Addressing Racism as a Public Health Crisis: A Civic Duty

4 CEUs - may be counted as Cultural Responsiveness

Wednesday, June 18, 2025 - 12:30pm-4:30pm CT
Presenter: Dr. Melissa K. McCollister, Ph.D., MSW 
4 CEUs - may be counted as Cultural Responsiveness

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In the narrative of social justice advocacy, social workers encounter a pivotal juncture, guided by Critical Race Theory (CRT) to decolonize practice. How can we address ingrained racism and oppression in our care systems with cultural humility to advocate for a fairer society? This query propels us towards reshaping advocacy for justice, equity, inclusion, and belonging through collective community practice. 
 This workshop will examine CRT’s influence on social workers’ ethical duty to advocate for social justice, focusing on three key areas: racism as a public health crisis, the need for healing through strong community relationships, and the role of cultural humility. Discussions will address policy implications, wholistic self-care, and strategies to dismantle systemic racism. 

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will identify the foundational principles of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and its application in guiding social workers towards decolonizing their practice within the content of social justice advocacy. 
2. Participants will explore strategies for addressing systemic racism and oppression within care systems using a cultural humility approach, fostering advocacy for a fairer and more just society. 
3. Participants will develop skills in how to build a collective community practice, learning how to reshape advocacy efforts for justice, equity, inclusion, and belonging in alignment with the principles of CRT and cultural humility.

About the Presenter: 
"Without justice, there is no love." ~bell hooks  
"Justice is what love looks like in public." ~Cornel West  
 
These quotes embody the social worker I strive to be. Over two decades, I've taught macro practice social work in academia, mentoring students throughout urban and rural Midwestern communities in Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, and Ohio, and served in community-based roles such as founding Executive Director of Indiana's first LGBTQ+ Pride Center and NAACP Criminal Justice Chair in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Currently, I continue community work as a Project Isaiah board member, addressing school-based trauma linked to systemic racism.  
 
In 2025, I co-authored research published in the NASW Press Journal of Children and Schools on Iowa's state policies and their impact on school social work, examining challenges faced by historically marginalized groups like BIPOC and LGBTQ+ youth. My 2023 book chapter emphasized civic responsibility in dismantling systemic racism and advancing equity. At the heart of my work is a belief that love and justice are inseparable. Through this workshop, we'll explore strategies to build a more just and loving future while recognizing racial justice as a civic and ethical duty.
 

Pricing and Registration
Student/Retired Members $40

Regular Members $60

Not-Yet-Members $100

REGISTER HERE