Restrictive, regressive, and oppressive laws are on the rise across the country. How do we fight back and protect ourselves? How do we engage in collective care and support one another? Let’s come together to share ideas about how we are pushing back against these human rights abuses. How do we engage in collective care, supporting one another?

On February 29^th, we held an event that heard about how three activists were organizing in their communities in unfavorable conditions. (You can watch that video here.)

Participants were very interested in talking about the ways we can organize to protect ourselves and at the same time, push back against laws that are harmful. Let’s continue the conversation and also to discuss how mainstream social work is neither vocal nor active enough in protecting and advocating for our rights.

In this session we will share how people are doing this work and discuss ideas that we all have about how to push back and how to make change.

SWAA National Steering Committee Co-Hosts

Rosemary (Rosi) Barbera (she/her) is a social worker committed to radical social change and the end of capitalism and all forms of oppression. She has worked in Chile and Bolivia doing human rights work. In the US she has worked on human rights issues, including the human rights of immigrants. She is also a social work educator.

Sharon Pratt (she/her) Sharon is currently serving as a clinical therapist in private practice. She also serves as the president of the Ohio chapter of SWAA. In addition to her social work degree and licensure, she also holds a master’s degree in public administration.