Virtual Symposium Presentations 

Please scroll down to view Friday and Saturday presentation descriptions or download our printable session scheduleMost presentations will be recorded and available for registered attendees to view after the symposium. Please email [email protected] with any questions.

View Pre-Symposium Institute offerings on Wednesday, June 17th and Thursday, June 18th.


Friday June 19, 2020

Welcome Gathering – 8:30am to 8:50am


Beulah H. Rothman Plenary – Friday, 8:50am to 9:50am ET 

A Survivor-led Response to the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children: The Integral Role of Groups CE-eligible Presentation

Lisa Goldblatt-Grace, My Life, My Choice, Boston, MA (USA)

This plenary will focus on a peer approach to working with youth at risk of commercial sexual exploitation, examining survivors of commercial sexual exploitation from prevention, intervention, and advocacy perspectives. This plenary will summarize the model and discuss group-based interventions that support youth who are either at-risk for exploitation or survivors of commercial sexual exploitation at home, in their communities, in congregate and residential care, or intersecting with multiple service providers.


Session 1  Friday, 10:00am to 11:00am ET         

1 Friday, 10:00am – 11:00am ET
Bridging Cultural Inclusivity and Connectivity: Enhancing Multiculturalism within Institutions of Higher Education CE-eligible Presentation
Nakia Miller, Yeshiva University, New York, NY (USA)
Frank Fuentes, Yeshiva University, New York, NY (USA)
As society has become more diverse so has diversity within institutions of higher education. There is an ever-present need to ensure that institutions of higher education function with an anti-oppressive administration. Utilizing critical theory, this presentation will discuss intentional ways to bring together diverse communities leading to positive communal action and improving academic vigor for students and faculty.

2 Friday, 10:00am – 11:00am ET
Healing to Healthy (H2): The Development of a Therapeutic Domestic Violence Offender Group Intervention Model CE-eligible Presentation
Anthony De Jesús, University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, CT (USA)
Charles Frazier, Radiance Innovative Services, Hartford, CT (USA)
Foteini Roditi, Radiance Innovative Services, Hartford, CT (USA)
Jeffin Jose, University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, CT (USA)
Conor Curland, University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, CT (USA)
Miriam Georgina Valdovinos, University of Denver, Denver, CO (USA)
This panel will describe the Radiance Innovative Services’ Healing to Healthy (H2) group intervention model which combines principles of mutual aid and theories of change to reduce the risk of recidivism for domestic violence offenders. The H2 model was developed to address the need for therapeutic intervention models for IPV offenders that offer a trauma informed approach and emphasize introspection and accountability as an alternative to retributive intervention models for this highly stigmatized population. 

3 Friday, 10:00am – 11:00am ET
The Parallel Process: Bereavement Quilts and the Group Work Process (TRAINING TRACK) CE-eligible Presentation
Nancy Cincotta, Psychosocial Consultant, New York, NY (USA)
After the death of a child in the family, bereaved family members are often at a loss finding their place in the world. Blending the group process and the quilting process, within a range of group models, small, large, and internet driven, can all potentially present a cathartic experience, helping family members grow within the context of their grief. Relevant literature, research, and reflections will be presented.

5 Friday, 10:00am – 11:00am ET
What’s the Catch? Breaking through Patient’s Resistance for Help (RESEARCH TRACK)
Chekwube Nwabueze, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA (USA)
Brandon Newsome, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA (USA)
Research has found that African Americans are suspicious of health care programs that are targeted specifically for African Americans as they believe that the system would have ill intent. This presentation examines the suspicion and resistance that group facilitators experience in navigating the initiation of a sickle cell disease support group. Historical practices that influence minority patients’ engagement in groups, as well as research and best practices on how to address this, will be discussed.

6 Friday, 10:00am – 11:00am ET
The Artist Book Project: Expressing Hope and Justice in Social Work Education CE-eligible Presentation
Loida Reyes, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT (USA)
Elizabeth Rodriguez-Keyes, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT (USA)
Art has historically served as a reflection of society. Artists use their unique perspective to make powerful statements on the social justice issues of the day. The use of art in social work practice creates a unique learning space that fosters a critical socialization process for social work students. This session will share how students used an Artist Book project to research issues related to the immigrant experience, and communicated their findings through multimedia.

7 Friday, 10:00am – 11:00am ET
Searching for Solutions: Mapping Resources of Social Work with Groups in Child and Family Welfare
Rasa Naujaniene, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
Jorune Vysniauskyte Rimkiene, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
Roberta Motieciene, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
The development of social services in child and family welfare is critically important for families that experience violence, unemployment, drug abuse, single-parenthood, teen pregnancy or mental illness. Social work with groups is an important component in child and family welfare. This presentation will explore advantages and challenges of different types of groups for parents and children who face multifaceted concerns.

8 Friday, 10:00am – 11:00am ET
The Importance of Groups in Brain Injury Rehabilitation CE-eligible Presentation
Pamela Singer, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY (USA)
This presentation will illustrate the importance and numerous benefits of integrating group modalities into brain injury rehabilitation. It will describe the many needed benefits that only groups can provide that are different from, but equally as important, as individual modalities. Participants will learn about brain injury and optimal treatments. Patient vignettes will be used to illustrate the beauty of groups. A group relaxation and breathing exercise will be integrated into the session.

9 Friday, 10:00am – 11:00am ET
Social Theatre as a Methodology for Social Transformation (TRAINING TRACK)
Linda Ducca Cisneros, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, (Spain)
In social theatre the emphasis is not in the aesthetic but in the transformative purpose of theatre. The actors are regular people, directly related to the social justice problems they are trying to transform. This presentation will explore social theatre techniques suitable to promote critical thinking about social justice issues. Este taller explorará algunas técnicas de teatro social para promover el pensamiento crítico acerca de problemas de justicia social en el trabajo con grupos.


Session 2: Invitational Presentations – Friday, 11:15am to 12:45pm ET 

1 Friday, 11:15am – 12:45pm ET | Roselle Kurland Memorial Invitational
Being Intentional in Nondeliberative Group Work: The Power of Purposeful Activity-based Group Work (TRAINING TRACK) CE-eligible Presentation
Christian Itin, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Denver, CO (USA)
Activities can act as a catalyst to group formation, group development and the building of connections in multi-cultural and international contexts. This workshop allows participants to experience the power of purposeful activity (including adventure, artistic games, and more) in a nondeliberative approach to group work. Participants will be introduced to the double diamond model of facilitation. The theoretical and philosophical underpinning of experiential group work will be explored. This workshop is designed for all ages and abilities.

2 Friday, 11:15am – 12:45pm ET | Charles Garvin Invitational
Group Worker and Member Responses to Instances of Oppression and Marginalization in Groups CE-eligible Presentation
Robert Ortega, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (USA)
Charles Garvin, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (USA)
In this workshop, participants will identify and explore group situations in which members experience marginalization and oppression. Participants will learn how to provide a safe environment for the group worker and members to surface and address these experiences, and explore ways to confront marginalization and oppression. Participants will learn how to become more aware of their own feelings and beliefs about marginalization and oppression, and how and when to appropriately address them with group members.

3 Friday, 11:15am – 12:45pm ET | Catherine T. Papell Invitational 
Building a Capabilities Framework through Collective Groupwork with Children and Young People (MUTUAL AID TRACK) | CE-eligible Presentation
Sarah Ward, University of Glasgow, Glasgow (United Kingdom)
Victoria Bianchi, University of Glasgow, Glasgow (United Kingdom)
Almost a quarter of Scottish children live in poverty. This has a profound effect on their life chances, facing inequalities in employment, learning and health that are wider in Scotland than in many other European states. Current policy highlights the value of empowerment, both in neighbourhood-level decision-making and for children and young people in the decisions that concern them. This session explains how the Children's Neighbourhoods programme used a capabilities approach to stimulate collective action.

4 Friday, 11:15am – 12:45pm ET | Robert Salmon Invitational
Trauma Informed Volunteers: Building Capacity of Peer Facilitators to Deliver Trauma Informed Group Programs (MUTUAL AID TRACK) CE-eligible Presentation
Carrie McManus, Sagesse, Calgary, AB (Canada)
Andrea Silverstone, Sagesse, Calgary, AB (Canada)
This workshop explores Sagesse’s volunteer capacity building program which integrates trauma-informed practice to empower volunteer facilitators to recognize and respond to trauma. This workshop explores possible trauma coping mechanisms, viewing physical space through a trauma lens, stigma and shame, ways to support, and the limitations of trauma-informed practice. Through the process of capacity building, volunteers feel empowered to manage their own trauma responses, and in turn empower group participants to do the same.

5 Friday, 11:15am – 12:45pm ET 
Vicarious Trauma and Compassion Fatigue Amongst Group Facilitators and Therapists: Lessons from the Sickle Cell Support Group CE-eligible Presentation
Chekwube Nwabueze, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA (USA)
Brandon Newsome, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA (USA)
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is one of the most common genetic disorders in the United States. An empathetic clinician, who consistently hears the traumatic experiences of patients like those living with SCD, may become indifferent or experience secondary traumatization. This session will focus on recognizing compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma while working with marginalized patients, and offer resources to combat against both of these conditions.

6 Friday, 11:15am – 12:45pm ET | The USC Invitational
Advancing Environmental Justice through Group Work CE-eligible Presentation
Kelly Smith, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (USA)
Climate instability threatens the loss of historic social justice and equality gains over the past half century. This reality makes climate change the most significant and universal problem facing the social work profession. This workshop will help social workers by evaluating the multifaceted impacts of eco-anxiety on practice, while exploring varied experiences of environmental inequality and solution-building opportunities.

7 Friday, 11:15am – 12:45pm ET | The Norma Lang Invitational (NEW THIS YEAR! Learn more)
Let's Do Then Think: Understanding Nondeliberative Practice by Participating in Small Group Activities (TRAINING TRACK) CE-eligible Presentation
Ann Bergart, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
Brian Kelly, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
This workshop will illustrate the application of nondeliberative practice in social work with groups. Lang conceptualized and articulated activity, also called nonverbal methods. In contrast to traditional discussion formats for professional helping, a nondeliberative approach is “do, then think”. Participants at this session will be involved in activities that give them the experience of engaging with nondeliberative methods followed by small group debriefing to integrate their experience with Lang's nondeliberative theory.


Session 3 – Friday, 1:00pm to 1:30pm ET

1 Friday, 1:00pm – 1:30pm ET
CIRCLES: A Culturally Responsive Group Work Model for Youth of Color (TRAINING TRACK)
Alexis Howard, NYC Administration for Children's Services, New York, NY (USA)
Stephen Powell, National CARES Mentoring, New York, NY (USA)
Racquel Ritch, New York University, New York, NY (USA)
Prince Abidoye, Touro College, New York, NY (USA)
This session will engage participants in looking at an innovative group work approach to engaging adolescents from the African diaspora. Adolescents that were historically viewed from a deficit model are engaged in a group work model that preserves their cultural identity, and engages them through activities (song, poetry and narrative story telling). The group focuses on elevating education, expectations and self-esteem, and incorporates cultural aspects of wellness.

2 Friday, 1:00pm – 1:30pm ET
How to Effectively Design and Implement Groupwork for Justice-involved Women in Rural, Underserved Communities: A Case Study in Alabama Prisons (RESEARCH TRACK)
Haley Beech, University of Alabama, School of Social Work, Tuscaloosa, AL (USA)
Amber Sutton, The University of Alabama, School of Social Work, Tuscaloosa, AL (USA)
Women who are incarcerated can greatly benefit from groupwork as groups are powerful tools for decreasing isolation, fostering positive relationships, creating reciprocal dialogue, and promoting overall healing. Using the theoretical framework of intersectionality to better understand the plight of females who are incarcerated in the state of Alabama, this session will explain how to design, implement, and evaluate empowering groupwork that honors autonomy, respect for persons, and lived experiences, specifically for justice-involved women.

3 Friday, 1:00pm – 1:30pm ET
Cet improbable groupe... (RESEARCH TRACK)
Ginette Berteau, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montréal, QC (Canada)
Jean-Martin Deslauriers, Université d’Ottawa, Ottawa, ON (Canada)
Cette communication porte sur les principaux résultats d’une recherche menée auprès de huit hommes ayant participé à un groupe centré sur l’aide mutuelle. Des liens seront établis entre leurs propos, les dynamiques d’aide mutuelle et les retombées observées dans la vie de ces hommes. Enfin, un échange aura lieu sur les stratégies à utiliser comme travailleur social de groupe dans ce type de groupe.

4 Friday, 1:00pm – 1:30pm ET
You Can't Go Home Again: The Impact of Art Exposure Programming on Group Members Experiencing Housing Instability
Willie Jackson, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
Art exposure programming offers therapeutic tools for facilitating group discussions and processes. This session will share how art exposure helped members of a closed group experiencing housing instability feel empowered, valued, and heard. Attendees will learn how art exposure and Photovoice can therapeutically enhance group work, while also be used for social advocacy group work to disseminate a co-constructed narrative to policy makers.

5 Friday, 1:00pm – 1:30pm ET
Grief Work in a Group Setting: Why the Bereavement Benefit is Better with Buddies (MUTUAL AID TRACK) 
Katie Kelly, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY (USA)
Everyone has experienced loss in some capacity, whether it is moving, changing jobs or the death of a loved one; a sense of loss is something all clinicians need to have expertise in. This presentation will outline theory, research and activities that are of importance in bereavement work for the practitioner. Benefits of working in a group setting when dealing with grief will be discussed, and activities connecting grief emotions and healthy processing will be shared.

6 Friday, 1:00pm – 1:30pm ET
Applying the Collective-Individualism Framework to Analyze Data from Reports on Rapid Rural Participatory Research Methodology (RPRM) Sessions (RESEARCH TRACK)
Mamadou Seck, Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH (USA)
The presenter uses the frame of Collective-Individualism to analyze social work students’ findings following RPRM sessions as fieldwork to develop group work and research skills. The analysis reveals connections between collective and individual realities and aspirations in rural areas. Social and economic entities and networks, and the tensions and conflicts opposing local communities, are explored. The persistence of the predominance of collectivist orientations over individualist options, despite the assaults from individualism endorsers, is discussed.

7 Friday, 1:00pm – 1:30pm ET
Trauma-Informed Group Practice for Social Work Academia (MUTUAL AID TRACK)
Lisa Henshaw, Yeshiva University, New York, NY (USA)
Hanni Flaherty, Yeshiva University, New York, NY (USA)
This presentation offers valuable knowledge for social workers in the academic setting, with a case example to demonstrate how fusion of trauma-informed principles and group practice principles can be effectively employed to support diverse student needs in the aftermath of indirect trauma exposure. Attendees will learn about trauma-responsive programming to facilitate a collective group process with mutual aid concurrently providing opportunities for professional modeling and parallel process while ensuring a commitment to ethical practice.


Session 4: Friday, 1:40pm to 2:10pm ET 

1 Friday, 1:40pm – 2:10pm ET
Latina Cultural Oppression: Latina Student Issues in the U.S. University Classroom Group
Greg Tully, West Chester University, West Chester, PA (USA)
The presenter will identify numerous issues that emerge for Latina students in the university classroom group, issues emerging due to cultural oppression related to identity, status, language, representation, and stigma. These issues mirror those that emerge for many students of color in the U.S. university classroom group. Suggestions on how to address these issues will be suggested. Session participants will be encouraged to share their thoughts and feedback on these issues.

2 Friday, 1:40pm – 2:10pm ET
Finding Purpose and Friendship in a Relationship Group (MUTUAL AID TRACK)
Patty Underwood, IASWG Massachusetts Chapter, MA (USA)
Felcia Falchuk, Riverside Community Care, MA (USA)
After hearing complaints from clients about feeling lonely in their lives during their individual therapy sessions, this group leader invited her individual clients to come to the group for a commitment of eight weeks. Still together after four years, the group members' functioning improved. This session will explore pre-group planning, examine diversity in composition, the dual role of the leader as individual and group therapist, and mutual aid in the relationship group.

3 Friday, 1:40pm – 2:10pm ET
Supporting Substance Free Lifestyles for Adolescents through Leadership Groups
Katherine Pennypacker, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
Substance use in adolescence is a public health issue that transcends generations. At a time in adolescent development when peer acceptance trumps that of family and authority, utilizing peer groups as a way to promote positive behaviors has evidenced successes in fostering socializing techniques and universality. This presentation illustrates the impact of leadership groups in supporting substance free lifestyles for youth, and offers key concepts in order to replicate the program in other settings.

4 Friday, 1:40pm – 2:10pm ET
Combating Burnout and Vicarious Trauma at the Organizational Level: A Qualitative Research Study (RESEARCH TRACK)
Channel Lowery, Millersville University, Millersville, PA (USA)
Wanja Ogongi, Millersville University, Millersville, PA (USA)
This session will focus on presenting qualitative research data that explores policies and strategies one service organization has put in place to help the organizations’ direct service employees combat burnout and vicarious trauma. This qualitative study gathered knowledge on innovative practices this organization has adopted to encourage self-care and reduce role stress amongst its employees. The information from this study will be discussed and shared in collaboration with participants’ own professional experiences and input.

5 Friday, 1:40pm – 2:10pm ET
Enseigner les méthodes d'intervention en groupe de travail social en expérimentant un processus de groupe dans un environnement spécialement adapté (RESEARCH TRACK)
Oscar Labra, Universté du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Rouyn-Noranda, QC (Canada)
Approche participative de l'enseignement des méthodes d'intervention en groupe de travail social à l'Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT) basée sur la création d'un cadre de «vie de groupe» en classe.

6 Friday, 1:40pm – 2:10pm ET
Creating Connections, Fostering Hope, and Building upon Strengths for Fragmented Lives: A Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Adolescence (DBT-A) Adaptation for Trafficked and At-Risk Transient Foster Care Youth (TRAINING TRACK)
Selina Higgins, NYC Administration for Children's Services, New York, NY (USA)
T Francis, NYC Administration for Children's Services, New York, NY (USA)
Many youth experience the labeling of PTSD and other mental illnesses, but do not receive effective treatment. This session will provide an overview of an adaptation of DBT-A, developed specifically for youth in foster care who present with extreme emotional and behavioral challenges. It will discuss child sex trafficking and other vulnerabilities, as well as describe the trauma-informed adaptation developed to mitigate challenges and achieve stable placement.

7 Friday, 1:40pm – 2:10pm ET
Trauma Stabilization and Group Therapy Training for Social Workers Working with Syrian Refugee Children in Turkey (TRAINING TRACK)
Kenan Sualp, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL (USA)
Elif Erguney Okumus, Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University, Istanbul (Turkey)
Olga Molina, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL (USA)
The war in Syria has caused serious problems and the likelihood of experiencing trauma is high for this refugee population. The presenters will share their creation of an evidence-based group training manual for social workers in Turkey. This presentation will describe components of the manual, including skills required for group-therapy application, EMDR-based stabilization to mitigate the trauma symptoms of refugee children, and stabilization tools to mitigate mental health professionals’ secondary-trauma and techniques for group-work.


Friday Poster Session - 2:10pm to 3:00pm ET 

L'aide mutuelle comme catalyseur de transformation chez des hommes ayant des comportements colériques (MUTUAL AID TRACK)
Matthieu Hammond-Rivard, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC (Canada)
Cette présentation a pour but d’illustrer comment actualiser les spécificités des travailleurs sociaux en intervention de groupe, à contrecourant de la technocratie, de l’individualisme et de la responsabilisation individuelle. Elle dépeint les différentes étapes par lesquelles un groupe cognitivo-comportemental pour hommes portant sur la colère, a pu être transformé en un groupe d’aide mutuelle.

Migrants in Transit: A Proposed Model for Group Work Intervention
Daniela Barrios Morello, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
Laura Sevilla, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
This poster describes the process of developing meaningful group work interventions targeting migrants in transit. Grounded in a transnational partnership between a midwestern university and a shelter in Mexico, it is hoped that this project will promote the development of group work interventions that may be adapted to the needs of migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees, as a way to help counteract their multiple stressors and support their socioemotional wellbeing.

Boost Cognition, Reduce Delinquency: Movement Based Groups for Adolescent Boys
Samantha Cossen, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
Max Parrella, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
Michael Awopileda, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
This poster will focus on the outcomes of a small-group for at-risk, adolescent boys at a midwest suburban high school focused on cognition and physical exercise. The poster explores the positive impact of physical exercise on the human brain, provides examples of social emotional activities and groups to increase cognition, and discusses an example of a movement-based social emotional small group for adolescent boys.


Session 5 – Friday, 3:00pm to 4:00pm ET

1 Friday, 3:00pm – 4:00pm ET
Leading Interprofessional Task Groups to Advance Institutional or Structural Change CE-eligible Presentation
Padraic Stanley, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL (USA)
This presentation will discuss how social workers can lead interprofessional task groups to promote institutional and structural change, breaking down silos necessary to create large scale change in quality and ethics. The presenter will share his experience establishing an interprofessional task group to advance immigrant health at a large healthcare institution, providing a guide for others to form similar task groups. Social work skills for recruitment, retention, collaborative goal setting, and meetings will be discussed.

2 Friday, 3:00pm – 4:00pm ET
The Empathy Myth: How Group Cohesion is Developed in Video Games (MUTUAL AID TRACK) CE-eligible Presentation
Courtney Kidd, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh (United Kingdom)
Empathy must be re-examined through a multi-disciplined lens, and there's no better way than to explore the concept through video games and virtual worlds. By exploring the idea that video games cause violence and decrease empathetic responses, we see that empathy as we know it is mislabeled. Once we understand empathy, we can utilize gaming for group formation and cohesion in both policy and practice. Just press enter to play!

3 Friday, 3:00pm – 4:00pm ET
Gender Differences between Group Worker and Client: Important Ingredients to Consider to Promote Productive Climate and a Safe Space to Explore Race and Gender
Glenn Taylor, Yeshiva University, New York, NY (USA)
What is the experience of male facilitators leading all-women anger management groups? How does the male facilitator handle possible counter-transference that may arise while leading such a group? To answer these questions, participants will engage in a part didactic, part experiential group process to identify transference reactions and discover ways to respond to conflicts around race, gender, and power dynamics in the group process.

4 Friday, 3:00pm – 4:00pm ET
Treating Adolescent Non-suicidal Self-Injury: A Group Work Perspective (RESEARCH TRACK) CE-eligible Presentation
Hanni Flaherty, Yeshiva University, New York, NY (USA)
Non-suicidal self-injurious (NSSI) behavior affects millions of adolescents each year, highlighting a public health problem in need of attention, research, and treatment. Counselors who respond to NSSI must be able to adequately identify the various forms of the behavior to determine how to best support the client and reduce NSSI behavior. This session aims to inform practitioners about the current evidence-based interventions that are available to treat adolescents in group-based settings.

5 Friday, 3:00pm – 4:00pm ET
Strategies for Evaluating Group Work: Are We Effectively Studying the Impact of Our Interventions? (RESEARCH TRACK) CE-eligible Presentation
Teresa Kilbane, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
Have you ever evaluated the impact of your groups? Do you need a place to discuss the challenges of evaluating your practice and your needs regarding research skill development? If so, this is the session tailored for you and others exploring evaluating your practice. This session intends to help you to develop your research agenda and provide resources to refine your research skills.

6 Friday, 3:00pm – 4:00pm ET
Identifying and Preventing Burnout Among Bilingual Social Workers
Sangeun Lee, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA (USA)
Social work is one of the professions with high burnout rates. According to the theoretical framework of burnout, burnout is a key mediator between chronic job stressors and various attitudinal outcomes. Social workers who are assisting ethnic minority groups have huge job demands because of dual perspectives between their native and host country. This presentation will investigate burnout protective factors among bilingual social workers who are delivering services in the same languages.

7 Friday, 3:00pm – 4:00pm ET
Case Study of an Evidence-Based Group Tasked to Transition a Beloved Pastor CE-eligible Presentation
Rhonda Hudson, Union University, Jackson, TN (USA)
Transitions for long serving pastors have been identified in the research literature, but not all pastoral transitions can be identified as being successful. This session presents a case study of an evidence-based group tasked to transition out a beloved pastor of 26 years while bringing in a new pastor. Using Bowen's systems theory as a framework, this session describes a model to assist church members who experience grief and loss through a time of transition.

9 Friday, 3:00pm – 4:00pm ET
Building Emotional Regulation and Wellness Skills in Groups: Meeting the Challenge through a Short-Term Intensive Outpatient Program (TRAINING TRACK) CE-eligible Presentation
Yuen Ling Elaine Ho, NYC H+H/Gouverneur, New York, NY (USA)
Dustin Chien, NYC H+H/Gouverneur, New York, NY (USA)
Traditional treatment programs focus on long-term care for clients who have severe mental illness. Clients tend to have resistance to participate due to stigma of mental health services and long-term participation. This presentation describes an innovative, six-week intensive outpatient program to stabilize clients by increasing insight of their illness and avoiding re-hospitalization. Strategies utilized, such as of mindfulness, stress management, wellness, distress tolerance, art expression, and role playing, will be shared. To learn more, please view the IOP Brochure (available in English and Chinese) and IOP Booklet (available in English and Chinese).  


Session 6 – Friday, 4:15pm to 5:15pm ET

1 Friday, 4:15pm – 5:15pm ET
Enhancing Group Work’s Presence within Social Work Education: Strategies for Making It Happen CE-eligible Presentation
Shirley Simon, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
For decades, social group work leaders have expressed concerns about group work’s diminished place within social work education. IASWG Symposium attendees implicitly have a commitment to group work, yet what can we do about this disconnect? This presentation describes strategies and activities that have made a difference at one school of social work, and invites attendees to consider what actions they might undertake. Reflections, discussions, and development of action plans are embedded in this session.

2 Friday, 4:15pm – 5:15pm ET
Helping a Consumer-based, Self Help Group Become Evidenced-based
Albert Schafer, Private Practice, San Diego, CA (USA)
Recovery International provides a structured process and interventions to manage and reduce symptoms brought on by trivial events. The presenter will explain results from a pilot study to measure the effectiveness of this approach as well as compare it to other treatment methods, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and EMDR Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (G-TEP), with diverse populations.

3 Friday, 4:15pm – 5:15pm ET
Engaging Teen Girls in Groups: Building Healthy Relationships, Self-Empowerment, and Leadership Skills (MUTUAL AID TRACK) CE-eligible Presentation
Zaza Sakhat, Private Practice, Worcester, MA (USA)
Adolescent girls can be challenging! This session illustrates the importance of group work with teen girls through an interactive discussion about girl development, coping through maladaptive behaviors, how group work dynamics plays out with teen girls, and concrete ideas for coordinating and leading a teen girls group in an outpatient setting.

4 Friday, 4:15pm – 5:15pm ET
Encountering Vulnerability in Group Work: Exploration of Vulnerable Experiences of Group Workers CE-eligible Presentation
Jutta Hofmann-Powell, Barry University, Miami Shores, FL (USA)
Mark Smith, Barry University, Miami Shores, FL (USA)
Carolyn Daniels, Barry University, Miami Shores, FL (USA)  
This presentation explores the group worker’s experience of vulnerability in the group. Aspects of self-discovery and possibilities for change in the relationship between self and others that may occur as a result of use of vulnerability of the group worker are discussed. The intention is to provide an opportunity for group workers to reflect on outcomes, personal feelings, and new perspectives for how vulnerability might impact the work in the group.

5 Friday, 4:15pm – 5:15pm ET
From the Classroom to the Real World: Student Opportunities to Apply Group Theory and Practice CE-eligible Presentation
Lloyd Lyter, East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, PA (USA)
Kaitlyn Smart, East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, PA (USA)
Walter Dunn, East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, PA (USA)
Erin Guyre, East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, PA (USA)
A panel of students will describe how taking a social work with groups course evolved into opportunities to lead varied groups, both in the classroom and in field placements. The course instructor will overview the pedagogy used, then the students will address their lived experiences and applications to the real world, answering three questions: What are you doing? How did it happen? Were you adequately academically prepared?

6 Friday, 4:15pm – 5:15pm ET
Harnessing the Past and Strengthening the Future of Social Work with Groups CE-eligible Presentation
Brian Kelly, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
Carol Cohen, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY (USA)
Robert Ortega, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (USA)
Barbara Muskat, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON (Canada)
This panel will address enduring themes and challenges in social work with groups. Four presenters will each highlight a key theme, including social justice, mutual aid, activity focus, and global scope. Collectively, the panelists will engage attendees in a discussion of current and future directions for social group work.

7 Friday, 4:15pm – 5:15pm ET
Assessing Psycho-social Support Groups for Refugee and Immigrant Clients: A Five-Year Update (RESEARCH TRACK) CE-eligible Presentation
Azadeh Masalehdan Block, California University of Pennsylvania, California, PA (USA)
Yesmina Salib, Jewish Family and Community Services, Pittsburgh, PA (USA)
This neighborhood-based, psycho-social support group program for refugee and immigrant communities received an IASWG SPARC funding grant in 2016 to provide research skills training to peer leaders. The presenter will offer best practices for these groups through findings using triangulation of peer leader feedback, focus groups and clinical observations, to assess program efficacy. The presenter will share a “crash course” in conducting qualitative research that attendees can apply to their own initiatives.

8 Friday, 4:15pm – 5:15pm ET
Ending: An Important but Often Neglected Group Stage (TRAINING TRACK) CE-eligible Presentation
Hélène Filion Onserud, Social Group Worker, Brooklyn, NY (USA)
Rob Abbot, Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation, Brooklyn, NY (USA)
Most of us struggle to muster what it takes to lead a group through a productive ending process, whether the ending is with a group member, with the leader, or with the group as a whole. Attendees in this session will be led through an exploration of their own feelings connected to endings in order to build a sense of self-awareness and skills related to this phase of work.


Saturday June 20, 2020

Welcome Gathering – 8:30am to 8:50am ET


Joan K. Parry Memorial Plenary  Saturday, 8:50am to 9:50am ET

Social Group Workers on the Frontlines: The Function of Social Group Work in the Aftermath of Natural Disasters CE-eligible Presentation

Julie Drolet, University of Calgary, Edmonton, AB (Canada)
Elithet Silva, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR (USA)
Stevenson Édouard, Foundation America Solidaria Haiti (Haiti)
Timothy Sim, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon (Hong Kong)
Moderator: Mark Macgowan, Florida International University, Miami, Florida (USA)

The purpose of this plenary is to bring together experts on group work and disaster response from Haiti, Hong Kong, Puerto Rico, Canada, and mainland United States, to discuss the ways in which group workers have actively engaged with impacted communities after earthquakes, hurricanes, and other climate-related disasters. Panelists will discuss their unique experiences and connections in practice, approach, and training.


Session 7 – 10:00am to 10:30am ET

1 Saturday, 10:00am – 10:30am ET
How Group Work Practice has developed Students’ Professional Growth and Impacted Lives in Namibian Informal Settlements
Namoonga Chilwalo, University of Namibia, Windhoek (Namibia)
Janet Ananias, University of Namibia, Windhoek (Namibia)
This presentation will discuss how University of Namibia students integrated values and skills of professional social work knowledge learned in their second year to engage in direct work with groups in informal settlements during their third year. The presenter will highlight how group work practice under academic supervision can impact lives in informal settlements while strengthening students’ leadership skills and professional growth in serving multicultural communities.

2 Saturday, 10:00am – 10:30am ET
Teaching Excellence through University Community Collaboration in Capacity Building (TRAINING TRACK)
Wan-Yi Chen, West Chester University, West Chester, PA (USA)
Gwenelle O'Neal, West Chester University, West Chester, PA (USA)
Few social work field practicums involve macro practice skills to develop competencies (resource development, managing service programs and organizations, community outreach, policy analysis, and program evaluation). This session will share an innovative way to enhance student field education, while simultaneously providing additional experiential learning opportunities for practitioners in community agencies through the use of community forums. Attendees will be able to replicate this community engagement strategy with their respective stakeholders.

3 Saturday, 10:00am – 10:30am ET
Group Social Work and Mutual Aid with Men Who have been Sexually Abused as Children (MUTUAL AID TRACK)
Jean-Martin Deslauriers, Université d’Ottawa, Ottawa, ON (Canada)
Few men disclose childhood sexual abuse experiences, and there is a deficit of practical knowledge in this field. Group work with these men is often manualized and takes the form of educational groups. However, a mutual aid approach can be very effective. This session proposes a reflection on a group work model, based on mutual aid, to use with men who have survived sexual abuse, and presents preliminary findings pertaining to this type of intervention.

4 Saturday, 10:00am – 10:30am ET
Enseñar la intervención social de grupo en estudiantes universitarios de Trabajo Social: Una experiencia basada en las vivencias en clase de los estudiantes
Oscar Labra, Universté du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Rouyn-Noranda, QC (Canada)
A través de esta presentación se quiere compartir una experiencia de enseñanza de intervención de grupo en Trabajo Social en la Universidad de Quebec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT). Los testimonios de los estudiantes que han participado en el curso en los últimos años nos permiten afirmar que este enfoque pedagógico ayuda a los estudiantes experimentar desde un grupo ficticio la vida propia de un grupo, vienen motivados al curso y descubren a partir de su experiencia de grupo en el aula la dinámica y los procesos de vida de un grupo.

5 Saturday, 10:00am – 10:30am ET
The Use of Human Simulation in Group Work Education: A Perspective from a Group Worker/Standardized Patient
Mary Lisbon, Barry University, Miami Shores, FL (USA)
Simulation pedagogy has become increasingly popular in different educational disciplines and levels of instruction. What is simulation and how can this methodology be incorporated into group work training for both social work students and practitioners? As a group worker and a standardized patient, this presenter will give a unique perspective on the efficacy of this methodology for assisting in imparting group work skills to students and practitioners.

6 Saturday, 10:00am – 10:30am ET
Watch Your Children Grow: Effective Language Working with Underserved Groups (RESEARCH TRACK)
Meredith Lewis, UAB Huntsville Family Medicine Residency, Huntsville, AL (USA)
Denise Surina-Baumgartner, UAB Huntsville Family Medicine Residency, Huntsville, AL (USA)
Shivani Malhotra, UAB Huntsville Family Medicine Residency, Huntsville, AL (USA)
Childhood obesity is an ever-growing concern among the pediatric population of the United States. As a response to address this issue, this presentation will describe an in-home practice utilizing scale biofeedback, home staging, and weekly incentive mailings. Research findings from this family group invention, as well as strategies for effectively initiating engagement, follow up, and termination with families, will be discussed.

7 Saturday, 10:00am – 10:30am ET
Application of Poetic Therapy Methods in Social Work with Groups of Women Addicted to Psychoactive Substances
Jorune Vysniauskyte Rimkiene, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
Ineta Sile, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
Poetic therapy methods allow for the evaluation of personal emotional condition, encourages self-knowledge and cognition of environment, and supports expression of emotions to raise self-confidence. This session will explain this therapeutic method as well as findings from a participatory action research study with a specific population. Attendees will have an opportunity to practice poetic therapy methods by creating their own poems.

8 Saturday, 10:00am – 10:30am ET
Social Work with Groups among Licensed Social Workers in Spain: From Individual Worries to a Common Strategy (RESEARCH TRACK)
Andrés Arias Astray, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid (Spain)
Linda Ducca Cisneros, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid (Spain)
After a series of small studies indicated that Spanish social workers do not use groups on a regular basis, the presenters carried out a national survey among registered social workers of the 36 professional associations in Spain to investigate further. Initial findings show that the use of groups is almost non-existent in Spain. The presenters will engage attendees to consider strategies that allow for a greater diffusion of group work education and practice.


Session 8 – 10:40am to 11:10am ET

1 Saturday, 10:40am – 11:10am ET
Group Member Commitment: Lessons from South African Stokvels and Burial Societies
Reineth (CE) Prinsloo, University of Pretoria, Pretoria (South Africa)
Group leaders wish for committed and motivated group members. The practice of Stokvels and Burial Societies in South Africa provides excellent examples of incentives to establish commitment and motivation for attending and participating in group contexts. Attendees will learn about the practices, compare the practices to social work with groups, and partake in an IASWG “Stokvel” experiential exercise to experience the benefits.

2 Saturday, 10:40am – 11:10am ET
Why Do You Want to Bring Theory into This?
Kathy Pjura, Southern Connecticut University, New Haven, CT (USA)
Mark Cameron, Southern Connecticut University, New Haven, CT (USA)
This presentation examines the obstacles to using theory in practice, including the desire to create a communal space that values a socially normative, reciprocal way of being. Research suggests this choice may be unconscious and fueled by a fear that to do any more would threaten the connectivity of the group. Implications for practice and practice education will be discussed.

3 Saturday, 10:40am – 11:10am ET
“I learned that I can tell people how I really feel”: A Humanistic Group Process in a Rights-based After School Program Co-created with Black Youth in Low-income Communities (MUTUAL AID TRACK)
Kevin Miller, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
Heather Watson, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
Matt Baer, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
Ellie Smith, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
Chana Matthews, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
Katherine Tyson McCrea, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
This presentation shares how the implementation of Humanistic Group Therapy (HGT) has been emancipatory and therapeutic for youth living in marginalized environments, based on data from Law Under Curious Minds, a participatory, rights-based after school program in a large U.S. city. Presenters will share how this approach can address challenges in youth interventions within high crime, high poverty communities, and describe how to implement HGT principles throughout programming in organizations.

4 Saturday, 10:40am – 11:10am ET
People Don't Live in Hospitals, They Live in Communities: Groupwork Implications of a U.S. National Report on Social Work in Healthcare (RESEARCH TRACK)
Padraic Stanley, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL (USA)
Bonnie Edwald, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL (USA)
The U.S. National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine published a collaborative report on Integrating Social Care into the Delivery of Healthcare. This report highlights how social workers, community health workers, and caregivers have a legitimate and sizable impact on the health of communities, making the case for recognition from healthcare leadership. Join us to discuss the impact of this report and how social groupwork can play a vital and important role in health care.

5 Saturday, 10:40am – 11:10am ET
Illumination at the Border: Utilizing Group Reflection as Experiential Learning in Migration Studies Immersion Programs
Elisa Gores, Loyola University of Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
Marta Lundy, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
The use of group reflection during migration studies immersion programs at the Mexican border highlights the importance of giving students and educators time and space to process the emotions and clinical implications brought up during experiential learning programs. This session will demonstrate the usefulness of both group and written reflection by sharing some exemplary data from students’ reflections and will offer suggestions for implementing group and written reflection into immersive learning programs.

6 Saturday, 10:40am – 11:10am ET
The Meaning of Social Work with Groups in Child and Family Welfare Practice in a Lithuanian Context (RESEARCH TRACK)
Rasa Naujaniene, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
Jorune Vysniauskyte Rimkiene, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
Jonas Ruskus, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
Merja Leitinen, University of Lapland, Rovaniem (Finland)
Julija Eidukeviciute, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)  
Though social group work is a common method of practice in child and family welfare work in many countries, in Lithuania it is still not used very often. In this presentation, results from a case study, implemented in two administrative units of Lithuania, will be discussed, arguing how social work with groups practice could improve parenting practices and pro-social behavior in the area of child and family welfare.

7 Saturday, 10:40am – 11:10am ET
Las niñas serán lo que quieran ser: Using Group Work and Art to Raise Awareness on Equality and Justice in Puerto Rico (RESEARCH TRACK)
Elithet Silva-Martínez, Universidad de Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR (USA)
Concern for gender inequality was the catalyst to develop a group-based intervention using story-telling, art, and play with a group of children and older adults in Puerto Rico. “Expressing solidarity for the rights of girls,” as part of the UN International Girls’ Day, was a powerful strategy for collective awareness. This presentation includes the methodology employed, strategies, materials used, and intervention results, through photos and extracts of the narratives compiled.

8 Saturday, 10:40am – 11:10am ET
Social Work Group Work Intervention with Girl Children in Forced Marriages (RESEARCH TRACK)
Ajwang Warria, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (South Africa)
Children in forced marriages are a complex population group, and providing interventions that address their unique needs is crucial to them being empowered and creating meaningful futures. Group work intervention requires the group facilitator to have knowledge and skills to intervene and navigate social norms. This session will provide a review of the literature highlighting the complexity of this group practice to share dilemmas and opportunities for group work with child brides.


Session 9  11:20am to 12:20pm ET

1 Saturday, 11:20am – 12:20pm ET
Teaching Group Work Skills and Theory using a Self-Facilitated Asynchronous Group (TRAINING TRACK) CE-eligible Presentation
Christian Itin, Metropolitan State University of Denver, Denver, CO (USA)
Small groups are a common method for teaching group work in face-to-face social work education but less developed in online asynchronous education. This session explores self-facilitated groups in teaching group work skills and theory in an online asynchronous class. The content and assignments, the development of the small group and other key elements will be presented. This interactive presentation will focus on lessons learned, challenges encountered and opportunities.

3 Saturday, 11:20am – 12:20pm ET
Doubling the Impact: Concurrent Micro and Mezzo Group Work with the American Parkinson Disease Association (RESEARCH TRACK) CE-eligible Presentation
Donna McLaughlin, Boston University, Boston, MA (USA)
Social workers are uniquely trained to interact with systems of all sizes, affording the worker an opportunity to 'double the impact’. This case study highlights the presenter’s interventions while collaborating with the American Parkinson Disease Association. The session offers examples of group work at the micro and mezzo levels and the rewards of multi-level, simultaneous group work.

4 Saturday, 11:20am – 12:20pm ET
Using Group Principles to Foster Community in Online Classrooms (MUTUAL AID TRACK) CE-eligible Presentation
Hanni Flaherty, Yeshiva University, New York, NY (USA)
Lisa Henshaw, Yeshiva University, New York, NY (USA)
Higher education is changing rapidly with the incorporation of online, blended, and live online platforms. Research suggests that instructors in online environments should provide learners with an experience which promotes both autonomy and community. This session will focus on how group work principles provide the opportunity for students to share their experiences, feelings, coping strategies to increase their capacity to learn in online settings.

5 Saturday, 11:20am – 12:20pm ET
Experiencias académicas y estudiantiles en el desarrollo de un proyecto social con grupos en el contexto puertorriqueño
Nancy Viana, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR (USA)
Valerie Rodriguez, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR (USA)
Fernando Cuevas, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR (USA)
Nathalie Rivera, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR (USA)
Carolina Rosado, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR (USA)
Esta presentación tiene como propósito principal compartir algunas de las experiencias académicas de una profesora y estudiantes como parte del curso de trabajo social con grupos a nivel de bachillerato, el cual tienen como requisito que desarrollen un proyecto social de grupo.

6 Saturday, 11:20am – 12:20pm ET
Trauma Informed Drama Therapy: The Story Within and Without
Heidi Landis, New York University, New York, NY (USA)
Stories are intrinsic to how we see the world and how we shape our world view. The experience of traumatic events often takes away the ability to move forward, leaving many feeling hopeless and stuck in old and distressing stories. Through the CANY model of trauma-informed drama therapy, attendees will explore and learn how to help clients honor the stories that lie within and move toward the possibilities of stories not yet created.

7 Saturday, 11:20am – 12:20pm ET
Social Engagement and Children's Mental Health: A Universal Response for Creative Strategies, Applied Theory in Practice, and Global Implications for Social Work with Groups and Youth Development (TRAINING TRACK) CE-eligible Presentation
Kenny Turck, Crow River Family Services, Litchfield, MN (USA)
Lived experience, social engagement, and social context are important considerations not only in youth development but also in treating emotional and behavioral reactivity, mental health impairments, trauma, and suicidality in youth in the United States. This session will explore the importance of social work with groups, discuss the functions of the autonomic nervous system, it’s relevance to trauma, social and emotional intelligence, recent findings in neuroscience, and current relevance and implications for social work practice.

8 Saturday, 11:20am – 12:20pm ET
What's Next for Summer Camp Social Work - Let's Explore! CE-eligible Presentation
Meryl Nadel, Iona College, New Rochelle, NY (USA)
Sue Scher, Ramapo College of New Jersey, Mahwah, NY (USA)
Barbara Muskat, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON (Canada)
Recent articles in the scholarly and popular media recognize the need for social workers to be more involved with summer camps. Camp populations include a wide range of campers and increasingly welcome campers with mental health issues and multiple challenges. Although camps currently employ social workers in a wide range of roles, camp social work is not recognized as a distinct field of practice. Following a brief overview, we invite participants to explore future directions for camp social work.The impact of COVID-19 on camps will be a key focus.


Saturday Poster Session – 12:30pm to 1:30pm ET 

Developmental Trauma’s Impact on Therapeutic Group Participation and Potential Interventions to Address Client Trauma History Related Barriers
Sarah Kelly, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
This poster describes how developmental trauma may impact a person’s ability to participate in a group. Additionally, it provides interventions to implement to help clients prepare for group participation. The poster describes how to determine if a client’s sensory integration, self-regulation, and relational skills are developed, to more effectively assess if participation in a group is contraindicated.

A Pilot Study of Whether Social Media Group Promotes Mutual Aid, Instillation of Hope, Universality Among Its Participants (MUTUAL AID TRACK)
Veronika Kudina, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
The 2020 miles in 2020 challenge is based on a philosophy that was established by the authors of Run The Edge. They created an exclusive Facebook group to encourage individuals to form social bonds and do their best to complete 2020 miles in 2020. This poster will showcase how the virtual exercise Facebook group was developed, and illustrate the impact it has on group members as they post their personal stories, interact with one another, and motivate each other to succeed.

Reinforcing Effective Diabetes Group Education in an Outpatient Setting
Meredith Lewis, UAB Huntsville Family Medicine Residency, Huntsville, AL (USA)
Kaaren Royster, Alabama A&M University, Huntsville, AL (USA)
Diabetes is a major health issue. In the U.S. alone, there are 30 million patients impacted by diabetes. This poster will highlight the impact of offering diabetes education groups to patients, and how the groups were pivotal for motivating patients and offering accountability.

Fostering Cross-Generational Support through Narrative Group Interventions with LGBTQ Populations
Kelsey Tevik, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
The rapidly changing social landscape of the past 50 years has led to a distinctive social divide between adults and youth within the LGBTQ community. This poster examines potential benefits of utilizing group narrative therapy interventions for fostering cross-generational connection and support among LGBTQ populations. It discusses current literature, as well as identifying need for future research and scholarship. A curriculum for a ten-week LGBTQ narrative therapy group is provided.

Designing a Systemic Model of Child Welfare: Moving from Child Protection to the Development of Psychosocial Support for Families (RESEARCH TRACK)
Rasa Naujaniene, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
Jonas Rušku, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
Merja Laitinen, University of Lapland, Rovaniemi (Finland)
Jorune Vysniauskyte Rimkiene, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
Julija Eidukeviciute, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
Roberta Motieciene, Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas (Lithuania)
This poster explains the current practices of the child welfare system in Lithuania. Based on statistical analysis generated from the results of a recent study, the poster will discuss how child neglect and child violence is conceptualized, which intervention method is dominant, and the possibilities for the development of psychosocial services.

Developing Critical Competencies: Social Skills Groups in Schools (TRAINING TRACK)
Jessica Lee, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
This poster aims to illustrate the need for social skills groups in school settings, examines group interventions targeting social skill development with young men of color, and highlights key components and challenges of group interventions. Ideas for future group-based interventions will also be discussed.


Session 10  1:30pm to 2:30pm ET 

1 Saturday, 1:30pm – 2:30pm ET
Superheroes, Shields, and Storybooks: Art Activities for Social Work with Groups (TRAINING TRACK) CE-eligible Presentation
Rebecca Hoffman, Social Groupworker, Brooklyn, NY (USA)
In these times of trouble, we need new heroes, and those heroes will have to be us. In this interactive session, we will explore how group facilitators can use visual art activities to activate the imaginations of their members in order to help them create safe spaces where they can take risks, tell new stories, and experience an enhanced sense of their own efficacy and deeper connectedness to themselves and others. (To get the most out of this workshop, please have markers/crayons/pencils and paper ready. The bigger paper the better. You can even tape two pieces together! Don’t have markers? Any paper and a ballpoint will do.)

2 Saturday, 1:30pm – 2:30pm ET
The IASWG SPARC Program: Celebrating and Supporting Innovation in Group Work with Endorsement and Funding of IASWG Members' Initiatives (RESEARCH TRACK) CE-eligible Presentation
Carol Cohen, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY (USA)
Brian​ ​Kelly, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
With IASWG SPARC Awardees sharing their projects and advice:  Linda Ducca, Erin Nau, Mark Smith, Kenan Sualp, Scott Giacomucci, Mary V. Lisbon, Nancy Viana Vazquez, and Zaneta Smith
The IASWG launched the SPARC Program to "spark" members' innovative projects through endorsement and grants. Join IASWG SPARC Program Committee members, and SPARC Awardees, for information and discussion of the application process, successes and challenges. Come hear about applying and celebrate the IASWG SPARC Projects' 8th birthday year!  

3 Saturday, 1:30pm – 2:30pm ET
We Did It and So Can You! A Community-Government and Academic Collaboration to Improve Health and Human Services Delivery (RESEARCH TRACK) CE-eligible Presentation
Elissa Giffords, LIU-Post Health and Human Services Department, Brookville, NY (USA)
John Imhof, LIU-Post Health and Human Services Department, Brookville, NY (USA)
This session shares the presenters’ and collaborators’ experience, and subsequent reflections, of their public-private and academic community-based collaboration, which sought to identify client service needs in order to review and improve current procedures for obtaining benefits or services when indicated. Following an overview of the project, attendees will utilize an instructional tool and discuss actions they can use to facilitate their own advocacy projects.

4 Saturday, 1:30pm – 2:30pm ET
Creating Connections: The Inclusive Group Work Training Project (TRAINING TRACK) CE-eligible Presentation
Melissa Popiel, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON (Canada)
Sarah LaRocque, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB (Canada)
William Pelech, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB (Canada) 
David Nicholas, University of Calgary, Edmonton, AB (Canada)
Christopher Kilmer, University of Calgary, Edmonton, AB (Canada)
David Este, University of Calgary, Edmonton, AB (Canada) 
Roshini Pillay, Witwatersrand University, Johannesburg (South Africa)
This session will provide an introduction to the Inclusive Group Work Training Project, an online course designed to provide training in the use of an inclusive model of group work practice. Attendees will take part in learning activities that comprise this online training course including case studies, reflections, and discussions relating to the nature of diversity in groups and inclusive group work practice.


Session 11  2:45pm to 2:45pm ET 

2 Saturday, 2:45pm – 3:45pm ET
P.RE.TURN (Praxis of Revenant Empowerment for Transcendence using Re-Narration): A Group Practice to Empower Citizens Returning from Prison (TRAINING TRACK) CE-eligible Presentation
Thomas Kenemore, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
Brent In, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL (USA)
This session presents a developing group practice model for work with citizens returning from prison to their communities. The model's components, and the integration of the components, will be explained to identify how group dynamics can help individuals achieve challenging reentry goals when combined with other services, leading to the transcendent navigation of the challenges of long-term reentry success.

4 Saturday, 2:45pm – 3:45pm ET
Social Work in the Political World; On the Precipice CE-eligible Presentation
Devin Helmick, Private Practice, Saint Cloud, MN (USA)
As the world stands on a precipice, we face radical social change in many countries around the world, and with this change there is pushback against change and reactionary politics. Social workers should be educated to serve as change agents to support members of the communities in which they live and work. The presenter will discuss the ethical obligations of social workers to be change agents as well as methods by which social workers can advocate for change.

5 Saturday, 2:45pm – 3:45pm ET
Turning up the Heat on Cultural Inclusivity to Drive Out Hate CE-eligible Presentation
Nakia Miller, Yeshiva University, New York, NY (USA)
Frank Fuentes, Yeshiva University, New York, NY (USA)
The onslaught of hate-filled speech, hate-filled attacks, and hate-filled abuse of power is an attempt to strip humanity of collectiveness. Now is not the time to idly await change but the time to act! There is a need to individually and collectively “turn up the heat” on cultural inclusivity to drive out hate. Attempting to awaken their individual sense of responsibility to become culturally inclusive ambassadors, attendees will intentionally reflect on their roles and engagement opportunities to celebrate difference and sameness.

6 Saturday, 2:45pm – 3:45pm ET
Activities to Engage Clients at All Stages of Group Development (TRAINING TRACK) CE-eligible Presentation
Erin Nau, Adelphi University, Garden City, NY (USA)
Nina Ehrlich-Foley, The Safe Center LI, Bethpage, NY (USA)
This interactive session is intended for facilitators and attendees to share their best activities for all stages of group development. A structured dialogue will be conducted regarding activity planning for activities with different ages.


Session 12 – 4:00pm to 5:00pm ET 

1 Saturday, 4:00pm – 5:00pm ET
An Inclusive Basketball Club: Eliminating Barriers through Socialization of Individuals with Disabilities in the Community on a College Campus (MUTUAL AID TRACK) CE-eligible Presentation
Samuel Benbow, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA (USA)
This session will share the design and implementation of a successful program called the Inclusive Basketball Club for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities created within the Department of Social Work & Gerontology on the campus of Shippensburg University. Attendees will use the Inclusive Basketball Club example of linking classroom knowledge to application in the community to design the initial blueprint of an institution-specific inclusive athletic program for adults with disabilities.

3 Saturday, 4:00pm – 5:00pm ET
Creating Civil Conversations about Social Policy with Mutual Aid (MUTUAL AID TRACK) CE-eligible Presentation
Rebecca Esther Coleman, Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL (USA)
This presentation offers a group empowerment model for creating civil conversations in an environment with a coarsening public discourse. The presenter shares an application of the model in a social welfare policy class. Experiential activities provide an opportunity to practice the model then discuss how to apply the model in their personal and professional lives.

4 Saturday, 4:00pm – 5:00pm ET
Single-Gender Groups for Women Suffering from Opioid Use Disorder: Theory and Treatment CE-eligible Presentation
Efrat Fridman, New York University, New York, NY (USA)
Although studies show that men still exceed women in the prevalence of heroin use and nonmedical prescription opioid use, the rate of increase of women's use may be exceeding that of men's. A single-gender group context has been proposed to be most effective for women who suffer from substance use disorders. This presentation discusses the unique barriers and needs women face when they attend treatment and the process of developing a single-gender day center.

5 Saturday, 4:00pm – 5:00pm ET
Group Group, Group 'Sup', and Vietnamese Soup: Social Worker, Heal Thy Self by Gathering Sustenance for Your Groupwork Practice (MUTUAL AID TRACK) CE-eligible Presentation
Rebecca Hoffman, Social Groupworker, Brooklyn, NY (USA)
This work is too hard to go it alone. As groupworkers, we believe in the power of group work to empower and sustain people through the most difficult circumstances. Yet, we may not have made room in our hectic schedules to get the benefits we have long promised our group members: hope, manageability, and belonging. Together, we will do art to explore what we need in order to have a sustainable, lifelong social groupwork practice. (To get the most out of this workshop, please have markers/crayons/pencils and paper ready. The bigger paper the better. You can even tape two pieces together! Don’t have markers? Any paper and a ballpoint will do.)

6 Saturday, 4:00pm – 5:00pm ET
A Community Based Model for a Group Work Facilitation Certification (TRAINING TRACK) CE-eligible Presentation
Kris Drumm, Private Practice, FL (USA)
Cindy Sterne, Broward Addiction and Recovery Center (BARC), FL (USA)
Far too often, social service staff are required to facilitate groups with little exposure to, or training in, the facilitation of groups. This presentation provides an overview of the creation and implementation of the Florida Institute for Group Facilitation, which has been in existence since 2014 and has certified 20 facilitators. The presenters will share an outline of program components, and their experiences as institute faculty, trainers, and supervisors of program participants.

7 Saturday, 4:00pm – 5:00pm ET
La fin du groupe: une phase souvent négligée, mais pourtant si importante (TRAINING TRACK) CE-eligible Presentation
Hélène Filion Onserud, Social Group Worker, Brooklyn, NY (USA)
Rob Abbot, Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation, Brooklyn, NY (USA)
Lafinest une étape particulièrement difficile du développement du groupe car elle fait ressortir, pour le travailleur de groupe et les membres du groupe, des sentiments difficiles et souvent douloureux liés à la fois à la situation actuelle et aux expériences passées. Les participants à cette session pourront explorer leurs propres sentiments, identifier différents aspects du processus de fin et être en mesure d'évaluer les gains réalisés lorsqu'un groupe passe par un processus de fin approfondi.