of social work best practice and engagement in international cooperation.