ANNOUNCING THE
CENTENNIAL SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT FUND
F
or 100 years, Michigan Social Work has made an impact by educating the next generation of social work leaders, advancing social justice and creating progressive change. Part of our celebration is the creation of our Centennial Social Justice Impact Fund, an endowment to support the School’s commitment to antiracism, social justice and social change. We invite you and all members of our community to help kick off this special Centennial fund. Since its founding in 1921, Michigan Social Work has been deeply committed to addressing the most pressing issues facing our society. This commitment continues. During 2020 — in the midst of the pandemic, and in the wake of George Floyd’s death and the reaction to ongoing police brutality — social justice rose to the forefront of our nation’s consciousness. Our society has become painfully aware of the overdue need to dismantle racism and systems of oppression.
• Funding for an annual communitybased social innovation prize: This will recognize exemplary social justice efforts and will encourage more such efforts.
Our School responded with action on many fronts. Among the School’s responses has been the creation of the Centennial Social Justice Impact Fund. The Fund will support:
• Curriculum development: The new MSW curriculum now centers on the concepts of privilege, oppression and diversity, which provides a framework for promoting social justice and eliminating injustice in every course taught at Michigan Social Work.
• Fellowships for students leading antiracism and anti-oppression initiatives: Students rose to the occasion proactively this past year, challenging systemic racism, starting difficult conversations and holding events.
• Faculty research and training: Faculty are incorporating a focus on social justice and systemic oppression into all areas of research, and many are requesting updated training and resources.
• Educational/collaborative events: As the events of 2020 particularly impacted communities of color, faculty and student networks were energized. Our community found ways to come
together online and create events addressing social justice and the history and effects of systemic racism. Your gift to the Centennial Social Justice Impact Fund will help Michigan Social Work champion diversity, fight for social justice and cultivate a practice of service. All gifts will be matched through 2021. For more information: ssw.umich.edu/r/socialjusticefund.
During 2021, your gift to the Centennial Social Justice Impact Fund — or to other Michigan Social Work funds — will be matched dollar-to-dollar into the Centennial Social Justice Impact Fund. For information on the Social Justice Impact Fund or the match contact: ssw.development@umich.edu
ONGOING · Spring 2021 · 11
