Student Spotlight

Every month we will feature a social work student. If you would like to be featured on our blog or nominate a fellow student please send your nominations to sowsa.fau@gmail.com.

Our Student Spotlight for October is Joy Stewart!

Joy Stewart, MBA

FAU Masters in Social Work Student

Joy grew up in Jamaica W.I. where she attended high school and college majoring in Hospitality Management. At 21 she migrated to America to continue her education and earned her Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management and a few years later earned her Master’s in Business Administration from Nova University. She spent several years working in the Hospitality Industry before making the decision to pursue her dream to become a change agent for our vulnerable populations. Today she is an AmeriCorps member, a member of Volunteer Broward and also serves as a Listener for the Broward County Mental Health Association working with youths in Broward County school system.

She is looking forward to graduation day and the opportunity to spend the rest of her career to improve the lives of those in need.

AVDA's Race for Hope

On Saturday, October 15th in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, SOWSA will be participating in the AVDA 12th Annual Race for Hope.

Karaoke Night!

Saturday, October 8th SOWSA will be hosting its first social mixer. Join us at Davito's Italian Restaurant in Boca for Karaoke night beginning at 7:30pm! This event will give us the opportunity to fundraise and promote SOWSA while having having a good time! This Event is Free for members and $5 for non-members. Bring your friends!

Inspirational Quote of the Week

Fall down seven times, Stand up eight.

-Japanese Proverb

Social Work Stream of Consciousness

This is a space where you can share the random thoughts that flow in and out of your mind as it relates to social work…or not. Think of them as status updates, keen observations, or interesting takes on life. To get this part of the blog going, we will suggest a question for now, but our hopes are that it takes a life of its own. This month’s question: How did you find yourself in social work?

First Meeting

Announcements

Hello Social Work Students! 

We hope to see you at our next SOWSA meeting on Thursday March 24th at 7PM in SO285. If you can make this meeting, please RSVP by email to SOWSA.FAU@comcast.net.

In addition, we still need volunteers to support the Aging Academy Inception Event on Tuesday March 22nd at 4PM. Please note that the location of this event has been changed to the LIVE OAK PAVILLION.  We also need volunteers to assist with the Career Fair on Thursday March 31st from 10 to 3PM for any amount of time that you may be available. If you are able to volunteer for either of these events, please send an email to SOWSA.FAU@comcast.net.

Please see the announcements below regarding upcoming events for the remainder of Social Work Month.

Thank you!

Phoenix Adams

SOWSA President  

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BROWARD COUNTY VETERANS ADMINISTRATION OUTPATIENT CLINIC

In honor of Social Work Month, the VA Broward OPC presents:

LIONESS

"There for the Action - Missing from History"    

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder & the Combat Veteran  

             

March 21, 2011 8:00am to 3:30pm

6 CEUs for Social Workers and Nurses

9800 West Commercial Blvd, Sunrise, FL 954-475-5500

No Charge - Registration Required - Seats are Limited

Please call to confirm Attendance:
Direct: 954-625-8734 Ask for Emily
or email: Emily.Sherman@va.gov

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FAU SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK AGING ACADEMY INCEPTION EVENT –

Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 4PM 

The FAU School of Social Work is launching an Aging Academy to expand geriatric competency-driven education, field instruction, training and research in an effort to produce skilled geriatric leaders and practitioners to meet growing aging and caregiver population needs. The Aging Academy, to be directed by Stephen Ferrante, M.S.W., will recruit, coach and stipend students, designated as Geriatric Scholars, to specialize in aging. 

The official Inception Event for the Aging Academy will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 4PM in the LIVE OAK PAVILION. This ceremony will offer faculty, students, and community stakeholders the chance to learn about Aging Academy goals, activities and giving opportunities. Ms. Corinne H. Rieder, John A. Hartford Foundation Executive Director, will provide a keynote presentation regarding the emerging requirement for geriatric social work competence and initiatives.

To register for the event, please click here.

Please contact Stephen Ferrante by email at ferrante@fau.edu if you have any questions.

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Educational Presentation on Homelessness for Students –

Wednesday March 23^rd 7:10 PM SO111

Legislative Advocacy class with Dr. LeaAnne DeRinge

  

The Homelessness Coalition of Palm Beach County will be presenting a public education program called the “Faces of Homelessness” Story Tellers in our Legislative Advocacy Class on Wednesday March 23rd at 7:10 PM.

The Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County firmly believes that they cannot truly end homelessness or advocate for change without the direct and continued involvement of those who have experienced homelessness.  The mission of the “Faces of Homelessness” Story Tellers is to provide a forum for homeless and formerly homeless individuals to share their personal stories with others; break down the myths/stereotypes about the homeless; foster a greater awareness of the reality of homelessness; and to spark the interest of audiences in becoming involved in the struggle to end homelessness on local, state, and national levels. They believe that educating the community on this personal level will help produce positive feedback from the audience by allowing them to hear the stories of how people became homeless, the impact it had on their lives, and how they were able to break out of homelessness. 

This presentation is great for any and all Social Work students to get first-hand knowledge of homelessness and experiences related to homelessness since it is becoming such an epidemic nationally and locally, especially in the world of Social Work. 

If you are interested in attending this presentation, please contact Tanisha Julias by email at tjulias@fau.edu. Limited space is available, and requests will be confirmed on a first come - first serve basis.

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SOWSA Next Meeting Thursday, March 24th, 2011 at 7:00 pm SO285   

             

Please join us for SOWSA's next meeting on Thursday March 24th, 2011 at 7PM in SO285. We will be reviewing officer nominations for next year's SOWSA leadership team, and planning our final events for the semester. We hope to see you there!

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SOCIAL WORK CAREER FAIR - Thursday March 31st 2010 from 10am to 3PM Social Science Building Rotunda  

This year FAU's School of Social Work Student Association (SOWSA) will be holding its Career Fair on Thursday, March 31^st from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on its Boca Raton campus at the Social Science Building Rotunda.

Over 25 social service agencies and organizations will be present to create awareness of their organizations, to promote job openings and internship opportunities, and to network with graduating MSW students and students

who will be seeking field placements in the near future. 

Don't miss this excellent opportunity to meet executives from leading social service agencies in South Florida.

If you have questions about the Career Fair, Please send an email to Ethel Alvarado at sowsa.fau@comcast.net. 

We look forward to seeing you on March 31^st! 

SOCIAL WORK MONTH / MARCH EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Hello Social Work Students and Faculty!

In recognition of Social Work Month, SOWSA would like to inform you about several important events that will occur in the month of March. 

Please see the announcements below with details concerning volunteer opportunities for Family Promise, The School of Social Work Aging Academy Inception Event, an educational presentation on homelessness, SOWSA's next monthly meeting, and the Social Work Career Fair.  The announcements are listed in order of event date.

This is your month to celebrate social work and to create awareness about our profession. We hope that you can participate in these exciting events!

Have a great month, and enjoy your spring break! 

Phoenix Adams

SOWSA President  

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FAMILY PROMISE VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

SOWSA is continuing its work with Family Promise during the Spring semester and will be asking for members to volunteer for some upcoming events. Volunteers are currently being sought for the following events during the month of March:

Sunday, March 6th: Two (2) individuals to stay with the families at the day center from 9:30 am-1:00 pm

Sunday, March 20th: Two (2) individuals to stay with the families at the day center from 9:30 am-1:00 pm

Sunday March 13th: Two (2) individuals to stay with the families at the day center from 1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Sunday, March 27th: Two (2) individuals to stay with the families at the day center from 1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Please contact Tanisha Julias by email tjulias@fau.edu if you are able to volunteer or if you have additional questions.

Remember, the student that accumulates the most volunteer hours for Family Promise will win a $50.00 gift card at the end of the semester!

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FAU SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK AGING ACADEMY INCEPTION EVENT –

Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 4PM 

The FAU School of Social Work is launching an Aging Academy to expand geriatric competency-driven education, field instruction, training and research in an effort to produce skilled geriatric leaders and practitioners to meet growing aging and caregiver population needs. The Aging Academy, to be directed by Stephen Ferrante, M.S.W., will recruit, coach and stipend students, designated as Geriatric Scholars, to specialize in aging. 

The official Inception Event for the Aging Academy will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 4PM in the FAU Alumni Center. This ceremony will offer faculty, students, and community stakeholders the chance to learn about Aging Academy goals, activities and giving opportunities. Ms. Corinne H. Rieder, John A. Hartford Foundation Executive Director, will provide a keynote presentation regarding the emerging requirement for geriatric social work competence and initiatives.

To register for the event, please click here.

Please contact Stephen Ferrante by email at ferrante@fau.edu if you have any questions.

---

Educational Presentation on Homelessness for Students –

Wednesday March 23^rd 7:10 PM SO111

Legislative Advocacy class with Dr. LeaAnne DeRinge

  

The Homelessness Coalition of Palm Beach County will be presenting a public education program called the “Faces of Homelessness” Story Tellers in our Legislative Advocacy Class on Wednesday March 23rd at 7:10 PM.

The Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County firmly believes that they cannot truly end homelessness or advocate for change without the direct and continued involvement of those who have experienced homelessness.  The mission of the “Faces of Homelessness” Story Tellers is to provide a forum for homeless and formerly homeless individuals to share their personal stories with others; break down the myths/stereotypes about the homeless; foster a greater awareness of the reality of homelessness; and to spark the interest of audiences in becoming involved in the struggle to end homelessness on local, state, and national levels. They believe that educating the community on this personal level will help produce positive feedback from the audience by allowing them to hear the stories of how people became homeless, the impact it had on their lives, and how they were able to break out of homelessness. 

This presentation is great for any and all Social Work students to get first-hand knowledge of homelessness and experiences related to homelessness since it is becoming such an epidemic nationally and locally, especially in the world of Social Work. 

If you are interested in attending this presentation, please contact Tanisha Julias by email at tjulias@fau.edu. Limited space is available, and requests will be confirmed on a first come - first serve basis.

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SOWSA Next Meeting Thursday, March 24th, 2011 at 7:00 pm SO285   

             

Please join us for SOWSA's next meeting on Thursday March 24th, 2011 at 7PM in SO285. We will be reviewing officer nominations for next year's SOWSA leadership team, and planning our final events for the semester. We hope to see you there!

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SOCIAL WORK CAREER FAIR - Thursday March 31st 2010 from 10am to 3PM Social Science Building Rotunda  

This year FAU's School of Social Work Student Association (SOWSA) will be holding its Career Fair on Thursday, March 31^st from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on its Boca Raton campus at the Social Science Building Rotunda.

Over 25 social service agencies and organizations will be present to create awareness of their organizations, to promote job openings and internship opportunities, and to network with graduating MSW students and students

who will be seeking field placements in the near future. 

Don't miss this excellent opportunity to meet executives from leading social service agencies in South Florida.

If you have questions about the Career Fair, Please send an email to Ethel Alvarado at sowsa.fau@comcast.net. 

We look forward to seeing you on March 31^st! 

Kick Ball Game and All Embrace Walk Information and Instructions

I am sure you have received a lot of communication about the walk for Stand Among Friends and the Kickball game, but I am sending a recap of important information and instructions since the events are this weekend.

If you have not registered yet, please register by clicking this link:

http://standamongfriends.myetap.org/fundraiser/embrace/team.do?participationRef=1371.0.97329178

Stand Among Friends recommends that participants arrive about 45 minutes before the walk, park, and get comfortable by going through the runners check-in area, register, pick up your bib number (Accuchip),T-Shirt and gift bag.  Then enjoy the pre-race activities and warm-up routines..

To find the race: its inside the Florida Atlantic University Campus, off Glades Road in Boca Raton Florida… use the address of 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton FL 33431, specifically use the NW13th / Florida Atlantic Blvd entrance from Glades Road, just East of I95.  For information about Stand Among Friends go to http://www.standamongfriends.org/

REGISTRATION check-in opens at 6AM,

START TIME for 1 Mile Family Walk is 8:30am.

We will proceed to the Kickball game after the walk.

Please note, the location of the Kickball game has changed. This time, the kickball event will be held Sunday February 27th at 10:30AM at:

Patch Reef Park, Field 1 - 2000 Yamato Road, Boca Raton.

For directions to the location, please click the link below:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2000+Yamato+Road,+Boca+Raton,+FL+33431&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=51.974572,50.800781&ie=UTF8&z=16&iwloc=addr

Please let me know if you have any questions. If you need to reach me by phone, my cell number is 954-257-7048.

Thanks, and have a great weekend, and see you on Sunday!

Phoenix Adams

Volunteer Opportunities

Hello All!....

I hope the semester has started out well for everyone! SOWSA is continuing its work with Family Promise during the Spring semester and will be asking for members to volunteer for some upcoming events.
As things stand at the present moment, volunteers are being sought for the following events during the month of March:

Sunday, March 6th: Two (2) individuals to stay with the families at the day center from 9:30 am-1:00 pm

Sunday, March 20th: Two (2) individuals to stay with the families at the day center from 9:30 am-1:00 pm

Sunday March 13th: Two (2) individuals to stay with the families at the day center from 1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Sunday, March 27th: Two (2) individuals to stay with the families at the day center from 1:00 pm-5:00 pm

  ***** Also, during the month of February, we are seeking volunteers who are able to stay with the families on Saturday, February 26th, on either shift: 9:30-1:00 and/or 1:00-5:00 at the day center **********

Please contact me if you are interested and/or have additional questions!
I would also like to thank the individuals who volunteered their time during the month of February!... It's greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Tanisha Julias
tjulias@fau.edu

Announcements

Hello SOWSA members,  

SOWSA would like to invite you to our next meeting, which is scheduled for
Thursday February 17th 2011 at 7PM in SO285.  

We will be discussing the planning of our Career Fair and events surrounding Social Work Awareness month and our end of the year celebration.

We will also be discussing officer nominations for next year's SOWSA leadership team.
Please bring your ideas - we look forward to your participation at the meeting.

We will also provide information regarding the upcoming summer elective class: International Social Work in London for any student that is interested in taking the class and was not able to make it to the information sessions.

Please RSVP to sowsa.fau@comcast.net if you are able to attend the meeting.

We hope to see you at the meeting. Please see below for additional SOWSA announcements.

Thanks!

Phoenix Adams
SOWSA President

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Attention all Social Work Students: 

In recognition of Black History month, SOWSA has invited Linda Graham,  President of The Association of Black Social Workers- Palm Beach County chapter, to do a presentation to all interested students and faculty.
Mrs. Graham will be presenting information about the organization and ways, anyone who is interested, can become involved with the work the organization does in the community!

The event will take place on Thursday, February 17th at 6:00 pm in RM SO 112

We have space available for 15 additional social work students in the classroom. If you are interested in attending this presentation or you would like more information, please send a request by email to Tanisha Julias at tjulias@fau.edu. Requests will be confirmed on a first come first serve basis.   

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To All Graduating MSW's!

If you have not already done so, please take a moment to complete a brief survey on the following link so that we can capture your preferences regarding an end of the year graduation/induction celebration: 

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GYWGG82

We will be reviewing the survey results at our next SOWSA meeting on February 17th at 7PM in SO285 so that we can begin the planning of the event.

If you have any additional ideas or you would like to be part of the planning committee, please come to the meeting or send your ideas to us by email

at SOWSA.FAU@COMCAST.NET.

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Attention all Social Work Students, Faculty, and Staff -

Stand Among Friends has organized a community wide event that came about as an opportunity for all of us in the community to come together to learn about each other and to emb(race) our differences as individuals.  The day will focus on everyone's abilities and celebrate the uniqueness of us all. 

We have registered as "Team FAU School of Social Work/SOWSA" for the 1K family walk, which will be held on Sunday, February 27, 2011 at 8:30 AM and will take place on a course located a the Disability Center at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton.  

We will hold our SOWSA Kickball game for Faculty/Staff/Students/ and Alumni immediately after at
10:30 AM at a location to be determined and announced prior to the game (either Sugar Sand Park or FAU Field). 

If you would like to join the walk, please click on this link to join our team:

http://standamongfriends.myetap.org/fundraiser/embrace/team.do?participationRef=1371.0.97329178

from this page, you may click on "Join Our Team" on the right of the page and then follow the instructions to register. There is a $15 registration fee. You may also forward the link to anyone that may want to sponsor our team. 

For additional information on the event, you may click on the button at the top of the page "MAIN PAGE." 
I have also pasted information below. 

If you would like to participate in the kickball game, please RSVP to Jessica Ponn at Jponn@fau.edu.

We hope that you can participate in the walk and the kickball game, and we look forward to seeing you there!

Thanks!

Phoenix

 
Stand Among Friends

First Annual emb(race)

Many of you may be asking what the emb(race) is all about.  The emb(race) is a community wide event that came about as an opportunity for all of us in the community to come together to learn about each other and to emb(race) our differences as individuals.  The day will focus on everyone's abilities and celebrate the uniqueness of us all. 

At this website, whether you want to run, walk, stroll or roll, you can register to participate in the emb(race), or you can support someone already participating.  You can also create or join a team.  For those of you who want to help us get the word out and make the emb(race) an amazing experience, you will be able to send emails to your friends and family asking them to help you raise money to support the emb(race).

The emb(race) will be held on Sunday, February 27, 2011.  All of our races will take place on a course located at our Disability Center at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida.  For all you serious runners, the 10k and 5k are on courses certified by local running icon Gene Witkowski and the scoring will be handled by Accuchip Timing.
Please join us as we celebrate the human spirit and emb(race) each other’s differences!

The 10K course is open to any runner, jogger, racewalker, walker, or wheeled participant who can complete the 10K course in 2 1/2 hours or less.

REGISTRATION check-in 6AM, START TIME for 10K is 7:15am, START TIME FOR 5K is 7:20am, AND THE START TIME FOR 1 mile is 8:30am.

RUN 10K and 5K
Top 3 Male/Female Overall, Top 3 Male/Female Masters
3 Deep 5 year age groups, 9 under, 10–14, 15–19, to 70+
RACEWALK 10K and 5K (Judged)
Top 3 Male/Female Overall
PERSON WITH A DISABILITY
Visually Impaired, Mobility Impaired Non-Wheelchair,
Wheelchairs, and Handcycles
Top 3 Male/Female Overall for each category
CORPORATE TEAM AWARDS
Awarding Both 10K and 5K
Male/Female Team – Top 3 best times
Co-Ed Team – Top 2 Female and Top 2 Male best time

Celebration for Graduating MSW's Survey

Hello Graduating MSW's!

It has been a long road, but we are getting closer to the end of this part of our journey. We have all worked hard, and we have been through a lot together - and soon we will graduate and participate in our official induction into   the profession of social work. 

To recognize our journey, our accomplishments, our graduation, and our induction, SOWSA would like to plan a celebration at the end of the semester. We want to consider each of your ideas so that we can create an exciting event for all graduating MSW's to enjoy.

Please take a moment to complete the brief survey below so that we can capture your preferences. Please respond no later than Monday February 14th. We will be reviewing the survey results at our next SOWSA meeting on February 17th at 7PM in SO285 so that we can begin the planning of the event.

If you have any additional ideas or you would like to be part of the planning committee, please come to the meeting or send your ideas to us by email at SOWSA.FAU@COMCAST.NET.

Thank you, and congratulations to you all!

Phoenix Adams

SOWSA, President

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities!

Hello All!


I hope the semester has started out well for everyone!  I am writing because, as you may be aware, SOWSA is continuing its work with Family Promise during the Spring semester and will be asking for members to volunteer for some upcoming events. As things stand at the present moment, volunteers are being sought for the following events during the month of February:

• Sunday, Feb. 13th: Individuals to assist with "breaking down" furniture items at organization's shelter home, to allow for installation of new carpet.
• Tuesday, Feb. 15th: Individuals to assist with the reassembling of items
• Friday, Feb. 18th: Two (2) individuals to stay with the families overnight from 5:00 pm-8:00 am
• Sunday, Feb. 20th: Two (2) individuals to stay with the families at the day center from 9:30 am-1:00 pm
• Sunday, Feb. 27th: Two (2) individuals to stay with the families at the day center from 1:00 pm-5:00 pm

We are hoping to have a successful semester working with Family Promise! I hope that you are able to participate in one or more of the events listed!.... It is really a worthy cause!


All the best!!!


Tanisha Julias
tjulias@fau.edu


***Message from Phoenix Adams, President of SOWSA***

I want to encourage all of you to volunteer some time to this organization that is in great need of our support. I volunteered over Thanksgiving, and it was a great experience. I promise you, if you volunteer, it will be very rewarding.

I believe in this organization and their needs so much, that I am personally going to donate a 50 dollar gift card to the student that logs the most amount of volunteer hours for Family Promise between now and the end of the school year. I will present the gift card at our last SOWSA meeting in April.

Happy Volunteering!!!!

Phoenix Adams
SOWSA, President

January Meeting Minutes

Thank you to everyone who attended!

Minutes

 SOWSA Meeting January 20^th , 2010 at 7:00 pm

• Member Sign in sheet
• Guest Speaker Office Depot Foundation  
• Sabrina Conte
• Highlighted volunteer opportunities through the caring connection website
• www.officedepotfoundation.org
• Provides nationwide opportunities
• Semester Goals – Committee Updates
• Proposed Meeting Dates and Times: Thursdays: 1/20, 2/17, 3/24, 4/28

o   Service Committee – (Tanisha)

·         Wasteland Film – Week of January 28th?

§  Follows artist on journey to world’s largest garbage dump learning about “pickers” and the artwork they create.

·         Potential for Home Depot Foundation Sample Sale as a volunteer opportunity

·         LCSW Prep Course – Saturday, January 29^th

§  Will be offered again in May

§  Trying to find out if you can get the materials now and attend the workshop in May?

·         Will report back with answer

·         Updates / Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities for Family Promise

§  Waiting on feedback from Kokie at Family Promise

·          Monthly Themed Events Spring Semester  

§  Social Work Appreciation

§  Black  History

§  Graduation recognition and faculty recognition

§  Looking for input on activities

·         Educational Presentation on Homelessness for Students Tuesday, February 8th at 7pm

§  Date will be moved potentially to early March

§  Looking for strong representation from students

§  Faculty working with Tanisha to determine date

o   Career Day –  (Ethel) Resume Workshop 2/17

·         Staff will be providing resume building workshops in field classes

o   Career Day Thursday March 24th.

·         Once date is solidified, planning  will kick into high gear

o   Social Events – (Jessica) – Kickball game

·         Great time was had by all

·         Trying to arrange another one

·         Dr Hamlin was the star player

·         Round of applause for Jessica

o   Special Events – Graduation / Induction

·         Planning has begun

·         Ceremony itself is planned by faculty

·         Potentially planning a gift bag for graduates

·         Will poll classmates about celebration ideas

• Questions
• Next Meeting Thursday, February 17th, 2010 at 7:00 pm SO285           
• Succession will be discussed
• Bring potential nominations for officers

Meeting Adjourned at 8:10pm

Reminder: Meeting Tonight!

HELLO SOWSA MEMBERS! 

SOWSA would like to remind you about our first meeting of the spring semester, which is scheduled for Thursday January 20th 2011 in SO285.  

We will have a guest speaker, Sabrina Conte from the Office Depot Foundation, who will speak about her organization and some of their community initiatives.  

We will also be discussing our initiatives for the spring semester and planning related events and activities.
Please bring your ideas - we look forward to your participation at the meeting.

Please RSVP to sowsa.fau@comcast.net

We hope to see you at the meeting.

Thanks!

Phoenix Adams
SOWSA President 

SOWSA invites you to kick off 2011 with a game of KICKBALL!!!

SOWSA invites you to kick off 2011 with a game of

KICKBALL!!!

 

Saturday, January 15^th, 2011

11:00 a.m.

Sugar Sand Park Field 4

300 S. Military Trail in Boca Raton

Refreshments Served

All Social Work STUDENTS, FACULTY and STAFF are invited!

RSVP to JPONN@fau.edu by Thursday, January 13^th 2011