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Hello Humboldt State University Social Work community members and welcome to our latest newsletter, Please take some time to read about activities our students, faculty, staff, graduates, and community members are up to. You’ll find out how well we are living up to our Department Purpose that says, in part, “we will offer students and community members opportunities to develop skills, leadership capacity, knowledge, practices, and methodologies for fostering change; bringing about social justice, environmental justice, and economic justice; and addressing and healing the ongoing effects of colonization.” As a part of our commitment to building community and moving toward action we have created a website open to current and past students as well as community partners. As faculty member Jamie Jensen says, “The philosophy of this site comes from a non-expert paradigm and recognizes that none of us knows enough on our own, and each of us knows a great deal! This is a place to act from a place of love and kindness. This is a place to organize and unite.” Check it out here: http://hsusocialworkcommunity.ning.com. Warmly, Ronnie Swartz Chair, Department of Social Work
Welcome Jamie Jensen - Assistant Professor Jamie has been a member of the faculty at Humboldt State University since 2008 and is currently acting as the Director of the Distributed Learning (DL) Programs for the Department of Social Work at HSU. She earned an MSW in 2008 from Humboldt State University and an MA in Human Development in 2015 from Fielding Graduate University. She is completing a Ph.D. in Human and Organizational Systems. Her dissertation research is on addressing the ongoing effects of colonization of Native Peoples through the higher education system. She has a commitment to creating sustainable programs and organizations that heal and actively works to promote this in the community as an Organization Development Consultant specializing in organizational cultures.
Welcome Heather Gough - Assistant Professor Prior to joining the faculty at Humboldt State University, Dr. Gough served as both an attorney and social worker across the state of California (including here in Humboldt County) and in Nevada. Practice areas included federal Indian law, foster youth advocacy, counseling, adult mental health law, guardianship, tribal sovereignty issues across spectrums of care, corrections, juvenile probation, in-home behavioral health, urban debate as well as international experience with Romani and North African immigrant populations. A passionate teacher, Dr. Gough’s classes are informed by her research areas which include: decolonization of professional curricula and pedagogy in both law and social work; Federal Indian law, sovereignty and behavioral health with Indigenous/Native communities; social welfare policy; and advocacy strategies. She also served as an Assistant Professor at the University of Nevada, Reno prior to the birth of her amazing daughter. Education: J.D. (U.C. Berkeley); Ph.D. (Justice Studies, Arizona State University); MSW (Univ. of Denver). Welcome Blair Kreuzer - Tribal and Community Child Welfare Educator Blair Kreuzer is a member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe and has worked as an advocate for social justice in both urban and rural tribal communities for the past 14 years. Blair earned a Bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley in Political Science and Native American Studies and her MSW from Humboldt State University. For the past four years, Blair has served as a tribal administrator and social worker focusing on Indian Child Welfare Act compliance and the development of tribal child welfare systems to better serve the needs of families in tribal communities.
Hmong Night at Eureka High School November 16, 2016 Eureka High School AVID (Advancement Via Individuals Determination) Club held a "Hmong Night" on Nov 16th in celebration of the coming Hmong New Year. Students and community members were welcomed to attend. The Club provided traditional Hmong dishes for attendees as well as entertainment such as Hmong dances and songs. Mailee Yang, HSU Department of Social Work Hmong Community Outreach Coordinator, tabled at the event to provide information about the Department's BASW and MSW program to interested EHS Hmong students. The Department would like to thanks EHS, Mrs. Sanchez and Mr. Franklin for the tables at the event. Mailee writes: As a longtime Humboldt resident of 28 years, I am deeply passionate about improving the livelihoods of local residents as well as enriching the community. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work in 2007 and Master’s Degree in Social Work in 2012, both of which were obtained here at HSU. Between the years of 2012 and 2015, I had been employed as a social worker for Humboldt County Child Welfare. My goal as a coordinator is to strengthen the Department of Social Work’s relationships with Hmong communities in the region, since Northern California has a sizable population of Hmong residents yet the Hmong communities north of the Sacramento Valley still remain relatively invisible and under-served. Two of the most glaring issues with providing much-needed social services for the local Hmong are the language barrier and the education barrier. Even for the younger generations of Hmong who have grown up learning English, they may still lack a
nuanced understanding of the resources and opportunities available for them, their parents, and their community. My long-term vision is to help enhance the inclusiveness of HSU and the larger community by assisting Hmong students who have a passion in social service. In doing so, I believe I can guide Hmong students toward an academic path that provides them with the essential tools and knowledge to serve their community more meaningfully.
IMAGES: (L-R) Yvonne Doble - HSU Department of Social Work Director of Field Education and Retired Field Education Director - Sheri Johnson
KHUM 21st Annual Stop the Violence - Start the Healing Breakfast | November 18, 2016 2016 marked KHUM's 21st Stop The Violence campaign. Sheri Johnson, recently retired HSU Department of Social Work Field Education Director, was key note speaker and honored with a quilt for her long-time commitment to the campaign. What is Stop The Violence? Over the years this campaign has tackled thorny social issues that most communities deal with, but generally don’t talk about and sweep under the rug. The campaign 2016 dealt with: • Male Privilege • Indigenous Rights • The Violence of Poverty The event concluded with a “Healing Breakfast” held on the morning of Friday, Nov. 18 at the Eureka Woman’s Club with a live panel of speakers, resource tables from help organizations from throughout the community, free pastries from Ramone’s Bakery and coffee from Signature Coffee, live music by Anna Hamilton, and more. Plus, at this event the Stop the Violence Campaign will present a check to a deserving organization from the Stop the Violence fund, managed by the Humboldt Area Foundation.
IMAGES: (L-R) Agenda, culminating group projects of social causes and issues the 8th graders presented, Maymi Preston and Yvonne Doble
I've Been Accepted to College (IBAC) December 2, 2016 On Friday, December 2nd, in partnership with Decade of Difference, HSU brought over 400 8th grade student from Humboldt and Del Norte County to campus for tours, workshops, and classroom experiences in order to kick off their quests for higher education. Maymi Preston, MSW Class of 2017, presented "Social Work: Let's be the Change�. Maymi Preston, a Distributed Learning (DL) student set to graduate in May, has two boys (11 months and three years old). She lives in Orleans, CA and hopes to work for one of the tribes she belongs to after graduation (hopefully in Karuk country because she is also a Karuk language learner and would like to apply that to her work someday as well). FUN FACT: When Maymi started the MSW program she had no children, so they are her MSW babies!
The Women’s March on Eureka held on Saturday, January 21st, commenced at C & 1st Street. A global cooperative, community based and family-friendly event, all were encouraged to create a beautiful message - positivity, empowerment, and unification - for people of all ages and genders who believe in human rights, civil liberties, diversity, and compassion. AFSCME Local 1684, the largest union in Humboldt County representing more than 1,100 county employees, sponsored the event by providing financial support and outreach for participants. Their generosity and dedication to the cause of social justice and public engagement provided the financial support to make this march happen. Here is what our students and faculty said: Coming from Lake County, it was refreshing and surprising to see such a great turnout this year for the march. Living in other rural areas of Northern California, I have not had the opportunity to participate in such well coordinated events for social advocacy. As a social worker and a recent addition to the community, it felt great to be with such a diverse crowd of fellow advocates and I look forward to future events like this. - Kevin McGeoch, MSW Class of 2017 Accessibility meant a great deal to me, specifically the sign language interpreter for myself and other deaf participants. As a senior social work student who focuses on disability rights, I greatly appreciated the willingness of the organizers to accommodate myself and other deaf women at short notice by providing an interpreter on stage for the rally. It is important to set a visual example of accessibility and accommodations for all to follow, as we face jeopardy under a Trump administration, not only as women but as disabled people. The lives and well-being of disabled people are at risk, and social workers must be aware of intersectionality in our field of work. - Heather Jenkins, MSW Class of 2017 As someone who believes the personal is political, it was incredibly emotional witnessing that not only locally, but nationwide and internationally, fellow social justice warriors refusing to stay quiet. It was especially rad to participate in the march with members of our MSW coHEART. This won't be the last time we are out there on the trenches, I can promise you that! March on--let's get to work! Chelsea Trillo - MSW Class of 2018 I'm so proud of my kiddos that made their own signs and came up with the slogans all on their own. It was sweet and heartening. The whole experience gave me the dose of hope and courage that I needed to push into the next round of resistance to this new administration. - Holly Scaglione, Social Work Lecturer
White Privilege, feminism and social justice in what this beautiful event presented and challenged. - Yatiel Owens, Social Work Lecturer
IMAGE: (L-R) Julian Lang, Crystal Richardson, James Gensaw
SAVE THE DATE! 23rd Annual Field Reception for Field Instructors (Supervisors) of MSW and BASW students and their interns.
Commencement - May 13, 2017 SAVE THE DATE!!! HSU's 2017 Commencement ceremony for the College of Professional Studies (including Social Work) will be held Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 8:30 am in HSU's Redwood Bowl (rain or shine!). We will have a department reception to celebrate with our graduates and their families directly following the ceremony. This will be held in the Native American Forum (BSS 162) beginning at 11:30am. IMPORTANT NOTES + TO DO's: • All information regarding the 2017 Commencement can be found HERE. Please visit this site to register and review the university's info regarding Commencement. • REGISTER for Commencement via the Commencement website by APRIL 4, 2017. • Order Grad Regalia HERE by March 22nd - this includes caps, gowns, invitations, diploma frames, honors cords. For more info call the Bookstore: 707-826-3741. • For local students, the campus "Grad Finale" will be held March 28-29 from 10am to 3:00pm at the HSU Bookstore. Order and pick up grad supplies in person during this time.
• Pick Up Name Card on May 11th or 12th. • Book lodging as soon as possible. • (OPTIONAL) - Join Forever Humboldt or the Social Work Alumni listserv. Questions about access services for graduates with disabilities or guests with disabilities should be directed to the Student Disability Resource Center at 707-826-4678 or sdrc@humboldt.edu
Campus Intensive | January 12-14, 2017 The final day of this years Distributed Learning Program Campus Intensive featured on open format that allowed students to shape their experience by selecting sessions aligned with their personal/educational interests. This year's "Choice Session" Topics included: • Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: Examining the Work of Dr. Joy Degruy with Chryste Johnson - - - > This session included a viewing of a presentation given by Dr. Joy to colleagues overseas. Her work explores the history of chattel slavery in the United States and how it's effects have shaped the contemporary lives of African-Americans. She painted a clinical picture of how such a traumatic event can do nothing more than leave scars on all that lived the experiences (including the oppressors and the oppressed). • Narrative Theory & Practice with Ronnie Swartz & Yatiel Owens - - - > This session explored stories as a possibility for change, transformation, kindness, and gratitude...and narrative approaches that are highly effective, and consistent with our personal commitments. • Stories of Decolonization: Land Dispossession & Settlement with Geneva Shaw & Phoebe Cellitti - - - > This seesion included a documentary film screening & discussion.
• Foster Care with Rochelle Trochtenberg - - - > As the California Foster Care Ombudsperson, Rochelle presented on the rights of California foster youth. • Federal Indian Law and Social Services in Indian Country with Kerri Malloy - - > Origin of social services in Indian Country as a component of federal Indian policy and the application of Federal Indian Law today. • Mindful Strategies for Defusing Defensiveness When Confronting Privilege with Yvonne Doble - - - > This workshop offered tools and strategies for recognizing, naming and navigating personal defensiveness that may arise when confronting our own power and privilege, as well as systemic and implicit bias. Content drew on materials from Robin DiAngelo. • Worker Overwhelm: Cultivating Solutions Between Social Workers & the People They Serve with Phoebe Cellitti - - - > This workshop covered research related to compassion fatigue and offered solutions to overcome it and use it as a tool to better serve clients. • Bilingual Social Work with Laura Power - - - > This workshop was an opportunity to talk about using your second language in your social work practice. What skills do you have? What steps can you take to prepare yourself to be a bilingual practitioner?
SW 611: Distributed Learning Community Seminar ABOUT SW 611: An advanced year graduate course and weekly seminar, SW 611 seeks to provide a space to explore concepts such as client advocacy, cultural climate change in our country and community, and circles of safety for ourselves and others while processing experiences in the advanced year of the online graduate Social Work program. Through integrating theory with practice, gaining information about community resources, and monitoring student progress in the program, the emphasis is to build a learning community that engages students to support one another's personal-professional growth in understanding the use of self. Here are a two examples of most recent seminars:
October 6, 2017 with Patricia Smith: Compassion Fatigue Facilitated by Larissa Krause, Patricia Smith presented "Recognizing and Managing Compassion Fatigue". Her presentation included the definition of compassion fatigue, its symptoms, causes and strategies on how to begin the healing process. Patricia Smith is a certified Compassion Fatigue Specialist with 20 years of training experience. As founder of the Compassion Fatigue Awareness ProjectŠ (www.compassionfatigue.org), she writes, speaks and facilities workshops nationwide in service of those
who care for others. She has authored several books including To Weep for a Stranger: Compassion Fatigue in Caregiving. VIEW HER TED TALK ON COMPASSION FATIGUE HERE
March 2, 2017 with Julia Drefke: Health Care Policy and Advocacy Julia Drefke, Senior Manager of the Health Policy and Researcher for the Adventist Health Policy Association, has spent the last five years working towards creating inclusive and sustainable health care policy for hundreds of health care facilities throughout the country. In her role, Julia is responsible for policy papers, research, issues management, advocacy and strategic planning regarding national health care policy. Julia also sits on the board of Humboldt County's non-profit organization HACHR, Humboldt Area Center for Harm Reduction in Eureka, CA. Health Care Policy is on the brink of massive change in the United States. These changes have high potential to drastically influence the landscape of available services and resources for ourselves, our clients, and our communities. This seminar provided an informative and dynamic conversation about the climate and relevant concerns of Health Care Policy, and how we as agents of change can support our communities. VIEW THE VIDEO HERE
Round Table Discussion: Identifying the Barriers Preventing Indigenous Peoples from Becoming Approved Foster Placements This round table discussion, hosted on February 3, 2017, was the first in a series or three to be held at Consolidated Tribal Health Project in Redwood Valley, CA. The discussion, designed to request community input, was attended by community members, Social Workers, ICWA Advocates, and Tribal Leaders. The topic, "Identifying the Barriers Preventing Indigenous Peoples from Becoming Approved Foster Parents," comes from Trilby Kerrigan and Silver Galleto's joint Master's Project and was co-facilitated by this team. There were over 40 participants and we had a very insightful conversation with the community. We have another round table set for Lake County on March 17th, and our last in Sonoma County on April 7th. We are so grateful that this research
not only gathers pertinent information, but also serves as a recruitment tool in our Tribal communities. We are looking forward to information that will allow us to remove barriers that are currently preventing Indigenous Peoples from becoming foster parents. - Silver Galleto, MSW Class of 2017 This project has turned into a really great work-in-progress. There are many assumptions as to why there are not enough Tribal homes to provide foster or emergency placements for Native children so we wanted to go to the source to address the situation by examining the barriers. The "community conversation" was an idea built from last years “Talking Circle� hosted by HSU Department of Social Work Directors at Consolidated Tribal Health Project. I was involved in that planning process and I really liked the approach. The ability to capture what is directly impacting each individual really comes out in holding community conversations. - Trilby Kerrigan, MSW Class of 2017 For more info contact: sg1584@humboldt.edu
Trilby Kerrigan, tbk44@humboldt.edu or Silver Galleto,
Resilience and Empowerment: When Do We Help & When Do We Hurt? | February 15, 2017 As part of the HSU Department of Psychology "Psych Talks", Department of Social Work lecturer, Jovonne Dempster, MSW, offered a discussion "Resilience and Empowerment: What Do We Help & When Do We Hurt?" The discussion included her work in the field of Social Work and specifically working with marginalized and oppressed communities. In addition, Ms. Dempster spoke about engaging in social justice, empowering oneself, and wellness. ABOUT PSYCH TALKS: Since 2015 the Psychology department has be hosting a colloquium providing HSU the opportunity to learn about psychological practice and research from experts in their fields and HSU students. All are welcome! FOLLOW THIS LINK to learn more.
IMAGE: Jovonne Dempster and community at the 2.15.17 Psych Talk
Social Work & Wellness Do you recognize these Directors? In the spirit of social work and wellness, Jamie Jensen, Geneva Shaw, and Phoebe Cellitti together have renewed their commitment to wellness and have been training together!
Social Work Student Association Check out what's the Social Work Student Association (SWSA) has been up to! Solidarity with Standing Rock, November 5th, 12-2pm at the Old Town Gazebo in Eureka While the SWSA did not host this event, they encouraged members of the association and Social Work students to participate and show support of Standing Rock with the water protectors all over the world, and to start a long-term movement to protect our water here in Humboldt. Fall Clothing Drive, November 15th on the UC Quad November 15th, the SWSA tabled on the Quad to collect donations for a Cold Weather Clothing Drive. The SWSA also placed bins around campus including BSS, the AS office, the Telonicher House (Com House), the Oh Snap food pantry, and the Kineisiology Building to continue the collection throughout the cold season. While the drive was geared towards community members in need, the SWSA included students currently on campus with a need for warm clothing such as this, especially with the current housing crisis. The clothing drive as a great success! The SWSA also applied for a grant to buy sleeping bags to donate to those in need has been submitted and is waiting for approval, keep your fingers crossed! SWSA T-Shirts and Sweatshirts Now for sale and the SWSA has a new design. email swsa@humboldt.edu.
For more information and to order one
Lobby Days, March 12th & 13th in Sacramento Students from the SWSA attended Legislative Lobby Days, March 12 and 13 in Sacramento. • Lobby days was a whirlwind of hearing personal stories relating to the bills NASW had chosen, learning how to be most effective while lobbying, and discovering that we have the strength to do so with confidence and clarity. I was very proud of the students who lobbied with me to District 2 Assembly Member Jim Wood, as the conversation was continuous and heart felt. The time spent with my peers and classmates this past weekend will never be forgotten. - Elizabeth Morgan, BASW Class of 2017 • I cannot say enough about this incredible group of students. Lobby Days was amazing and inspiring. Seeing hundreds of social work students get fired up about mental health, immigration, and LGBTQIA bills not only warmed my heart, but inspired me. At the conference we were told that "Social Workers are the conscious of America" and that "Social Workers Can Change the World". I know, for a fact, that Humboldt State University's Social Work students will indeed change lives and the world. - Jovonne Dempster, Lecturer and Lobby Days group leader
IMAGES: (top row) HSU Social Work students and lecturer, Jovonne Dempster - center, (bottom row and left) rally at the State Capital
Here is what one of our lecturers has been up to this semester...
Here is what one of our lecturers has been up to this semester... Serenity Bowen, LCSW, Lecturer This year, HSU Department of Social Work lecturer Serenity Bowen participated in several Dakota Access Pipeline Protests in California, Nevada and Oregon with friends, family, students and colleagues. Serenity reflects: What was most inspiring about these experiences was being able to share my passion for social justice and indigenous rights with my sons. I continue to be humbled and deeply moved by the sense of connection and community I feel with others who share these same commitments and ideals. This past Fall, Serenity attended Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples’ World Indigenous Law Conference. The World Indigenous Law Conference is held every two years and was hosted in October 2016 in North America for the first time. The conference is an international forum aimed at
gathering Indigenous lawyers, practitioners, academics and those interested in furthering their understanding of issues facing Indigenous Peoples. Key elements of this conference focused on Indigenous Peoples' legal issues, rights and strategies including: • • • • • • • • •
Rights of Mother Earth Violence Against Indigenous Women & Children Traditional Knowledge Relationship to Lands & Territories Doctrine of Discovery & Terra Nullius Environment and Climate Change Treaties & Conventions Tribal Jurisdictions and Territorial Integrity Intellectual Property
Serenity explains: This conference was incredible. Indigenous leaders from all over the globe came together to network and share in their commitment toward the common goal of assuring legal, environmental and social justice for their communities. Being a part of this experience inspired an even deeper passion for environmental, political and social action. The Honorable Abby Abinanti, Yurok Nation Judge was one of my mentors early on my in my career as a young social worker. This amazing, real and powerful woman, who inspires as a pillar of strength for her community, taught me so much as an ICWA MSW intern in her court. I was so moved to hear her speak 20 years later of her authentic and passionate commitment to restorative justice and cultural values. READ MORE ABOUT THE CONFERENCE HERE ABOUT SERENITY: Serenity was born in a commune in San Francisco to hippie parents. While pregnant with Serenity, her mother, who is Miwok, and father made a trip to the Alcatraz Island during the Indian occupation in 1970. Her politically active parents raised her from a young age to have a passion for anti-war and civil rights movements. The commune and Serenity's parents moved to Humboldt County when she was a year old and she has lived here for most of her life. Serenity was the first in her family to graduate high school and attend college. She received her undergraduate education in Social Work from HSU and from these profound learning experiences she developed a deep connection to the Department. The faculty at that time are now my long-term mentors and friends. They helped to shape my commitment and love for this work at an early age. After 26 years in the field, that has not changed. Having the opportunity to share my experiences with others and continue to grow from the exchange is a treasured gift. After a number of years working as a social worker in non-profit and community based organizations, Serenity attended graduate school at UC Berkeley. Following graduation with her MSW, she worked in child welfare in the Bay Area until 2002 and then returned to Humboldt County to work for the Mental Health Department as a Clinician. She obtained her LCSW in 2006.
She joined the staff of HSU's Social Work Department as the MSW Title IV-E Program Coordinator in 2005 and then as a lecturer in 2011. She also currently works in direct practice as a therapist in the community. Courses Serenity has taught include: • Advanced Clinical Practice • Child Welfare Seminar • Advanced Internship Seminar • Decolonizing Social Work with Indigenous Communities • Mental Health and Recovery • Generalist Social Work Practice • Macro Social Work Practice • Child Welfare and Indian Child Welfare. I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing students and colleagues and always find that I learn as much as I teach. Serenity also serves as a board member for Wild Souls Ranch. Wild Souls Ranch is a nonprofit organization that serves at-risk, Indigenous and foster youth in the community by providing equine-assisted growth and learning. Serenity loves to spend time exploring with her two sons, Zarion and Taojah. The ocean is my meditation. I am learning to surf and have been enjoying short trips to warm climates to practice. I also love yoga, running fast with loud music, dancing, watching sunsets and sunrises, and cooking meals for loved ones as part of my continuing self-care practice.
Danielle Aubin, MSW 2016 HSU Social Work alum Danielle Aubin left on February 3rd to travel to Geneva until May 3rd. She writes:
Starting in February, 2017 I will be flying to Geneva, Switzerland to begin a 3 month Internship with the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The internship will specifically be in the Special Procedures Branch which supports and coordinates the work and activities of the thematic mandates of the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council (Special Rapporteurs, Independent Experts and Working Groups). The Special Procedures are one of the most visible monitoring and reporting mechanism of the United Nations human rights system. Their activities include (but are not limited to): • The preparation of thematic reports and other thematic studies; • The preparation and realization of official country visits; • Written action – in the form of letters and press releases – on cases and situations of alleged human rights violations; • Participation in the Human Rights Council, the General Assembly and other types of meetings; • The organization of expert consultations and other meetings; • Other advocacy or public awareness activities. The mandates supported by the Special Procedures Branch cover a large range of human rights issues, including civil, political, and economic rights, as well as social and cultural rights. For more information on the specific work of the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council, please FOLLOW THIS LINK. She continues: At the end of the internship, I will have gained in-depth knowledge on the functioning and substantive work of the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council, practical experience in applying international human rights law, and a solid insight into the work of OHCHR and that of the Human Rights Council. I will be returning to Marin County’s Aging and Adult Services in May 2017 and I hope to share what I have learned with my colleagues.”