McDaniel's Social Work students and faculty also participate in activities which promote awareness of social inequalities and social problems. While not in the classroom, students can expect to provide public service, promote awareness of social programs, engage in advocacy, and experience the role of the social worker in the community setting.  The following are some examples of annual events, however, this is not nearly inclusive of the many social work activities and events that occur throughout the year.
 

Each spring the social work students are invited to participate in a statewide Student Lobby Day sponsored by the Maryland Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).  This event takes place in the state capitol in Annapolis.  It is a wonderful opportunity for students to network with other BSW and MSW students as well as their county's legislators, lobbyists, and other professional and student social workers.  This year students from across the state rallied together to promote increased spending on mental health services.  The day begins with a motivational presentation on the importance of social advocacy.  This inspiring speech was followed by the introduction of Steve Buchingham, a lobbyist for NASW who reviewed the pending bills pertaining to social work that are up for hearings during this legislative session.  It is typical for social workers who have a vested interest in these particular issues to precede Mr. Buchingham with case illustrations and policy implications regarding the urgency and salience of these bills to the betterment of our society.  The students as a group leave the assembly more informed, enthusiastic, and with a stronger commitment to social responsibility.

The students are then seen marching around Capitol Square carrying signs supporting specific social work issues.  The group is lively and draws the attention of many spectators including legislators, concerned consumers, and politicians who are often passing by this heavily traveled public arena.  Students then make attempts to visit their town's council representatives in order to ask for support of these social concerns.  Finally, students are encouraged to attend legislative hearings.  Last year the efforts of all social work advocates were tremendously beneficial as the lobbying around child safety concerns paid off in reducing child welfare worker's caseloads.  This year we are hoping to see the fruits of our labor with changes in spending on mental health services.  We hope that they heard our chant "Spend the Wealth on Mental Health!"

Each fall, all students who have interest in Social Work are invited to attend a dinner and networking opportunity.  McDaniel Social Work Alumni who practice social work in a range of settings are invited to campus to talk with students about their careers in social work.  Although their is time for mingling before and after dinner, during dinner students are assigned to a specific table in which they can more intimately exchange information with at least one social worker who is employed in an area in which the student has expressed an interest.  This event draws a large crowd both in terms of returning alumni, who seem to enjoy the reunion, as well as curious students.  The event is facilitated by the Department of Career Services who work closely with our students.

On March 21st, several students from the Social Welfare Policy class attended the Third Annual Middle School Multicultural Leadership Conference.  This event, sponsored by Carroll County Public Schools and Carroll Citizens for Racial Equality, focused on raising up student leaders at local middle schools, by developing and reinforcing their awareness of diversity issues.  Students got to see performances by the improv theater troupe Foolproof, a group of Filipino dancers, and a peer/dancer of Indian heritage.  They also participated in small, large, and school group discussions centered around the dangers of stereotypes and discrimination, the manner in which these are played out in their own schools, and projects that they can do to raise awareness amongst their peers.

The McDaniel Social Work students in attendance had the opportunity to work as facilitators and educators.  They participated in an all day planning of this event with local teachers, administrators, and concerned students.  On the 21st, they led group discussions, attempting to educate, guide, and encourage the middle schoolers on their journeys toward sensitivity to difference.  In addition, this was a great opportunity to become acquainted with the local perception of diversity and related issues, and to make connections with other individuals who are working toward change.  Overall, interactions with the young people were inspiring, offering increased hope for the future.   The day was a great exercise for future policy-makers and social advocates.

Each year several graduate schools of social work come to McDaniel College to talk with our students about their programs.  Typically four schools attend which makes the presentation quite a lively and enriching experience as students hear about the similarities and differences between programs.  While the panel is open to students of all years and majors, the senior social work majors are instrumental in selecting the panel.  Graduate schools in the past have included Bryn Mawr, Catholic University, Columbia University, Gallaudet University, Howard University, New York University, Widener College, and the University of Maryland School of Social Work.  Our students carry a history of being accepted to their first choice programs and typically are awarded advanced standing.
 
 

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