December 2012 Edition

What’s Up in Social Work?

The Social Work Students' Association Volunteered for the Campus Food bank on November 14, 15, and 16, collecting food and monetary donations around campus.

Fundraising for the United Way continued on November 23, 2012 with the Mini Golf Tournament and Barbeque in the Professional Faculties building.

A total of $1212.18 was raised by the Faculty for the United way from the Change Challenge held in October and the Mini Golf Tournament in November.

Also, in SWSA news:
SWSA will be accepting new members in the new year if you are interested in being involved.  Please email [email protected] for more information.
Upcoming Training Opportunity:

Little Warriors delivers the Stewards of Children child sexual abuse prevention program. This program is a child sexual abuse prevention training program that educates adults how to help prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse, and motivates them to take action. The Stewards of Children program is designed for any parent or responsible adult that works with children and youth.
For every adult who takes the Stewards of Children training they have the potential to help protect 10 children from becoming victims of this
 horrific crime.  The program includes:
• An interactive workbook for each participant containing the full program curriculum.
• An accompanying 1 ¼ hour DVD integrating segments of sexual abuse survivors relating their stories of violation and healing, with segments from the author of the curriculum and from professionals who interface daily with the problem of sexual abuse.
• An opportunity for discussion about important issues in sexual abuse prevention and the relevance of these issues within organizations that serve children and adolescents.

This program has been accredited by the ACSW for 3 Category A Credits.  You will receive a certificate of attendance and interactive workbook.

For more information, please email [email protected].  A sign-up sheet for this training will be sent around in classes during the first week of December.  Please keep an eye out if you are interested!

Career and Employment Tip by Angela Judge

An effective job search consists of managing the balance between online applications and ensuring that you are networking and connecting to people.  Networking can provide information about hidden job opportunities as they happen, help you to learn more about the organization for the interview and to build and enhance your professional relationships.  Check out this article: 4 Effective Networking Tips for Students and Recent Grads by Leah Ruehlicke through this link:
http://talentegg.ca/incubator/2012/11/22/networking-tips-students-grads/

Interview with the Faculty

The following is an interview with Hieu Van Ngo, an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Social work.

1. What path did you take to becoming a Social Worker?
My experience as a refugee was transformative. In the refugee camp, I learned firsthand the meaning of social justice, and was inspired by many individuals who had dedicated their lives to help others. As soon as I settled down in Canada, I got involved in various volunteer activities in the community. In making my career decision, I took time to reflect on my life experiences, my passion and my hope to make practical, meaningful contributions to build a better world. Social work has suited my life philosophy of practical idealism.

2. Where did you get your education?
I received my formal education both in Vietnam and in Canada.  I had my social work training in the Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary.  In addition, I was privileged to receive informal training and mentorship from many community members over the years.

3. How long have you worked at the University of Calgary?
I joined the Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary, as an assistant professor in January 2012. Prior to my appointment, I had taught various undergraduate and graduate courses in the faculty between 2004 and 2010.

4. What are you most proud of (career wise, or anything else)?
I am proud of the fact that I arrived in Canada as a Vietnamese, and have over time transformed into a Vietnamese-Canadian and a global citizen. I am also proud that some of the community members whom I have mentored have stepped up as leaders and made contributions in the community.

5. What do you hope to achieve in the next year?
I am committed to work with students, faculty members and community partners to promote the best social work learning experience for all students. I intend to work with community partners to do action research that enhances theoretical and practical knowledge to prevent criminal youth gangs. I am also expanding my work internationally.  This spring, I will head to Vietnam to conduct a study on the emergence of the non-profit sector and its role in building civil society.

6. What is your favourite place to visit?
I spent two summers in Port Renfrew, BC. As fogs constantly moved across the landscape throughout the day, nature presented an awe-inspiring live painting. I also enjoyed driving across Cuba during my many visits. It was good not to see the signs of McDonald’s or Walmart, and not to know what awaited me around the bend.

7. What is your favourite indulgence?
A visit to a locally owned coffee shop on a winter night and listening to local musicians.

8.  What is something about you that others may be surprised to find out (a random fact!)?
I shouldn’t reveal any surprises until they drop by my office for a chatJ!

9. What advice do you have for future Social Workers?
Be a tree that grows.