The School of Social Work is proactive in Community Engagement in many ways, including:
Humanities 101
School of Social Work (SSW) Coalition
SSW Coalition/Coordinated Student Support -- Coalition | School of Social Work | University of Waterloo
Walls to Bridges
Humanities 101
Started in 2012, Humanities 101 (HUM 101) at Renison. A tuition-free university-level program for economically marginalized individuals, HUM 101 is intended to awaken interest in education, increase self-esteem, and serve as a springboard to further community involvement and/or education.
The course has recently been redeveloped to focus on environmental justice and action. There are 2 MSW students and 1 BSW student involved in this course development, recruitment, and facilitation for their practicum learning. There are community-based volunteers, as well. The course is offered virtually, on Thursday evenings for the class, and Tuesday evenings for discussion groups and mutual learning. Because it is being offered virtually, it is possible for students from different communities to participate in the course. A number of community based agencies, individuals, and leaders have been supporting the course in a variety of ways.
School of Social Work (SSW) Coalition
The School of Social Work Coalition is an informal grassroots network of Social Work students, alumni, staff, and faculty committed to facilitating actions for change. Grounded in the School of Social Work’s mission towards positive social change through justice, equity, and respect for diversity, the Coalition aims to address systemic issues such as racism, colonization, classism, ableism, and other forms of marginalization through dialogue, learning, and collaborative work.
SSW Coalition/Coordinated Student Support
This SSW Coalition working group is working to promote and support a coordinated student support system rooted in equity, belonging, and care—connecting services and people so support is clear, timely, and relational.
Walls to Bridges
The Walls-to-Bridges program brings incarcerated and campus-enrolled students together to learn university courses inside a correctional facility. Utilization of circle pedagogy and a collective approach to learning fosters critical thinking and reflection about course content, oneself, and each other.
Visit the Walls to Bridges website for more information.