Description
In a world facing urgent and complex challenges, social workers are uniquely positioned to lead with resilience, compassion, and intentionality. Harnessing Joy for Collective Action invites participants to explore how joy, love, and happiness can be harnessed as transformative tools for action and advocacy. Together, we will confront pressing issues such as the potential for mass deportations, ongoing attacks on LGBTQIA2+ rights, reproductive rights, and the erosion of diversity and inclusion efforts.
This workshop powerfully reframes joy and love not as passive responses, but as bold, deliberate strategies rooted in historical justice movements. Through collaborative dialogue and shared learning, participants will uncover how collective joy fuels collective action and advocacy. Grounded in the principles of Action, Compassion, and Engagement (ACE), this workshop equips social workers to amplify their impact, combat burnout, and build resilient, thriving communities.
Instructor
Oprah Keyes, LCSW-C is the Director of Strategic Partnerships for the Center for Restorative Change at the University of Maryland School of Social Work. Born and raised in Europe by African-American and Caribbean parents, Oprah developed a passion for supporting youth, families, and communities of color at a young age. Oprah is passionate about fostering collaborative initiatives that support community-centered goals. Her multi-faceted experience includes strategic partnership alignment with internal, community, and institutional stakeholders. She excels in program design, effective program implementation and management, and organizational development across diverse focus areas. More recently, her experience also includes grant writing and administration. She has been instrumental in securing substantial funding, leveraging seven-figure federal funding. In her free time, she enjoys traveling across the world to gain new perspectives and bring revitalized energy back to her work and communities.
Bill Joyner became the University of Maryland, Baltimore's (UMB) assistant vice president for community engagement and partnerships in August 2022, tasked with leading the University’s Office of Community and Civic Engagement (OCCE). Before assuming that role, he was UMB’s director of equity, diversity, and inclusion. Joyner received his JD from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law and his MSW from the University of Maryland School of Social Work. He is pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree at the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business.
Ebony Nicholson (she/her) identifies as a black, first-generation US born, cis-gender woman. She is a macro social worker focused on the intersection of socio-economic status; racial, ethnic, gender, & cultural identity; and professional identity. Her overall career goal is to create more affirming spaces for historically marginalized populations. For over 10 years Ebony has worked internationally and domestically in community engagement and health education. She is passionate about dismantling systems of oppression. Focus Areas: - Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (ally-ship )in the workforce and communities - Curriculum & Program Development - Facilitation /Capacity Building - Policy and Program Advocacy - Program Management - Grant Management - Research - Access to holistic well-being resources - Health education: Reproductive, Mental/Social - Community Engagement & Development
Shekinah F. Davis (she/her) is a Data and Training Specialist at the University of Maryland, School of Social Work. She develops and delivers training programs focused on cultural competency and inclusive leadership, collaborating with stakeholders to foster a culture of inclusion. Fluent in English and Spanish, Shekinah has extensive experience working on initiatives in both national and international settings, including community development in Ecuador and child welfare in the U.S. She holds an M.A. in Intercultural Communication from UMBC and a B.A. in Photojournalism from George Fox University.
Amy Greensfelder (she/her) serves as the Executive Director at the Institute for Innovation and Implementation at the UMSSW, where she works with faculty and staff to improve outcomes for children and families in Maryland. Prior to this role she served as the Executive Director at Pro Bono Counseling, where she supported board, staff, and volunteers in increasing access to mental health care. Under her leadership the organization saw significant growth and developed a reputation for providing high quality compassionate care. Amy is a Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW) and a graduate of the University of Maryland School of Social Work. Previously, she served as the Maryland Department of Health’s Refugee Mental Health Program Coordinator. In that role she developed the state of Maryland’s refugee mental health program which includes screening of newly arrived refugees for mental health concerns, support groups, training of mental health providers to work with refugee populations, and training of interpreters to work in mental health settings. Additionally she has worked in overseas processing of refugees seeking admission to the United States and domestically in immigration legal services. She lives in Baltimore City, Maryland with her spouse, third grader, two dogs, and four chickens. In her spare time she enjoys reading, running, and leading a rambunctious Girl Scout troop.
Agenda
09:00 – 09:30 Registration
09:30 – 10:30
10:30 – 11:00
Learning Objectives
At the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
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Describe how joy, love, and happiness can drive action on societal challenges, including potential mass deportations, attacks on LGBTQIA2+ communities, reproductive rights, and DEI programs.
Bibliography & References
BIBLIOGRAPHY & REFERENCES
Brown, A. M. (2019). Pleasure activism: The politics of feeling good. AK Press.
Harty, J. S. (2024, November 6). Social Work in Divisive Times: Navigating Dual Roles Across Eras and Movements. Https://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/. https://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/social-work/social-work-in-divisive-times-navigating-dual-roles-across-eras-and-movements/
Nicki Weld, L. B. (2024). Exploring courage and compassion in social work. Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work , 36(4), 109–119.
Pham, K. (2021, February 1). Celebrating black joy as an alternative form of resistance and reclaiming of humanity. Voice of OC. https://voiceofoc.org/2021/02/celebrating-black-joy-as-an-alternative-form-of-resistance-and-reclaiming-of-humanity/
Swindell, M. L. (2014, April 1). Compassionate competence: A new model for social work practice. Socialworker.com. https://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/practice/compassionate-competence-a-new-model-for-social-work-practi/
In-Person Policies
Please read our in-person policies here.
Each participant MUST sign in and out of the workshop. If you do not sign out, your CE’s will be adjusted (this only applies to workshops approved by MBSWE). CPE staff will assume you left during the last break.
Evaluations and certificates will be available by noon the next business day in your CPE account.
Click the ORANGE certificate button for the workshop you attended to access the evaluation. Then you will have an option to download, print, or email your certificate.
Please Note: As long as you have access to your CPE account, you will be able to access all of your workshop certificates offered by CPE.
Target Audience
Social Workers, LCPCs, and Psychologists
We welcome anyone interested in the topic!
Late Fees and Refunds
The base price for CEs is $25, which includes CE credit.
Late Fee: On 02/27/2025, a non-refundable late fee of $20 is added to the base price. Late fees cannot be refunded or applied to account credit.
Cancellations: **ALL cancellations will be subjected to a $35.00 administration fee.** To be eligible for a refund or CPE account credit, cancellations must be made at least 24 hours before the workshop.
For more information, please read the general policies on our website.
Location
525 W. Redwood Street, SSW Auditorium- 1st Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
(410) 706-7790
www.ssw.umaryland.edu
