Spring Break 2010:

Philadelphia & Baltimore Immersion Experience

Facing Issues of Poverty and Social Injustice

Adjunct Faculty: Joelle Koon Osterhaus, LMSW

MSW Student Leader: Marcia Duggan, BSW

Supervising Professor: Sara Sanders, MSW, PhD

Purpose of trip:

The purpose of this trip is to explore the social and political perspectives on racism, sexism, and classism and how they pertain to poverty in the U.S. This immersion experience provides students with the opportunity to engage in an intensive field experience in Philadelphia, PA and Baltimore, MD, which involves learning about the social and political effects of poverty, including issues of homelessness, welfare, drug addiction, sexual exploitation, and the impact of these injustices on children and families through the eyes of those experiencing these ills. We will also explore the role of social workers in addressing the social injustices in these communities. Students who are selected must register for 3 semester hours. All BSW students are encouraged to apply. Pre-social work students may also submit applications for consideration as well.

What will we be doing:

Students will participate in three pre-trip seminars and two post-trip seminars. The seminars will take place at the UI School of Social Work. We will spend the week of Spring Break in Philadelphia and Baltimore, two of the poorest areas in the nation. We will stay in a church affiliated with the social justice network. We will engage in educational events including learning about welfare, poverty, drug addiction, inequality, and child/family issues from the people who experience these social problems. We will also participate in organizing and advocacy activities regarding injustices against the poor and legislative initiatives that affect the poor. Service-based activities, such as neighborhood food distributions and public demonstrations about poverty issues will also be scheduled. We will visit other critical hubs of the social service network such as a long-term drug rehabilitation center, a worker’s rights association, and the local urban public schools. In addition we will visit historic sites in Philadelphia, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

Approximate Costs:

  • Program fees to organizations, room and board 300.00
  • Transportation(plane tickets, van rental, gas) 550.00

850.00 (paid b/f departure)

  • Average Food/Miscellaneous costs spent while in Philly100.00

Total: $950.00

How do I sign up?

There is an application process for this immersion experience that is required. The application forms are available now in the main office and in the office of Sara Sanders. The application includes short essay questions and one reference (Sara Sanders is unable to provide letters of reference). Applications will be due back to Sara Sanders by October 12th 2009 by 4:30pm (please use the mailbox in 308 NH). Students may be asked to participate in a brief interview prior to selection. Students will be informed if they have been accepted for this trip by October 26th. Only ten undergraduate students will be selected to participate.