UMPI social work students head to UN

    PRESQUE ISLE – Ten students in the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Social Work Program headed to New York City and the United Nations during Spring Break to learn more about the role social work plays on a global scale.     The students, all active members of the Student Organization of Social Workers, attended two events in New York City – the Global Social Work Student Conference at Fordham University and the 25th Annual Social Work Day at the United Nations.
    The students include: Justin Rossner of Easton; Heidi Rackliffe of Fort Fairfield; Laura Long of Mars Hill; Ashley Russell of Smyrna; Glenda Wysote Labillois of Listigoush, Quebec; Tia Shaw and Jessica Plant of Perth Andover, New Brunswick; and Stephanie Rideout, Nicole MacVicar and Jennifer Romard of Glace Bay, Nova Scotia.
    Students attended the Global Social Work Student Conference on March 30, taking part in breakout workshops and conference sessions. On March 31, they paid a visit to the United Nations.
    Social Work Day at the UN is a gathering place for people around the world who are working to make a difference through a career in social work.
    According to Dr. Shirley Rush – social work professor for the University and faculty advisor for the trip – students, practitioners and educators have been convening at the UN for 25 years to learn more about the UN, innovative projects and issues related to International Social Work and the critical role Social Work plays in the international arena. Social Work Day at the United Nations is co-presented by the International Association of Schools of Social Work and the International Federation of Social Workers.
    During their visit to New York City, UMPI BSW students also visited Ellis Island. The trip is being funded by the University’s Student Senate and through the fund-raising efforts of SOSW student members.
    Students will be presenting what they learn at the United Nations during this year’s University Day, to be held on April 16.