Seminar Series with visiting scholar Professor David Ward

Do you believe in empowerment - even through research?

Do you want to learn about Social Action through Self-Directed Group Work?

McGill University’s Social Work Association of Graduate Students (SWAGS) and the École de service social of the Université de Montréal are pleased to invite your participation in a unique seminar series featuring visiting scholar Professor David Ward of De Montfort University, Leicester, England.

Who should attend? Social Work graduate students and faculty interested in exploring topics related to self-directed groupwork from both a research and practice perspective.

Programme: The seminar will explore Self-Directed Group Work for social action based on the values and principles advanced in Prof. Ward’s widely acclaimed text Self-directed Groupwork: Users Take Action for Empowerment. Particular emphasis is given to exchange with students who are encouraged to come prepared for a critical dialogue.  A light supper will be served.

• Session 1: Values and Principles of Self-directed GroupWork:

Wednesday November 2 from 5:30pm-7:30pm at McGill University, School of Social Work, 3506 University, Suite 326, Montreal QC H3A 2A7.

• Session 2: Research and Self-directed Groupwork:

Thursday November 24 from 5:30-7:30pm at Université de Montréal, Pavillon Lionel-Groulx, 3150 Jean-Brillant, ROOM C-2059,Montréal QC H3T 1N8.

What is expected of participants?

• Short preparatory readings will be distributed to registered participants before each seminar.  Come prepared with questions and critique of these readings.

• Participants are encouraged to visit the website of the Centre for Social Action (www.dmu.ac.uk/csa) to be appraised of the types of work conducted by Prof Ward and peers.
• Professor Ward will discuss key points in readings and will facilitate group discussion using his own practice examples as well as examples from participants.

• Given the interactive format of the seminar, spaces are limited (maximum 35 participants per session).

How do I register? Interested participants or individuals requiring additional information can contact Aline Bogossian (aline.bogossian [at] mail.mcgill.ca).