UH Graduate College of Social Work

05/12/2021

ALUMNI SUCCESS:

Amazing news about our alum, Ali Lozano (MSW '19) over at Texas Civil Rights Project.

Wonderful job, Ali!

https://www.facebook.com/TexasCivilRightsProject/posts/10157789657367035

We've got some exciting new! Last week, TCRP’s very own Ali Lozano transitioned into a new role as the new Director of Advocacy and Communications and a member of our Leadership Team!

Ali began at TCRP as a coordinator on the Voting Rights Team in 2019 after a nearly-ten year career in electoral and issue-advocacy organizing, and upon completing a Masters degree in Political Social Work at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work.

During her 2 years at TCRP, Ali has demonstrated a thoughtful, creative, collaborative approach to advocacy that effectively knits together TCRP’s community lawyering mission - seeking change in and out of the courts. And she’s done so in a way that has lifted us all, with boundless energy and optimism, a clear racial equity lens, and a wicked sense of humor.

Under her leadership, we are confident that our lawyering, advocacy and communications strategies will continue to be even more tightly integrated and effective, driving TCRP’s vision of a fairer, more just and anti-racist Texas.

Please join us in congratulating Ali and welcoming her to this new role and to TCRP’s Leadership Team!! You can always keep up with TCRP and Ali's work by signing up for updates and alerts here: https://txcivilrights.org/take-action/sign-up/

05/12/2021

COMMUNITY EVENT | AAPI HERITAGE MONTH 2021:

Today, our friends at YMCA OF GREATER HOUSTON will be hosting an online Town Hall from 2-4 PM CST to discuss how to combat anti-Asian hate.

Speakers include Senator Tammy Duckworth, BD Wong, Rep. Ted Lieu, Connie Lim, Connie Chung Joe, and Kevin Washington.

RSVP: https://bit.ly/YAPITownhall

Join the town hall and learn how to combat Anti-Asian Hate with incredible speakers such as: Senator Tammy Duckworth, BD WONG, Rep. Ted Lieu, Connie Lim, Connie Chung Joe, and Kevin Washington!

We invite you to join us at our YMCA Virtual Townhall - Advocacy, Allyship and Action to Combat Anti-Asian Hate on Wed, May 12th from 2pm - 4pm CST.

Register Today: https://bit.ly/YAPITownhall

Event is free and open to all. Share with your family and friends!

05/11/2021

Abolishing the family policing system requires the creation of another world and the reimagining, or remembering, of care. As Black feminism instructs, the liberatory project of abolition requires the making of a society that is free of all systems of oppression. Thus, this webinar will address how Black feminist theory and understandings, including reproductive justice, guide us toward the abolition of the family policing system and the creation of (envision) a society where children, families, and communities are no longer over surveilled by state systems and have the power and resources for what they need to live freely and abundantly.

Speakers

• Victoria Copeland - Victoria Copeland is a doctoral candidate at UCLA. Her research explores the use of data and surveillance within the “child welfare” system. More specifically, she is interested in how multi-system data infrastructures, predictive analytics, and surveillance in decision-making processes impact Black families and communities. She uses Black Feminist thought, abolitionist praxis, and critical technology studies as a point of entry.

• Chelsea Williams-Diggs - Chelsea (she/her) is a radical truth-teller, budding abolitionist, and lifelong student of Black feminist thought. From 9-5, you can find her navigating the criminal legal and immigration systems advocacy space, and in her free time, organizing around reproductive justice with the New York Abortion Access Fund. Chelsea holds a BA from Georgetown University and MA in Public Policy, concentrating in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from The George Washington University.

Moderator

• Maya Pendleton. Maya Pendleton (she/her) is a Senior Policy Analyst at CSSP and a member of the upEND Movement team. Maya is a student of abolition, Black studies, Black feminist thought, and reproductive justice and is inspired by collective movements to create alternate forms of being and care. Maya holds a B.A. from Georgetown University and a Masters of Public Policy from Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration where she studied social policy at the intersection of race, gender, and class.

05/11/2021

Sickle cell disease advocates in Texas push for better data tracking

STUDENT SUCCESS:

“Simply by having this registry, I think we put the humanity back into people who are afflicted. We can bring more awareness and I think once you start doing that, then you start finding the research dollars that are necessary to then start doing more.” - State Rep Jarvis Johnson

READ more about TX House Bill 3673 which would require the Department of State Health Services to establish and maintain the sickle cell disease registry: https://www.kxan.com/investigations/sickle-cell-disease-advocates-push-for-better-data-tracking/

Current MSW/PhD Student André Harris is featured in this story and is a vocal advocate for those suffering from sickle cell.

House Bill 3673 would require the Department of State Health Services to establish and maintain the sickle cell disease registry. The bill would include details on people diagnosed, complications a…

05/11/2021

Robert Bullard Isn't Done Yet

IN THE NEWS:

"Today, the phrase “environmental justice” is common parlance among environmentalists and climate activists who understand that poor communities and communities of color across the globe will feel the worst effects of climate change."

READ more about the groundbreaking work Professor Robert Bullard of Texas Southern University has done to make environmental justice a mainstream idea in Houston and the world: https://www.texasobserver.org/robert-bullard-isnt-done-yet/

More than 40 years after the Texas Southern University professor researched the first environmental justice case, communities of color still face an uphill battle claiming their right to clean air and a healthy neighborhood. Federal environmental justice legislation could change that.

05/11/2021

GCSW Alumna Shanquela Williams MSW '18 Shares How A Scholarship Paved the Way for Her to Make An Impact In Her Social Work Career

𝗚𝗖𝗦𝗪 𝗔𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗻𝗮 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗾𝘂𝗲𝗹𝗮 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗠𝗦𝗪 '𝟭𝟴 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗔 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗣𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮𝗻 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗜𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿

𝗧𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲𝟮𝗚𝗖𝗦𝗪 𝘁𝗼 𝟳𝟭𝟳𝟳𝟳

During her time at the GCSW, alumna Shan Williams (MSW ’18) used her leadership and advocacy skills to help spearhead a historic event with Angela Davis in response to her experiences as an MSW student. She shares how the scholarship she received helped her become an impactful leader and social worker.

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Graduates of the University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) impact the community by addressing the complex challenges currently facing our communities. Our valued alumni hold a responsibility to undertake diverse client needs by navigating intricate systems, empowering individuals and advocating for communities. It is a vital role within institutions such as hospitals, behavioral health providers, schools, nonprofits and government where they help ensure safety, compassion, and justice for vulnerable populations.

05/10/2021

FACULTY IN THE NEWS | AAPI HERITAGE MONTH 2021:

“Our approach is rooted in social and racial justice as well as the Meaningful Involvement of People Living with HIV (MIPA). We are driven by the voices of people living with HIV/AIDS. The experience of really listening to people who are directly impacted by this epidemic and then creating programming and grant opportunities based on their needs is a major success." - Assistant Professor Samira Ali

READ more about the $5 Million in renewal funding the SUSTAIN Wellbeing COMPASS Coordinating Center received from Gilead Sciences COMPASS Initiative: https://www.indoamerican-news.com/uh-receives-5-million-to-combat-hiv-aids/

FACULTY IN THE NEWS | AAPI HERITAGE MONTH 2021:

“Our approach is rooted in social and racial justice as well as the Meaningful Involvement of People Living with HIV (MIPA). We are driven by the voices of people living with HIV/AIDS. The experience of really listening to people who are directly impacted by this epidemic and then creating programming and grant opportunities based on their needs is a major success." - Assistant Professor Samira Ali

READ more about the $5 Million in renewal funding the SUSTAIN Wellbeing COMPASS Coordinating Center received from Gilead Sciences COMPASS Initiative: https://www.indoamerican-news.com/uh-receives-5-million-to-combat-hiv-aids/

05/10/2021

NATIONAL WOMEN’S HEALTH WEEK:

"Women experience disease differently than men, from their symptoms to the way they respond to medication. Yet, our study underscores a pervasive knowledge gap that hinders many women from seeking and receiving the proper care they need."

READ more about the gaps that exist when it comes to women's health awareness: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8727651-mdvip-womens-health-survey/

NATIONAL WOMEN’S HEALTH WEEK:

"Women experience disease differently than men, from their symptoms to the way they respond to medication. Yet, our study underscores a pervasive knowledge gap that hinders many women from seeking and receiving the proper care they need."

READ more about the gaps that exist when it comes to women's health awareness: https://www.multivu.com/players/English/8727651-mdvip-womens-health-survey/

05/09/2021

We Are All Burnt Out

SELF CARE SUNDAY | MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH 2021:

"Burnout is what we experience today as a result of the intense meaning that work has for us. If work was less essential, the concept of burnout would be different."

LISTEN to why burnout is a sign of passion and how to overcome it: https://www.thecut.com/2021/04/the-cut-podcast-we-are-all-burned-out.html?fbclid=IwAR38BHGsj1qN0ONhHoilSkkTrn9ix_s6lQMI_LndEdFZApmdccXPVS99VdY

Is there any way to break free? We set out for answers, guided by a Japanese novel, a mastermind of self care, and the one and only Esther Perel.

05/09/2021

MOTHER’S DAY 2021:

We are wishing every type of Mother out there a Happy Mother’s Day. 💐🌷

MOTHER’S DAY 2021:

We are wishing every type of Mother out there a Happy Mother’s Day. 💐🌷

05/08/2021

IN THE COMMUNITY:

Our friends at the HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HOUSTON will be hosting a virtual discussion with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi on May 19.

RSVP for the free zoom discussion: http://hmh.org/Kendi

On May 19, please join us for a virtual conversation with New York Times bestselling author, National Book Award winner, and historian Ibram X. Kendi. Thanks to the generosity of Holocaust Survivor Dr. Anna Steinberger, this event is free and open to the public. RSVP is required to receive the private Zoom link.

RSVP: http://hmh.org/Kendi

05/07/2021

The therapist at CVS will see you now

SOCIAL WORK IN THE NEWS:

A new pilot program will begin placing licensed clinical social workers in select CVS Pharmacy Stores in Houston and two other US cities.

READ more about why mental health professionals are being placed in stores: https://mashable.com/article/cvs-therapy/?utm_content=buffer4d3db&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

What it's like to get mental healthcare at the retail pharmacy chain.

05/07/2021

FUN FRIDAY:

We knew we'd find 50 Cent somewhere around town eventually....😂😂😂

FUN FRIDAY:

We knew we'd find 50 Cent somewhere around town eventually....😂😂😂

05/07/2021

FUN FRIDAY:

Wah! 😹😹

FUN FRIDAY:

Wah! 😹😹

05/07/2021

Support GCSW Student Scholarships! Cindy Crews Shares How GCSW Scholarships Make Dreams Come True

𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗚𝗖𝗦𝗪 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀! 𝗖𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘆 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗚𝗖𝗦𝗪 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗲

𝗧𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗚𝗶𝘃𝗲𝟮𝗚𝗖𝗦𝗪 𝘁𝗼 𝟳𝟭𝟳𝟳𝟳

Each day, our Admissions and Student Affairs Office works to ensure the success of current and future students. Academic Advisor Cindy Crews shares how GCSW Scholarships make a difference in the lives of talented, committed students pursuing their dream of changing the world as social workers. Support our students and social work today!
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Graduates of the University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) impact the community by addressing the complex challenges currently facing our communities. Our valued alumni hold a responsibility to undertake diverse client needs by navigating intricate systems, empowering individuals and advocating for communities. It is a vital role within institutions such as hospitals, behavioral health providers, schools, nonprofits and government where they help ensure safety, compassion, and justice for vulnerable populations.

05/06/2021

Texas Landlords Don’t Have To Disclose Flood Risk To Renters. A New Bill Would Change That | Houston Public Media

AT THE #TXLege:

"We feel that it takes a reasonable approach to providing people with the information that they need while not imposing any undue burdens on property owners."

READ more about the proposed bill to protect homeowners and renters from flood risk: https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/politics/2021/05/03/397236/the-texas-legislature-considers-informing-renters-about-flood-risk/

Texas’ renter protections surrounding flood risk disclosure could become among the strongest in the nation.

05/06/2021

THROWBACK THURSDAY | AAPI HERITAGE MONTH:

"𝐀𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫." - 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐠𝐠𝐬

This motivational quote comes from Grace Lee Boggs. Grace was chosen by Melanie Toarmina Pang (MSW '12) as her social justice inspiration.

LEARN more about Melanie and why she chose Grace Lee Boggs as her social justice inspiration: bit.ly/GCSW-ONWARDSeries

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ABOUT the series:

ONWARD | The Next 50 Years features those committed to social justice and highlights GCSW students, alumni, and community activists in striking portraits alongside their social justice inspirations. Over the next year, we will be unveiling the portraits of their work, which spans the breadth of today's modern activists as well as the stories behind them. We invite you to learn more about each of these talented, dynamic, and determined modern-day activists.

#socialjusticeUH

Artist: Anat Ronen murals

THROWBACK THURSDAY | AAPI HERITAGE MONTH:

"𝐀𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲, 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫." - 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐠𝐠𝐬

This motivational quote comes from Grace Lee Boggs. Grace was chosen by Melanie Toarmina Pang (MSW '12) as her social justice inspiration.

LEARN more about Melanie and why she chose Grace Lee Boggs as her social justice inspiration: bit.ly/GCSW-ONWARDSeries

---
ABOUT the series:

ONWARD | The Next 50 Years features those committed to social justice and highlights GCSW students, alumni, and community activists in striking portraits alongside their social justice inspirations. Over the next year, we will be unveiling the portraits of their work, which spans the breadth of today's modern activists as well as the stories behind them. We invite you to learn more about each of these talented, dynamic, and determined modern-day activists.

#socialjusticeUH

Artist: Anat Ronen murals

05/05/2021

UH GRADUATION 2021 :

We would love to see some of our 2021 Grads in this!

❤️🎓

Let’s see those grad photos, Coogs! 📸🎓 Submit your photo before this Friday, May 7 at noon to be included in the commencement pre-show.

➡️ http://bit.ly/uhspring2021gradphotos

05/05/2021

Support GCSW Student Scholarships! Meet Areli Tamayo

𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐆𝐂𝐒𝐖 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬! 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐢 𝐓𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐨

𝐓𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞𝟐𝐆𝐂𝐒𝐖 𝐭𝐨 𝟕𝟏𝟕𝟕𝟕

MSW student Areli Tamayo has already shown tremendous initiative, leadership and commitment to the social work profession. She will share how a GCSW scholarship made the difference in her ability to pursue her degree in social work. Support our students and social work today!

Graduates of the University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) impact the community by addressing the complex challenges currently facing our communities. Our valued alumni hold a responsibility to undertake diverse client needs by navigating intricate systems, empowering individuals and advocating for communities. It is a vital role within institutions such as hospitals, behavioral health providers, schools, nonprofits and government where they help ensure safety, compassion, and justice for vulnerable populations.