In this special episode of the Social Work Is Everywhere Podcast, we bring you highlights from our conversations with the OASIS team at the University of Maryland's School of Social Work. Join us as we discuss strategic planning, collaboration, community and global engagement, and the importance of aligning strategic goals with personal and institutional values. Learn about the evolving landscape of social work, the significance of relational intelligence, and the enduring legacy of Dr. Raju Varghese. Tune in for insights on building resilient, adaptable, and collaborative approaches in social work.

00:00 Introduction to the Social Work Is Everywhere Podcast
00:06 Highlights from University of Maryland Faculty and Staff
00:16 Strategic Planning and Partnerships with OASIS
00:35 Reflections on Resiliency and Adaptability
00:41 Key Takeaways from the Oasis Team
00:48 Community and Policy Developments
01:18 Aligning Goals with Values
02:09 The Importance of Relational Intelligence
03:48 Interdisciplinary and Global Initiatives
04:34 Building Relationships Across Schools
05:12 Redefining Strategy and Resilience
06:19 The Role of Social Work in Everyday Life
06:48 Closing Remarks and Tribute to Dr. Raju Varghese

To request more information about admission to the University of Maryland School of Social Work, visit ssw.umaryland.edu/msw.

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Join Dr. Lynn Murphy Michalopoulos and David Robertson on the Social Work Is Everywhere podcast as they explore the Moving Well Project—a groundbreaking initiative delivering mental health and HIV prevention support to long-distance truck drivers in Zambia and beyond.

In this episode, you’ll hear from:

• Sabeen Ahmed, clinical social worker and curriculum developer for the Moving Well app
• Munsaka Mubela, coordinator with the Truck Drivers Association of Zambia
• Gracious Witola, social scientist and public health researcher

Discover how the team:

• Identified the unique mental health and HIV risks faced by truck drivers
• Developed and adapted a mobile app to deliver accessible, culturally relevant support
• Overcame challenges in reaching a mobile population through creative solutions like WhatsApp groups
• Engaged local communities, government, and private sector partners for sustainable impact

Learn about the project’s successes, lessons learned, and hopes for scaling up to reach more drivers across Africa and the world.

If you’re inspired by this work, please consider supporting the University of Maryland School of Social Work. Your donation helps fund scholarships, research, and community partnerships: https://ssw.umaryland.edu/give

For more information about admissions: https://ssw.umaryland.edu/msw

To request more information about admission to the University of Maryland School of Social Work, visit ssw.umaryland.edu/msw.

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In this episode of the 'Social Work Is Everywhere' podcast, hosts Dr. Lynn Murphy Michalopoulos and David Robertson interview Dr. Simona Simona, a lecturer at the University of Zambia and Assistant Dean for Research in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. Dr. Simona shares insights on the critical role of community partnerships in research, emphasizing ethical, relevant, and community-driven approaches. He reflects on his decade-long collaboration with Dr. Michalopoulos, particularly focusing on their work with vulnerable communities like Fisher Folks and international truck drivers. Dr. Simona discusses the importance of integrating cultural humility over mere competency and offers advice to global social workers on avoiding extractive research practices. The episode also highlights Dr. Simona's contributions to the field through his work on gender-based violence in Sub-Saharan Africa and his development of educational resources, including an upcoming book on using R for quantitative methods. Listeners are encouraged to support the University of Maryland School of Social Work and connect with Dr. Simona via LinkedIn.

To request more information about admission to the University of Maryland School of Social Work, visit ssw.umaryland.edu/msw.

Every gift matters. Visit ssw.umaryland.edu/give to donate today.

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