Registration Information

When:
June 7-10, 2017
Where:
New York University (NYU)
New York City, USA

Register

Deadlines

Early Bird Rate Extends To:
May 31, 2017
Regular Rate Extends To:
June 6, 2017

As of June 7, 2017 on-site only.

Fees

IASWG MEMBERS:

Full-Fee Members:
Early-Bird: $300.00
Non Early-Bird: $335.00
One-Day: $195.00
Student Member:
Early-Bird: $235.00
Non Early-Bird: $270.00
One-Day: $195.00
NON-MEMBERS:

Early-Bird: $380.00
Non Early-Bird: $405.00
One-Day(Fri/Sat): $195.00
Friday Gala Ticket: $40.00
Please refer to 'INSTITUTES & OUTSTITUTES' section for related fees.

Group Work in Challenging Times: Creative Strategies for Facing Change

Annual Symposium of the International Association for Social Work with Groups, Inc.

In an increasingly adversarial and complex world that affects our lives on so many levels, group work has taken on an even greater importance. Those of us committed to group work know what a powerful resource it can be for addressing and often healing the misunderstandings and conflicts that underlie difference in all its forms. IASWG exists, and our mission as group workers is, to keep group work wisdom and practice alive and thriving so that people, groups, communities, and the planet can change, survive, and flourish.

The International Association for Social Work with Groups, co-sponsored by the New York University Silver School of Social Work, invites group work students, practitioners, researchers, faculty, agency administrators, community workers and activists from various professional disciplines to attend this year's Annual Symposium.

For questions, please contact the Symposium Planning Committee via email at symposium@iaswg.org or via phone at 718-316-0299.


  • INSTITUTES & OUTSTITUTES

    Institutes


    • Institute: "Common Ground: Acknowledging our Global Voices"
      June 7, 2017 (9:00AM - 12:00PM)
      Presenters: Dr. Samuel R. Benbow, EdD, & Kyle M. McGee, LMSW
      Participants will explore ways to find common ground amongst diverse global perspectives, experiences, and beliefs where all voices can be heard and respected. Through discussion and experiential activities, attendees will learn ways to ensure their group work efforts are multi-culturally sensitive, and intentional towards creating a safe space for constructive dialogue and community building. A perspective of diversity that examines the idea of global voice and empowerment from local, regional and global levels will be integrated and developed. The Institute offers 3 hours of continuing education (3 CEUs) and has a $70 registration fee.

    • Institute: Field Instruction
      June 7, 2017 (9:00AM - 12:00PM)
      Challenges in Student Supervision
      Presenter: Dr. Urania Glassman, PhD
      The interaction between supervisor and supervisee can generate challenges. Good communication and relational processes are vital for a successful supervisory relationship; when they are ignored, or not addressed skillfully, the learning process can go astray. The facilitator of this session will focus on the opportunities and challenges that arise during supervision, including the supervision of group work. The methods and skills required to achieve effective supervision will be addressed. The seminar format will include presentation, discussion, and role-play. Practice examples will be drawn from the participants' supervisory practice. The Institute offers 3 hours of continuing education (3CEUs), and has no registration fee.

    • Institute: Building Mutual Aid in Groups with Vulnerable and Resilient Populations
      June 7, 2017 (1:00PM - 4:00PM)
      Presenter: Dr. Alex Gitterman, PhD
      Mutual aid is the primary rationale for the development of group services. By their very nature, group mutual aid systems universalize individual issues, reduce isolation, and mitigate stigma through their powerful yet subtle interpersonal processes. Through presentation, discussion, and role-plays, attendees will connect knowledge, methods, and skills of group development to assist groups in building mutual support and dealing with dysfunctional interpersonal processes such as withdrawing, testing, scapegoating, and monopolizing. Using the backdrop of time (preliminary, beginning, middle and termination phases), the social worker’s skills in helping group members to help each other will be emphasized. The Institute offers 3 hours of continuing education (3 CEUs), and has a $70 registration fee.

    • Institute: Integrating Science and Art in Social Group Work Practice
      June 10, 2017 (1:00PM - 4:00PM)
      Presenter: Dr. Lawrence Shulman, PhD
      This session will address integrating science and art in social group work practice, including how to incorporate elements from evidenced-based group work models to enhance our artistry rather than restricting it. Social work has a history of successful group work practice using different orientations such as mutual aid. The emergence of prescriptive evidenced-based practice models, mostly developed by other professions, suggests a false dichotomy between "science" and "art". This presentation, through lecture and discussion, addresses how we can integrate strategies from evidenced-based practice models while maintaining both the core of social group work practice and the unique aspects of the role of social work in our society. The Institute offers 3 hours of continuing education (3 CEUs), and has a $70 registration fee.

    Outstitutes


    • Activist New York Guided Exhibition Tour at the Museum of the City of New York
      June 7, 2017 (1:00PM - 4:00PM)
      Immerse yourself, on this private tour, in the drama of social activism in New York City past and present. Address issues as diverse as historic preservation, civil rights, wages, and sexual orientation. Using visual presentations coupled with interactive components that seek to tell the entire story of activism in the five boroughs, Activist New York presents the passions and conflicts that underlie the city's history of agitation. After the one-hour private tour by a museum scholar, you are welcome to continue to enjoy the Museum’s other exhibits or explore the surrounding area of the Upper East Side and Central Park. The registration fee is $40, which includes: transportation to the Museum by subway; the Museum entrance fee; and the privately guided one-hour tour.

  • SYMPOSIUM HIGHLIGHTS

    Wednesday, June 7, 2017


    • Institutes and Outstitutes

    • Opening Reception - Sumner Gill Memorial Plenary with cash bar and hors d'oeuvres

    Thursday, June 8, 2017


    • Educational Sessions

    • Beulah G. Rothman Memorial Plenary

    • Membership Meeting

    Friday, June 9, 2017


    • Educational Sessions

    • Invitational Presentations

    • Gala Reception, includes Poster Session and Joan K. Parry Memorial Plenary followed by dinner, cash bar, D.J. music, dancing

    Saturday, June 10, 2017


    • Educational Sessions

    • Invitational Presentations

    • Post-Symposium Institute

  • VENUE, TRANSPORTATION & LODGING

    Symposium Venue

    The Symposium will be held on the bustling campus of New York University in the heart of New York City. Located in the neighborhood of Greenwich Village, sessions will be held in NYU's Kimmel Center for University Life & Global Center for Academic and Spiritual Life- located around historic Washington Square Park.

    New York University
    Kimmel Center for University Life & Global Center for Academic and Spiritual Life
    60 Washington Square South
    New York, NY, 10014

    Getting to NYU


    By Plane:

    From La Guardia, Kennedy, or Newark Airport, take the airport shuttle bus to Port Authority Bus Terminal or Grand Central Station. From Port Authority, take the A or E subway downtown to West Fourth Street-Washington Square Station, or from Grand Central Station, take the Lexington Avenue subway (No. 6 train) downtown to Astor Place Station. Cabs and car services are available at the airport, and even though they cost more, they are your best bet if you have a lot of luggage. Plan on spending at least $45 to $60 for a cab depending on the airport and time of day. For more information on how to travel by train, bus, subway or car, click here.

    Where to Stay


    Hotels:

    The NYU website lists helpful guide when choosing where to stay in campus. As shared on their website, "there are so many options available on where to stay...recommending hotels isn't an option." We agree -- there are numerous online tools available to find hotel options that meet your unique needs. To learn more about the areas and hotel options around campus, click here. If you are interested in staying in a hotel, please consider the Washington Square Hotel, which is near the symposium and offering symposium attendees a discounted rate.

    Washington Square Hotel ($285.00/night)
    103 Waverly Pl New York, NY 10011

    Set right on Washington Square (a block from the Symposium location), this family-owned and Parisian-influenced hotel is 3 blocks from 3rd Street restaurants, theaters and clubs, and only 1 block from the West 4th Street station serving several subway lines. There is a restaurant serving American bistro food, as well as a lobby bar; breakfast is included for hotel guests. The fitness room and WiFi is free. Art deco-style double beds and king bed guest rooms are available. To book a room, contact the reservations department at (212) 777-9515 and provide group code 5304 or click here to book online.

    Hyatt Union Square - Courtyard Studio ($399.00/night)
    134 Fourth Avenue, New York, NY, 10003

    Hyatt Union Square New York sits one block from the city's cultural epicenter at Union Square (about a 15 minute walk to the symposium venue). Retaining its antique limestone façade, whitewashed brick walls, and fully restored 25-foot ceilings; this smoke-free hotel includes a restaurant, 2 bars/lounges, and a 24-hour fitness center. WiFi in public areas is free. Other amenities include a coffee shop/café, a 24-hour business center, and valet parking. To book a room, contact the reservations department at 1-888-591-1234 and mention the group name (International Association for Social Work with Groups) or click here to book online and input the group code (G-INAS) under Corporate or Group Code after inputting your reservation dates.

    NYU Residence Hall

    We have secured a large block of extremely affordable rooms in NYU dormitory housing. Guests are provided with a linen packet, which includes a flat sheet, fitted sheet, pillowcase, towel, pillow, and thin fleece blanket. Participants should bring any toiletries or extra blankets they require. Rooms are furnished with an extra-long twin bed and mattress, desk, desk chair, and dresser for each guest. Two options are available:

    • Single occupancy bedroom for $96 per night per person. Note: you will be sharing a bathroom with the individual(s) staying in the other bedroom in the suite.
    • Double occupancy bedroom for $68 per night per person. Note: you will be sharing the bedroom with one other person AND sharing a bathroom with the individual(s) staying in the other bedroom of the suite. Each bedroom contains two twin beds.

  • STUDENT VOLUNTEERS

    Volunteers are the heart and soul of the IASWG symposium. IASWG will select around 50 volunteers to perform tasks related to registration, hospitality, session oversight, traffic direction, social media, logistics, set-up and tear-down. In exchange for your time and effort, your registration fee will be waived and you will receive a discount on your Friday Gala ticket.

    Requirements:
    In order to be considered for a volunteer assignment, applicants MUST:

    • Be enrolled in a BSW or MSW program or be a BSW or MSW recent grad who graduated in either December 2016 or May 2017
    • Be a current IASWG student member
    • Be willing to be an active and engaged volunteer for at least 2 half-day volunteer shifts
    • Attend a volunteer orientation session before or at the symposium

    Application:
    To apply, click here. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Positions are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Selection:
    Volunteer selection will be confirmed by email in April 2017. Please note, you must be a member before your volunteer application is reviewed.

    If you have any questions, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator, Thomas Neuschu (volunteer@iaswg.org), who is the primary point of contact before and during the symposium.