The University of Minnesota School of Social Work Diversity and Equity Committee is hosting a FREE three-part webinar series on the intersections of Social Work and Law Enforcement. Registration is open to the public for one, two, or all panels in the series – with individual registration links required for each session. CEU’s will also be available.

UPDATE: Panel 3 has been postponed to May 7th, 2021.

*Our community is currently experiencing significant amounts of pain, anger, and fear in response to recent events, including the murder of Daunte Wright by law enforcement. We acknowledge that many who intended to participate in this conversation cannot step outside the immediate needs of tending to themselves, their families, and their communities this week.

*If you have already registered to attend on April 16th, no further action is needed. An updated link for new registrants is linked below.

PANEL 1: Agency Focus

Friday, March 19, 2:00pm-3:30pm (CDT) Register for Panel 1.

One of the most difficult aspects of social justice work has been how we engage with law enforcement. The murder of George Floyd demands us to explore the critical conversation of how social work/social justice practice intersects with police. Come hear practitioners discuss their agency experience in revising and re-visioning their practice as it relates to their collaboration with law enforcement.

PANEL 2: Community Focus

Friday, April 2, 2:00pm-3:30pm (CDT) Register for Panel 2.

Since the death of George Floyd, municipalities have been forced to grapple with the historical relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Come hear from community agencies that are engaged in creative work on the ground in North Minneapolis. Amidst increased calls for abolition and defunding, their work speaks to the effort to heal and change the relationship between police and the community.

PANEL 3: Policy Focus 

Friday, May 7th from 2:00pm-3:30pm (CDT) Register for Panel 3.

The role of law enforcement in response to mental health crisis is a hot topic. There is also an increased reliance on social work professionals in the response to community mental health needs. Come hear from mental health policy experts and social workers as they talk about the implications of racism, law enforcement, and policy on practice.