SSW Advocacy, Culture, and Engagement Committee

The SSW Advocacy, Culture, and Engagement Committee is committed to fostering the values and principles outlined in the Social Work Code of Ethics. These are:  

• Service: We are committed to providing responsive, equitable support to all members of the SSW community, ensuring that resources and opportunities are accessible to all.
• Social Justice: We work to dismantle barriers and create opportunities for all, promoting fairness and advocacy both within and beyond the SSW.
• Dignity and Worth of the Person: Every individual is valued, and we uphold the principle that all members of our community deserve respect and recognition for their inherent worth.
• Importance of Human Relationships: We foster meaningful connections across the SSW recognizing that collaboration, mutual respect, and dialogue are essential to our collective growth and success.
• Integrity: We hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethical practice, transparency, and accountability in all our initiatives and interactions.
• Competence: We are dedicated to continuous growth, utilizing data-driven insights and evidence-based practices to enhance our programs, training, and strategic initiatives.  

 

The SSW Advocacy, Culture, and Engagement (ACE) Committee (formerly known as the SSW Advisory Council) serves as a collaborative hub that brings together representatives from across the School of Social Work—including faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners—to strengthen connection, communication, and collective action within the SSW community. Grounded in the values of service, integrity, and shared responsibility, the committee identifies emerging needs, uplifts community voices, and co-creates initiatives that foster advocacy, culture, and engagement across the school. Through ongoing dialogue and partnership, the committee works to build a supportive, responsive, and empowered environment where all members of the SSW community can thrive.  

Examples of Committee Initiatives & Events:  

• Policy Hub: a centralized space designed to track key developments — including executive actions, legislation, policies, and directives that impact higher education, our students, critical stakeholders, and the practice of social work. 
• Policy Briefs: articles that offer clear, nonpartisan insights into policy shifts, their impact on the profession, and guidance for practitioners, educators, and advocates. Grounded in social work values, each brief translates complex policy developments into actionable knowledge, equipping professionals with the tools to navigate an evolving landscape with confidence and clarity. 
• Gratitude Project: an initiative for UMSSW community members to express gratitude to their colleagues or to shout out a peer in a meaningful and intentional way, strengthening community connection and enhancing belonging. 
• Fill Your Cup Day: a curated event for UMSSW faculty & staff as a meaningful step toward building a culture of care that recognizes the importance of nurturing ourselves as we continue to care for others during a time of local and national stress. Fill Your Cup offers opportunities to engage in restorative experiences, creative outlets, and experiential sessions, all designed to support emotional well-being. 
• Annual Multicultural Potluck: aims to create a casual, welcoming environment for the SSW community to connect and celebrate diversity. 
• Lunch & Learns: a variety of topics including research, dialogue, and legal panels with expert guests and speakers.   

Composition and Structure:   
The Advisory Committee is comprised of 1-2 designated representatives from stakeholder groups across the SSW—such as Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Faculty Organization, Staff Council, Student Council, the Doctoral Program, alumni, and community members. Each representative serves as a liaison, ensuring that ideas, updates, and needs flow effectively between their constituency and the Committee.   

Get Involved:   
To learn more or get involved with the SSW Advisory Committee, please contact the committee co-chairs at shekinah.davis@ssw.umaryland.edu and Jessica.gauthier@ssw.umaryland.edu