2023 NASW-NJ Student Summit Program

Message from the NASW-NJ President and Executive Director StudentsWelcome to NASW-NJ’s third annual Student Summit and our first inperson summit! We are thrilled to have you join us and look forward to learning with you.

This space and summit were born out of feedback from students like yourselves. The content, speakers, and this space are designed to inspire you, challenge you to grow, and give you more tools to step out into the professional world with a strong sense of professional identity and ideas about where you would like to start your journey in social work.

WIDIAN NICOLA DSW, LCSW

Sharing space with the broader social work community is powerful—we hope you lean into it. In the larger sessions and exhibit spaces, you will have time to connect, network and seek mentoring from seasoned professionals. You will have the opportunity to seek jobs and learn about the ways in which others are thriving in their profession. You will hear from exhibitors who are passionate about collaborating with social workers and learn how you can help shape the future of the profession.

It is our hope that you find a safe space to explore your career here so you feel inspired, challenged, and prepared to take on the challenges of our profession. Finally, we hope you leave this space and summit with a passion for leading and shaping social work.

JENNIFER THOMPSON, MSW

Social work is a broad, beautiful, and diverse career that has taken many of us on journeys of a lifetime. Social work can shift and change with you over your lifetime and allow you to grow and work in continually challenging roles. We hope the career is for you, what it has been for us—an opportunity of a lifetime.

As you embark on your journey, we also invite you to stay connected with us. We’re here to champion you, answer questions, and help you build connections. We invite you to craft your professional LinkedIn page and connect with us there.

Welcome to the profession; we’re thrilled to call you colleagues.

Jennifer’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/palmerthompson/ Widian’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drwidiannicola

-Widian & Jennifer

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A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR Kathleen Ray, Ph.D., LCSW

Director of MSW Program Associate Professor of Social Work Ramapo College

S

ocial work is a profession that is critical in promoting social justice, creating social change and improving the lives of vulnerable people. Social work education prepares students to meet these challenges by equipping them with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to work effectively with diverse populations and address complex social problems.

As we look forward, social work faces many challenges, including rising inequality, systemic racism and global health crises. These challenges require us to be innovative, adaptable and resilient in our approach to problem-solving. Social work education continues evolving and adapting to prepare our students to meet these challenges and make meaningful impacts in communities.

To students embarking on their journey into the social work profession, I encourage you to stay committed to your goals and remain passionate about your work.

Remember that social work is a rewarding profession that provides a unique opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people in marginalized communities. Social work is challenging but also fulfilling.

As you navigate your social work education and into the profession, remember to be curious, open-minded and empathetic. Seek mentors and peers who can support you on your journey and challenge you to grow professionally. Stay current with emerging research and trends in the field and be willing to adapt to the needs of the communities you serve.

I wish you the best on your path into the social work profession. You have chosen a career that will make a meaningful impact on others. You are not alone on this journey, as you have a vibrant and supportive social work community ready to welcome you.

Good Luck.

Kathleen Ray, Ph.D., LCSW Director of MSW Program Associate Professor of Social Work Ramapo College

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EXHIBIT HALL

PLENARIES AND KEYNOTE

LUNCH SEATING AREA ATTENDEE REGISTRATION

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

PRE-CONFERENCE PLENARY AND ADDITIONAL BREAKOUT SESSIONS

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ROARING 20S DANCE PARTY

MEDITATION ROOM

ARTS AND SOCIAL WORK SELF-CARE LOUNGE

STUDENT SUMMIT

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Sunday, April 30 CONFERENCE CHECK-IN DESK OPENS AT 8 AM 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Visit Exhibit Hall

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Opening Keynote Panel: Social Workers Should Be In the “Room Where It Happens”

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Lunch on Your Own / Visit Exhibits

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Introduction to Student Summit and Speed Networking

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Your Social Work Brand and Identity

4:30 pm – 6:00 pm

Break

6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Arts and Social Work: An Evening with Nathan Louis Jackson (space limited; pre-registration required)

Monday, May 1

CONFERENCE CHECK-IN DESK OPENS AT 8 AM

8:00 am – 9:00 am

Leadership Breakfast

9:00 am – 10:30 am

What Defines a Social Worker

10:30 am – 11:00 am

Break

11:00 am – 12:30 pm

Career Development Program

12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Lunch and Self-Care

2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Plenary Session: Reproductive Justice: What Social Workers Need to Know

3:30 pm – 4:00 pm

Break

4:00 pm – 5:30 pm

Plenary Session: Psychedelic-Assisted Therapies: Cutting-Edge Interventions

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Free Time or Visit Exhibits (light food provided)

7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Free Time

8:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Roaring 20’s Dance Party

Tuesday, May 2

CONFERENCE CHECK-IN DESK OPENS AT 8 AM

7:00 am – 8:30 am

Continental Breakfast

9:00 am – 11:00 am

Concurrent Workshops - Students Not Eligible for CEUs

11:00 am – 11:30 am

Break

11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Closing Plenary: Social Work Leadership for the Future

1:00 pm

Depart

STUDENTS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR CEUS

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SPECIAL EVENTS L E A R N ,

E N T E R T A I N ,

&

R E L A X

Pre-Conference Plenary: BUILDING A CULTURE OF CONNECTION AND CARE: Trauma-Informed Organizations and Systems with Megan R. Holmes, PhD, MSW, LISW-S, 2 Clinical Credits This workshop will address core components of the trauma-informed lens, and self-care steps to prevent and alleviate related hazards of helping professions.

SEPARATE REGISTRATION REQUIRED

Sun, 10AM-12PM

Self-Care Lounge in the Producers Room

Throughout Conference

At this year's conference there will be a dedicated space for self-care activities. Be prepared for Reiki, yoga, an affirmations mirror, meditation and reflection space, and more.

Exhibit Hall Grand Opening Reception

Sun, 4PM-6PM

Join us for the Grand Opening Reception of the Exhibit Hall. Mingle with our exhibitors, network and enjoy light food. Complete your Exhibitor Bingo card to earn a chance to win free attendance to next year's Annual Conference.

Sponsored by

Arts & Social Work

Sun, 6PM – 8PM

in the Screening Room 2 Social/Cultural Competence CEUs

Join us for a limited seat engagement with world-renowned playwright and screenwriter, Nathan Louis Jackson and award winning social worker and poet, Helena D. Lewis, LCSW. Pre-registration required.

Roaring 20s Dance Party in the Green Room

Mon, 8PM - 10PM

NASW-NJ is bringing back the golden age of Atlantic City. Bring your Charleston, feather boas and spats and join us for an evening of music, fun and laughter. Come in your best 1920's themed attire and earn a chance to win prizes in our costume contest.

Student summit on the Starlight Level This year's Student Summit is sponsored by Ramapo College. Thank you for your generosity to help make events like this possible!

Sponsored by

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PROGRAMS SUNDAY PANEL

YOUR SOCIAL WORK BRAND AND IDENTITY

LA'TESHA SAMPSON

LEE WESTGATE

PH.D, MPA, MSW, LCSW

MBA, LCSW-C

JUAN RIOS

DSW, LCSW

HARLENY VASQUEZ LMSW

The profession of social work is broad and encompassing. Narrowing down what you want to focus on in your career and creating your personal brand identity will become an important piece of your professional journey.

Hear from seasoned professionals about how they came to understand their own professional identity, how it has shifted over the years, and how they have crafted the narrative about who they are, what they bring to their work, and how they are changing the field of social work.

MONDAY PANEL

WHAT DEFINES A SOCIAL WORKER?

MARLA BLUNT-CARTER MSW

CHRISTINA BRODERICK LSW

DAWN APGAR

PH.D, LSW, ASCW

DUWAYNE BATTLE PH.D, MSW

Do you need a license to be a social worker? Does not possessing a license make you less marketable? What defines you as a social worker? Dive into these conversations and more with a panel of national experts. Our panel will discuss licensure, the state of licensure in New Jersey and nationally, and explore careers that require and do not require licensure.

MONDAY IMMERSION PROGRAM

CAREER DEVELOMPENT LAB

RESIA COOPER MSW

HARLENY VASQUEZ LMSW

It's never too early to explore and prep for where you want to be in your social work career. This session will help you navigate career development from assessment to implementation. This condensed version of the NASW career development bootcamp will spark conversation and introspection and give you the tools to map out a significant career designed just for you.

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WHAT IS YOUR SOCIAL WORK NICHE? CREATING YOUR OWN PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY What is your superpower?

What do you do better than anyone else?

What energizes or excites you about social work? What social issues are most important to you?

What do people frequently compliment you on or praise you for?

What is it that your manager, colleagues, classmates, and clients come to you for?

What adjectives do people consistently use to describe you to others?

How do you do what you do? What makes the way you achieve results interesting or unique?

What are your top values; your operating principles?

What populations and practice areas are you most interested in working with?

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Notes

5-Step Getting to the job of your dreams can seem stressful; but, by making a plan and taking it a step at a time, you'll put yourself on track to get there.

1. Self-Assessment

2. Exploration

Self-Awareness for Clarity and Perspective

Explore Various Social Work Roles What do you want to accomplish as a social worker?

Where do you want to work upon graduation?

discpersonalitytesting.com 16personalities.com

3. Goal Setting

4. Action Plan

Establishing S.M.A.R.T Career Goals Track & maintain career plan milestones Short-, Mid-, and Long-term goal mapping

Researching & Prepping for Social Work Opportunity

Track & maintain career plan milestones Short-, Mid-, and Long-term goal mapping

5. Implementation

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Application, Interviewing & Negotiations Track & maintain career plan milestones Short-, Mid-, and Long-term goal mapping

ELEVATOR TO SUCCESS

5 steps to crafting your pitch An elevator pitch is a brief (think 30 seconds!) way of introducing yourself, getting across a key point , and making a connection with someone.

What are some of your career goals?

Introduction Hi my name is, ______.

Its great meeting you.

One of my career goals is to become the CEO of a non-profit.

Provide a summary of what you do I am a macro social worker with a passion for non-profit leadership.

Call To Action Would it be possible to schedule some time to explore the possibility of working together.

What makes you stand out?

As a social work student, I completed a certificate in non-profit management to help me stand out from my peers.

Notes

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self-care isn't selfish

Instead of this

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Try this

Comparing yourself

Embrace your uniqueness

Rush to do more

Take intentional breaks

Burn out at work

Listen to your body

Doubting yourself

Be confident in your skills

Wanting to give up

Try again tomorrow

Isolate yourself

Talk to a loved one

PHYSICAL

EMOTIONAL

SPIRITUAL

INTELLECTUAL

SOCIAL

PROFESSIONAL

Are You... a social work student in either a BSW or MSW program? a member of the NASW-NJ Chapter in good standing? ready to complete your scholarship application?

If you answered YES to all of the questions apply today at: naswnj.socialworkers.org/Membership/Student-Center

Applications Open Until May 31, 2023

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NASW-NJ CHAPTER ELECTIONS CHOOSE TOMORROW’S LEADERS TODAY! In collaboration with the chapter staff, the elected officials our membership elects work hard to meet the mission of our chapter.

Vote NOW at naswnj.org or through our conference mobile app!

Open to members only.

Our elected representatives bring their experience, passion and ideas to the table to help grow our chapter, make us stronger and build our community.

self-care lounge schedule

Open Throughout the Conference

TIME

10AM-12PM

SUNDAY

EXPRESSIVE ART LAB (REVERSE WATERCOLOR): PRESENTED BY SONYA FISHER, BSW Student Summit Space-Starlight Level Max 50 Drop In/Drop Out

MONDAY 7AM-7:45PM

YOGA: Producers Room Max 10 Hard Start Time

12PM-2PM

REIKI: PRESENTED BY LANA CHURCH, LCSW & YOLANDA NIXSON, BSW Producers Room Sign Up 10-15 Minute Intervals

6:30PM-7:45PM

SELF-GUIDED MEDITATION : Directors Room/Producers Room (both) Max Each Room 10-15 Drop In-No Sign Up

TUESDAY 8AM-9AM

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REFLECTION & MEDITATION: Self-Care Floor Drop In No Max

Bring a piece home with you! make memories

r u o y , y t i l a n o s per le

y t s in

SHOP NASW-NJ MERCH: At our BOOTH #301 or Online at NASWNJ.org

AND STOP BY OUR BOOTH FOR OUR SELF-CARE MERCH!

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