Welcome Gathering – 8:30am to 8:50am

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Beulah H. Rothman Plenary – Friday, 8:50am to 9:50am ET 

1 Friday, 10:00am – 11:00am ET
Bridging Cultural Inclusivity and Connectivity: Enhancing Multiculturalism within Institutions of Higher Education | CE-eligible Presentation
Nakia Miller, Yeshiva University, New York, NY (USA)
Frank Fuentes, Yeshiva University, New York, NY (USA)
As society has become more diverse so has diversity within institutions of higher education. There is an ever-present need to ensure that institutions of higher education function with an anti-oppressive administration. Utilizing critical theory, this presentation will discuss intentional ways to bring together diverse communities leading to positive communal action and improving academic vigor for students and faculty.

2 Friday, 10:00am – 11:00am ET
Healing to Healthy (H2): The Development of a Therapeutic Domestic Violence Offender Group Intervention Model | CE-eligible Presentation
Anthony De Jesús, University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, CT (USA)
Charles Frazier, Radiance Innovative Services, Hartford, CT (USA)
Foteini Roditi, Radiance Innovative Services, Hartford, CT (USA)
Jeffin Jose, University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, CT (USA)
Conor Curland, University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, CT (USA)
Miriam Georgina Valdovinos, University of Denver, Denver, CO (USA)
This panel will describe the Radiance Innovative Services’ Healing to Healthy (H2) group intervention model which combines principles of mutual aid and theories of change to reduce the risk of recidivism for domestic violence offenders. The H2 model was developed to address the need for therapeutic intervention models for IPV offenders that offer a trauma informed approach and emphasize introspection and accountability as an alternative to retributive intervention models for this highly stigmatized population. 

3 Friday, 10:00am – 11:00am ET
The Parallel Process: Bereavement Quilts and the Group Work Process (TRAINING TRACK) | CE-eligible Presentation
Nancy Cincotta, Psychosocial Consultant, New York, NY (USA)
After the death of a child in the family, bereaved family members are often at a loss finding their place in the world. Blending the group process and the quilting process, within a range of group models, small, large, and internet driven, can all potentially present a cathartic experience, helping family members grow within the context of their grief. Relevant literature, research, and reflections will be presented.

5 Friday, 10:00am – 11:00am ET
What’s the Catch? Breaking through Patient’s Resistance for Help (RESEARCH TRACK)
Chekwube Nwabueze, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA (USA)
Brandon Newsome, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA (USA)
Research has found that African Americans are suspicious of health care programs that are targeted specifically for African Americans as they believe that the system would have ill intent. This presentation examines the suspicion and resistance that group facilitators experience in navigating the initiation of a sickle cell disease support group. Historical practices that influence minority patients’ engagement in groups, as well as research and best practices on how to address this, will be discussed.

6 Friday, 10:00am – 11:00am ET
The Artist Book Project: Expressing Hope and Justice in Social Work Education | CE-eligible Presentation
Loida Reyes, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT (USA)
Elizabeth Rodriguez-Keyes, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT (USA)
Art has historically served as a reflection of society. Artists use their unique perspective to make powerful statements on the social justice issues of the day. The use of art in social work practice creates a unique learning space that fosters a critical socialization process for social work students. This session will share how students used an Artist Book project to research issues related to the immigrant experience, and communicated their findings through multimedia.

7 Friday, 10:00am – 11:00am ET
Searching for Solutions: Mapping Resources of Social Work with Groups in Child and Family Welfare
Rasa Naujaniene, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
Jorune Vysniauskyte Rimkiene, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
Roberta Motieciene, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
The development of social services in child and family welfare is critically important for families that experience violence, unemployment, drug abuse, single-parenthood, teen pregnancy or mental illness. Social work with groups is an important component in child and family welfare. This presentation will explore advantages and challenges of different types of groups for parents and children who face multifaceted concerns.

8 Friday, 10:00am – 11:00am ET
The Importance of Groups in Brain Injury Rehabilitation | CE-eligible Presentation
Pamela Singer, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY (USA)
This presentation will illustrate the importance and numerous benefits of integrating group modalities into brain injury rehabilitation. It will describe the many needed benefits that only groups can provide that are different from, but equally as important, as individual modalities. Participants will learn about brain injury and optimal treatments. Patient vignettes will be used to illustrate the beauty of groups. A group relaxation and breathing exercise will be integrated into the session.

9 Friday, 10:00am – 11:00am ET
Social Theatre as a Methodology for Social Transformation (TRAINING TRACK)
Linda Ducca Cisneros, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, (Spain)
In social theatre the emphasis is not in the aesthetic but in the transformative purpose of theatre. The actors are regular people, directly related to the social justice problems they are trying to transform. This presentation will explore social theatre techniques suitable to promote critical thinking about social justice issues. Este taller explorará algunas técnicas de teatro social para promover el pensamiento crítico acerca de problemas de justicia social en el trabajo con grupos.

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Session 2: Invitational Presentations – Friday, 11:15am to 12:45pm ET 

Julie Drolet, University of Calgary, Edmonton, AB (Canada)
Elithet Silva, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR (USA)
Stevenson Édouard, Foundation America Solidaria Haiti (Haiti)
Timothy Sim, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon (Hong Kong)
Moderator: Mark Macgowan, Florida International University, Miami, Florida (USA)

The purpose of this plenary is to bring together experts on group work and disaster response from Haiti, Hong Kong, Puerto Rico, Canada, and mainland United States, to discuss the ways in which group workers have actively engaged with impacted communities after earthquakes, hurricanes, and other climate-related disasters. Panelists will discuss their unique experiences and connections in practice, approach, and training.

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Session 7 – 10:00am to 10:30am ET

1 Saturday, 10:00am – 10:30am ET
How Group Work Practice has developed Students’ Professional Growth and Impacted Lives in Namibian Informal Settlements
Namoonga Chilwalo, University of Namibia, Windhoek (Namibia)
Janet Ananias, University of Namibia, Windhoek (Namibia)
This presentation will discuss how University of Namibia students integrated values and skills of professional social work knowledge learned in their second year to engage in direct work with groups in informal settlements during their third year. The presenter will highlight how group work practice under academic supervision can impact lives in informal settlements while strengthening students’ leadership skills and professional growth in serving multicultural communities.

2 Saturday, 10:00am – 10:30am ET
Teaching Excellence through University Community Collaboration in Capacity Building (TRAINING TRACK)
Wan-Yi Chen, West Chester University, West Chester, PA (USA)
Gwenelle O'Neal, West Chester University, West Chester, PA (USA)
Few social work field practicums involve macro practice skills to develop competencies (resource development, managing service programs and organizations, community outreach, policy analysis, and program evaluation). This session will share an innovative way to enhance student field education, while simultaneously providing additional experiential learning opportunities for practitioners in community agencies through the use of community forums. Attendees will be able to replicate this community engagement strategy with their respective stakeholders.

3 Saturday, 10:00am – 10:30am ET
Group Social Work and Mutual Aid with Men Who have been Sexually Abused as Children (MUTUAL AID TRACK)
Jean-Martin Deslauriers, Université d’Ottawa, Ottawa, ON (Canada)
Few men disclose childhood sexual abuse experiences, and there is a deficit of practical knowledge in this field. Group work with these men is often manualized and takes the form of educational groups. However, a mutual aid approach can be very effective. This session proposes a reflection on a group work model, based on mutual aid, to use with men who have survived sexual abuse, and presents preliminary findings pertaining to this type of intervention.

4 Saturday, 10:00am – 10:30am ET
Enseñar la intervención social de grupo en estudiantes universitarios de Trabajo Social: Una experiencia basada en las vivencias en clase de los estudiantes
Oscar Labra, Universté du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Rouyn-Noranda, QC (Canada)
A través de esta presentación se quiere compartir una experiencia de enseñanza de intervención de grupo en Trabajo Social en la Universidad de Quebec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT). Los testimonios de los estudiantes que han participado en el curso en los últimos años nos permiten afirmar que este enfoque pedagógico ayuda a los estudiantes experimentar desde un grupo ficticio la vida propia de un grupo, vienen motivados al curso y descubren a partir de su experiencia de grupo en el aula la dinámica y los procesos de vida de un grupo.

5 Saturday, 10:00am – 10:30am ET
The Use of Human Simulation in Group Work Education: A Perspective from a Group Worker/Standardized Patient
Mary Lisbon, Barry University, Miami Shores, FL (USA)
Simulation pedagogy has become increasingly popular in different educational disciplines and levels of instruction. What is simulation and how can this methodology be incorporated into group work training for both social work students and practitioners? As a group worker and a standardized patient, this presenter will give a unique perspective on the efficacy of this methodology for assisting in imparting group work skills to students and practitioners.

6 Saturday, 10:00am – 10:30am ET
Watch Your Children Grow: Effective Language Working with Underserved Groups (RESEARCH TRACK)
Meredith Lewis, UAB Huntsville Family Medicine Residency, Huntsville, AL (USA)
Denise Surina-Baumgartner, UAB Huntsville Family Medicine Residency, Huntsville, AL (USA)
Shivani Malhotra, UAB Huntsville Family Medicine Residency, Huntsville, AL (USA)
Childhood obesity is an ever-growing concern among the pediatric population of the United States. As a response to address this issue, this presentation will describe an in-home practice utilizing scale biofeedback, home staging, and weekly incentive mailings. Research findings from this family group invention, as well as strategies for effectively initiating engagement, follow up, and termination with families, will be discussed.

7 Saturday, 10:00am – 10:30am ET
Application of Poetic Therapy Methods in Social Work with Groups of Women Addicted to Psychoactive Substances
Jorune Vysniauskyte Rimkiene, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
Ineta Sile, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
Poetic therapy methods allow for the evaluation of personal emotional condition, encourages self-knowledge and cognition of environment, and supports expression of emotions to raise self-confidence. This session will explain this therapeutic method as well as findings from a participatory action research study with a specific population. Attendees will have an opportunity to practice poetic therapy methods by creating their own poems.

8 Saturday, 10:00am – 10:30am ET
Social Work with Groups among Licensed Social Workers in Spain: From Individual Worries to a Common Strategy (RESEARCH TRACK)
Andrés Arias Astray, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid (Spain)
Linda Ducca Cisneros, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid (Spain)
After a series of small studies indicated that Spanish social workers do not use groups on a regular basis, the presenters carried out a national survey among registered social workers of the 36 professional associations in Spain to investigate further. Initial findings show that the use of groups is almost non-existent in Spain. The presenters will engage attendees to consider strategies that allow for a greater diffusion of group work education and practice.

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Session 8 – 10:40am to 11:10am ET

1 Saturday, 10:40am – 11:10am ET
Group Member Commitment: Lessons from South African Stokvels and Burial Societies
Reineth (CE) Prinsloo, University of Pretoria, Pretoria (South Africa)
Group leaders wish for committed and motivated group members. The practice of Stokvels and Burial Societies in South Africa provides excellent examples of incentives to establish commitment and motivation for attending and participating in group contexts. Attendees will learn about the practices, compare the practices to social work with groups, and partake in an IASWG “Stokvel” experiential exercise to experience the benefits.

2 Saturday, 10:40am – 11:10am ET
Why Do You Want to Bring Theory into This?
Kathy Pjura, Southern Connecticut University, New Haven, CT (USA)
Mark Cameron, Southern Connecticut University, New Haven, CT (USA)
This presentation examines the obstacles to using theory in practice, including the desire to create a communal space that values a socially normative, reciprocal way of being. Research suggests this choice may be unconscious and fueled by a fear that to do any more would threaten the connectivity of the group. Implications for practice and practice education will be discussed.

3 Saturday, 10:40am – 11:10am ET
“I learned that I can tell people how I really feel”: A Humanistic Group Process in a Rights-based After School Program Co-created with Black Youth in Low-income Communities (MUTUAL AID TRACK)
Kevin Miller, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
Heather Watson, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
Matt Baer, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
Ellie Smith, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
Chana Matthews, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
Katherine Tyson McCrea, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
This presentation shares how the implementation of Humanistic Group Therapy (HGT) has been emancipatory and therapeutic for youth living in marginalized environments, based on data from Law Under Curious Minds, a participatory, rights-based after school program in a large U.S. city. Presenters will share how this approach can address challenges in youth interventions within high crime, high poverty communities, and describe how to implement HGT principles throughout programming in organizations.

4 Saturday, 10:40am – 11:10am ET
People Don't Live in Hospitals, They Live in Communities: Groupwork Implications of a U.S. National Report on Social Work in Healthcare (RESEARCH TRACK)
Padraic Stanley, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL (USA)
Bonnie Edwald, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL (USA)
The U.S. National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine published a collaborative report on Integrating Social Care into the Delivery of Healthcare. This report highlights how social workers, community health workers, and caregivers have a legitimate and sizable impact on the health of communities, making the case for recognition from healthcare leadership. Join us to discuss the impact of this report and how social groupwork can play a vital and important role in health care.

5 Saturday, 10:40am – 11:10am ET
Illumination at the Border: Utilizing Group Reflection as Experiential Learning in Migration Studies Immersion Programs
Elisa Gores, Loyola University of Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
Marta Lundy, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
The use of group reflection during migration studies immersion programs at the Mexican border highlights the importance of giving students and educators time and space to process the emotions and clinical implications brought up during experiential learning programs. This session will demonstrate the usefulness of both group and written reflection by sharing some exemplary data from students’ reflections and will offer suggestions for implementing group and written reflection into immersive learning programs.

6 Saturday, 10:40am – 11:10am ET
The Meaning of Social Work with Groups in Child and Family Welfare Practice in a Lithuanian Context (RESEARCH TRACK)
Rasa Naujaniene, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
Jorune Vysniauskyte Rimkiene, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
Jonas Ruskus, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
Merja Leitinen, University of Lapland, Rovaniem (Finland)
Julija Eidukeviciute, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)  
Though social group work is a common method of practice in child and family welfare work in many countries, in Lithuania it is still not used very often. In this presentation, results from a case study, implemented in two administrative units of Lithuania, will be discussed, arguing how social work with groups practice could improve parenting practices and pro-social behavior in the area of child and family welfare.

7 Saturday, 10:40am – 11:10am ET
Las niñas serán lo que quieran ser: Using Group Work and Art to Raise Awareness on Equality and Justice in Puerto Rico (RESEARCH TRACK)
Elithet Silva-Martínez, Universidad de Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR (USA)
Concern for gender inequality was the catalyst to develop a group-based intervention using story-telling, art, and play with a group of children and older adults in Puerto Rico. “Expressing solidarity for the rights of girls,” as part of the UN International Girls’ Day, was a powerful strategy for collective awareness. This presentation includes the methodology employed, strategies, materials used, and intervention results, through photos and extracts of the narratives compiled.

8 Saturday, 10:40am – 11:10am ET
Social Work Group Work Intervention with Girl Children in Forced Marriages (RESEARCH TRACK)
Ajwang Warria, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (South Africa)
Children in forced marriages are a complex population group, and providing interventions that address their unique needs is crucial to them being empowered and creating meaningful futures. Group work intervention requires the group facilitator to have knowledge and skills to intervene and navigate social norms. This session will provide a review of the literature highlighting the complexity of this group practice to share dilemmas and opportunities for group work with child brides.

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Session 9 – 11:20am to 12:20pm ET

1 Saturday, 11:20am – 12:20pm ET
Teaching Group Work Skills and Theory using a Self-Facilitated Asynchronous Group (TRAINING TRACK) | CE-eligible Presentation
Christian Itin, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Denver, CO (USA)
Small groups are a common method for teaching group work in face-to-face social work education but less developed in online asynchronous education. This session explores self-facilitated groups in teaching group work skills and theory in an online asynchronous class. The content and assignments, the development of the small group and other key elements will be presented. This interactive presentation will focus on lessons learned, challenges encountered and opportunities.

3 Saturday, 11:20am – 12:20pm ET
Doubling the Impact: Concurrent Micro and Mezzo Group Work with the American Parkinson Disease Association (RESEARCH TRACK) | CE-eligible Presentation
Donna McLaughlin, Boston University, Boston, MA (USA)
Social workers are uniquely trained to interact with systems of all sizes, affording the worker an opportunity to 'double the impact’. This case study highlights the presenter’s interventions while collaborating with the American Parkinson Disease Association. The session offers examples of group work at the micro and mezzo levels and the rewards of multi-level, simultaneous group work.

4 Saturday, 11:20am – 12:20pm ET
Using Group Principles to Foster Community in Online Classrooms (MUTUAL AID TRACK) | CE-eligible Presentation
Hanni Flaherty, Yeshiva University, New York, NY (USA)
Lisa Henshaw, Yeshiva University, New York, NY (USA)
Higher education is changing rapidly with the incorporation of online, blended, and live online platforms. Research suggests that instructors in online environments should provide learners with an experience which promotes both autonomy and community. This session will focus on how group work principles provide the opportunity for students to share their experiences, feelings, coping strategies to increase their capacity to learn in online settings.

5 Saturday, 11:20am – 12:20pm ET
Experiencias académicas y estudiantiles en el desarrollo de un proyecto social con grupos en el contexto puertorriqueño
Nancy Viana, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR (USA)
Valerie Rodriguez, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR (USA)
Fernando Cuevas, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR (USA)
Nathalie Rivera, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR (USA)
Carolina Rosado, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR (USA)
Esta presentación tiene como propósito principal compartir algunas de las experiencias académicas de una profesora y estudiantes como parte del curso de trabajo social con grupos a nivel de bachillerato, el cual tienen como requisito que desarrollen un proyecto social de grupo.

6 Saturday, 11:20am – 12:20pm ET
Trauma Informed Drama Therapy: The Story Within and Without
Heidi Landis, New York University, New York, NY (USA)
Stories are intrinsic to how we see the world and how we shape our world view. The experience of traumatic events often takes away the ability to move forward, leaving many feeling hopeless and stuck in old and distressing stories. Through the CANY model of trauma-informed drama therapy, attendees will explore and learn how to help clients honor the stories that lie within and move toward the possibilities of stories not yet created.

7 Saturday, 11:20am – 12:20pm ET
Social Engagement and Children's Mental Health: A Universal Response for Creative Strategies, Applied Theory in Practice, and Global Implications for Social Work with Groups and Youth Development (TRAINING TRACK) | CE-eligible Presentation
Kenny Turck, Crow River Family Services, Litchfield, MN (USA)
Lived experience, social engagement, and social context are important considerations not only in youth development but also in treating emotional and behavioral reactivity, mental health impairments, trauma, and suicidality in youth in the United States. This session will explore the importance of social work with groups, discuss the functions of the autonomic nervous system, it’s relevance to trauma, social and emotional intelligence, recent findings in neuroscience, and current relevance and implications for social work practice.

8 Saturday, 11:20am – 12:20pm ET
What's Next for Summer Camp Social Work - Let's Explore! | CE-eligible Presentation
Meryl Nadel, Iona College, New Rochelle, NY (USA)
Sue Scher, Ramapo College of New Jersey, Mahwah, NY (USA)
Barbara Muskat, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON (Canada)
Recent articles in the scholarly and popular media recognize the need for social workers to be more involved with summer camps. Camp populations include a wide range of campers and increasingly welcome campers with mental health issues and multiple challenges. Although camps currently employ social workers in a wide range of roles, camp social work is not recognized as a distinct field of practice. Following a brief overview, we invite participants to explore future directions for camp social work.The impact of COVID-19 on camps will be a key focus.

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Saturday Poster Session – 12:30pm to 1:30pm ET 

Developmental Trauma’s Impact on Therapeutic Group Participation and Potential Interventions to Address Client Trauma History Related Barriers
Sarah Kelly, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
This poster describes how developmental trauma may impact a person’s ability to participate in a group. Additionally, it provides interventions to implement to help clients prepare for group participation. The poster describes how to determine if a client’s sensory integration, self-regulation, and relational skills are developed, to more effectively assess if participation in a group is contraindicated.

A Pilot Study of Whether Social Media Group Promotes Mutual Aid, Instillation of Hope, Universality Among Its Participants (MUTUAL AID TRACK)
Veronika Kudina, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
The 2020 miles in 2020 challenge is based on a philosophy that was established by the authors of Run The Edge. They created an exclusive Facebook group to encourage individuals to form social bonds and do their best to complete 2020 miles in 2020. This poster will showcase how the virtual exercise Facebook group was developed, and illustrate the impact it has on group members as they post their personal stories, interact with one another, and motivate each other to succeed.

Reinforcing Effective Diabetes Group Education in an Outpatient Setting
Meredith Lewis, UAB Huntsville Family Medicine Residency, Huntsville, AL (USA)
Kaaren Royster, Alabama A&M University, Huntsville, AL (USA)
Diabetes is a major health issue. In the U.S. alone, there are 30 million patients impacted by diabetes. This poster will highlight the impact of offering diabetes education groups to patients, and how the groups were pivotal for motivating patients and offering accountability.

Fostering Cross-Generational Support through Narrative Group Interventions with LGBTQ Populations
Kelsey Tevik, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
The rapidly changing social landscape of the past 50 years has led to a distinctive social divide between adults and youth within the LGBTQ community. This poster examines potential benefits of utilizing group narrative therapy interventions for fostering cross-generational connection and support among LGBTQ populations. It discusses current literature, as well as identifying need for future research and scholarship. A curriculum for a ten-week LGBTQ narrative therapy group is provided.

Designing a Systemic Model of Child Welfare: Moving from Child Protection to the Development of Psychosocial Support for Families (RESEARCH TRACK)
Rasa Naujaniene, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
Jonas Rušku, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
Merja Laitinen, University of Lapland, Rovaniemi (Finland)
Jorune Vysniauskyte Rimkiene, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
Julija Eidukeviciute, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
Roberta Motieciene, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
This poster explains the current practices of the child welfare system in Lithuania. Based on statistical analysis generated from the results of a recent study, the poster will discuss how child neglect and child violence is conceptualized, which intervention method is dominant, and the possibilities for the development of psychosocial services.

Developing Critical Competencies: Social Skills Groups in Schools (TRAINING TRACK)
Jessica Lee, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
This poster aims to illustrate the need for social skills groups in school settings, examines group interventions targeting social skill development with young men of color, and highlights key components and challenges of group interventions. Ideas for future group-based interventions will also be discussed.

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Session 10 – 1:30pm to 2:30pm ET 

1 Saturday, 1:30pm – 2:30pm ET
Superheroes, Shields, and Storybooks: Art Activities for Social Work with Groups (TRAINING TRACK) | CE-eligible Presentation
Rebecca Hoffman, Social Groupworker, Brooklyn, NY (USA)
In these times of trouble, we need new heroes, and those heroes will have to be us. In this interactive session, we will explore how group facilitators can use visual art activities to activate the imaginations of their members in order to help them create safe spaces where they can take risks, tell new stories, and experience an enhanced sense of their own efficacy and deeper connectedness to themselves and others. (To get the most out of this workshop, please have markers/crayons/pencils and paper ready. The bigger paper the better. You can even tape two pieces together! Don’t have markers? Any paper and a ballpoint will do.)

2 Saturday, 1:30pm – 2:30pm ET
The IASWG SPARC Program: Celebrating and Supporting Innovation in Group Work with Endorsement and Funding of IASWG Members' Initiatives (RESEARCH TRACK) | CE-eligible Presentation
​Carol Cohen, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY (USA)
Brian​ ​Kelly, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
With IASWG SPARC Awardees sharing their projects and advice:  Linda Ducca, Erin Nau, Mark Smith, Kenan Sualp, Scott Giacomucci, Mary V. Lisbon, Nancy Viana Vazquez, and Zaneta Smith
The IASWG launched the SPARC Program to "spark" members' innovative projects through endorsement and grants. Join IASWG SPARC Program Committee members, and SPARC Awardees, for information and discussion of the application process, successes and challenges. Come hear about applying and celebrate the IASWG SPARC Projects' 8th birthday year!  

3 Saturday, 1:30pm – 2:30pm ET
We Did It and So Can You! A Community-Government and Academic Collaboration to Improve Health and Human Services Delivery (RESEARCH TRACK) | CE-eligible Presentation
Elissa Giffords, LIU-Post Health and Human Services Department, Brookville, NY (USA)
John Imhof, LIU-Post Health and Human Services Department, Brookville, NY (USA)
This session shares the presenters’ and collaborators’ experience, and subsequent reflections, of their public-private and academic community-based collaboration, which sought to identify client service needs in order to review and improve current procedures for obtaining benefits or services when indicated. Following an overview of the project, attendees will utilize an instructional tool and discuss actions they can use to facilitate their own advocacy projects.

4 Saturday, 1:30pm – 2:30pm ET
Creating Connections: The Inclusive Group Work Training Project (TRAINING TRACK) | CE-eligible Presentation
Melissa Popiel, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON (Canada)
Sarah LaRocque, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB (Canada)
William Pelech, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB (Canada) 
David Nicholas, University of Calgary, Edmonton, AB (Canada)
Christopher Kilmer, University of Calgary, Edmonton, AB (Canada)
David Este, University of Calgary, Edmonton, AB (Canada) 
Roshini Pillay, Witwatersrand University, Johannesburg (South Africa)
This session will provide an introduction to the Inclusive Group Work Training Project, an online course designed to provide training in the use of an inclusive model of group work practice. Attendees will take part in learning activities that comprise this online training course including case studies, reflections, and discussions relating to the nature of diversity in groups and inclusive group work practice.

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Session 11 – 2:45pm to 2:45pm ET 

2 Saturday, 2:45pm – 3:45pm ET
P.RE.TURN (Praxis of Revenant Empowerment for Transcendence using Re-Narration): A Group Practice to Empower Citizens Returning from Prison (TRAINING TRACK) | CE-eligible Presentation
Thomas Kenemore, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
Brent In, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
This session presents a developing group practice model for work with citizens returning from prison to their communities. The model's components, and the integration of the components, will be explained to identify how group dynamics can help individuals achieve challenging reentry goals when combined with other services, leading to the transcendent navigation of the challenges of long-term reentry success.

4 Saturday, 2:45pm – 3:45pm ET
Social Work in the Political World; On the Precipice | CE-eligible Presentation
Devin Helmick, Private Practice, Saint Cloud, MN (USA)
As the world stands on a precipice, we face radical social change in many countries around the world, and with this change there is pushback against change and reactionary politics. Social workers should be educated to serve as change agents to support members of the communities in which they live and work. The presenter will discuss the ethical obligations of social workers to be change agents as well as methods by which social workers can advocate for change.

5 Saturday, 2:45pm – 3:45pm ET
Turning up the Heat on Cultural Inclusivity to Drive Out Hate | CE-eligible Presentation
Nakia Miller, Yeshiva University, New York, NY (USA)
Frank Fuentes, Yeshiva University, New York, NY (USA)
The onslaught of hate-filled speech, hate-filled attacks, and hate-filled abuse of power is an attempt to strip humanity of collectiveness. Now is not the time to idly await change but the time to act! There is a need to individually and collectively “turn up the heat” on cultural inclusivity to drive out hate. Attempting to awaken their individual sense of responsibility to become culturally inclusive ambassadors, attendees will intentionally reflect on their roles and engagement opportunities to celebrate difference and sameness.

6 Saturday, 2:45pm – 3:45pm ET
Activities to Engage Clients at All Stages of Group Development (TRAINING TRACK) | CE-eligible Presentation
Erin Nau, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY (USA)
Nina Ehrlich-Foley, The Safe Center LI, Bethpage, NY (USA)
This interactive session is intended for facilitators and attendees to share their best activities for all stages of group development. A structured dialogue will be conducted regarding activity planning for activities with different ages.

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Session 12 – 4:00pm to 5:00pm ET 

1 Saturday, 4:00pm – 5:00pm ET
An Inclusive Basketball Club: Eliminating Barriers through Socialization of Individuals with Disabilities in the Community on a College Campus (MUTUAL AID TRACK) | CE-eligible Presentation
Samuel Benbow, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA (USA)
This session will share the design and implementation of a successful program called the Inclusive Basketball Club for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities created within the Department of Social Work & Gerontology on the campus of Shippensburg University. Attendees will use the Inclusive Basketball Club example of linking classroom knowledge to application in the community to design the initial blueprint of an institution-specific inclusive athletic program for adults with disabilities.

3 Saturday, 4:00pm – 5:00pm ET
Creating Civil Conversations about Social Policy with Mutual Aid (MUTUAL AID TRACK) | CE-eligible Presentation
Rebecca Esther Coleman, Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL (USA)
This presentation offers a group empowerment model for creating civil conversations in an environment with a coarsening public discourse. The presenter shares an application of the model in a social welfare policy class. Experiential activities provide an opportunity to practice the model then discuss how to apply the model in their personal and professional lives.

4 Saturday, 4:00pm – 5:00pm ET
Single-Gender Groups for Women Suffering from Opioid Use Disorder: Theory and Treatment | CE-eligible Presentation
Efrat Fridman, New York University, New York, NY (USA)
Although studies show that men still exceed women in the prevalence of heroin use and nonmedical prescription opioid use, the rate of increase of women's use may be exceeding that of men's. A single-gender group context has been proposed to be most effective for women who suffer from substance use disorders. This presentation discusses the unique barriers and needs women face when they attend treatment and the process of developing a single-gender day center.

5 Saturday, 4:00pm – 5:00pm ET
Group Group, Group 'Sup', and Vietnamese Soup: Social Worker, Heal Thy Self by Gathering Sustenance for Your Groupwork Practice (MUTUAL AID TRACK) | CE-eligible Presentation
Rebecca Hoffman, Social Groupworker, Brooklyn, NY (USA)
This work is too hard to go it alone. As groupworkers, we believe in the power of group work to empower and sustain people through the most difficult circumstances. Yet, we may not have made room in our hectic schedules to get the benefits we have long promised our group members: hope, manageability, and belonging. Together, we will do art to explore what we need in order to have a sustainable, lifelong social groupwork practice. (To get the most out of this workshop, please have markers/crayons/pencils and paper ready. The bigger paper the better. You can even tape two pieces together! Don’t have markers? Any paper and a ballpoint will do.)

6 Saturday, 4:00pm – 5:00pm ET
A Community Based Model for a Group Work Facilitation Certification (TRAINING TRACK) | CE-eligible Presentation
Kris Drumm, Private Practice, FL (USA)
Cindy Sterne, Broward Addiction and Recovery Center (BARC), FL (USA)
Far too often, social service staff are required to facilitate groups with little exposure to, or training in, the facilitation of groups. This presentation provides an overview of the creation and implementation of the Florida Institute for Group Facilitation, which has been in existence since 2014 and has certified 20 facilitators. The presenters will share an outline of program components, and their experiences as institute faculty, trainers, and supervisors of program participants.

7 Saturday, 4:00pm – 5:00pm ET
La fin du groupe: une phase souvent négligée, mais pourtant si importante (TRAINING TRACK) | CE-eligible Presentation
Hélène Filion Onserud, Social Group Worker, Brooklyn, NY (USA)
Rob Abbot, Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation, Brooklyn, NY (USA)
Lafinest une étape particulièrement difficile du développement du groupe car elle fait ressortir, pour le travailleur de groupe et les membres du groupe, des sentiments difficiles et souvent douloureux liés à la fois à la situation actuelle et aux expériences passées. Les participants à cette session pourront explorer leurs propres sentiments, identifier différents aspects du processus de fin et être en mesure d'évaluer les gains réalisés lorsqu'un groupe passe par un processus de fin approfondi.