Blog Feed: Michigan Girl's Cafe

Student debt: Where you attend college matters (Reuters)

Published on 2012-05-23 12:35:00

A Reuters article found that graduates of flagship public universities carried more student loan debt than their Ivy League peers. This news is disappointing because many students attend state universities for cheaper tuition and living expenses. Not everyone can become admitted into an Ivy League institutions (Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Brown, and the University of Pennsylvania). With their arge university endowments, this enables Ivy League institutions to provide [..] > read more

NYTimes: Instead of Work, Younger Women Head to School

Published on 2012-05-20 21:53:00

I know this New York Times article is several months old, but I stumbled upon it during a Google search on graduate education. I wanted to share it to those young women out there who are still struggling to find stable employment in this economy and are seeking refuge in more education and training (whether it be certificates or graduate/professional degrees). Both men and women are going back to school, but the growth in enrollment is significantly larger for women (who dominated college campus [..] > read more

AlterNet: Five Things That Put America to Shame

Published on 2012-05-17 11:11:00

AlterNet.org, the leading online newletter, published this chilling piece, listing the five things that hurts this great nation. The increasing inequality between the rich and poor may inevitably lead to greater demands for reform. We're Near the Bottom of the Developed World in Children's Health and Safety.We've Betrayed the Young People Who Were Advised to Stay in School.The Main Source of Middle-Class Wealth Has Been Largely Wiped Out.We Give Prison Sentences for Smoking Marijuana, but Not fo [..] > read more

Crushed by college debt: Massive loan bills hang over graduates, derail life plans

Published on 2012-05-14 11:23:00

The Detroit Free Press recently published a series about the debilitating consequences of massive student loan debt on college graduates' well-being and job prospects.9 Michigan residents talk about the burden of massive student debt (05/13/2012)Some students fear even harder times as interest-rate hike looms (05/13/2012)Graphic: Student debt at Michigan Universities (05/13/2012)Database: See how many students get federal loans and how much they owe at Michigan colleges (05/13/2012)Susan Tompor: [..] > read more

CHE Higher Education Blogger, Naomi Schaefer Riley, Fired

Published on 2012-05-10 09:01:00

Justice has been served! When I first noticed Riley's blog postings arguing for the elimination of Black Studies programs several days ago, I was angry and in disbelief. How can someone publish some ideological-based opinions without substantiated evidence and still call herself a professional journalist? I am delighted that many readers complained and requested the removal of the racists posts on the Chronicle of Higher Education. As a former Black Studies major at Northwestern University, her [..] > read more

CHE: From Graduate School to Welfare

Published on 2012-05-07 16:44:00

The Chronicle of Higher Education published an article about the rising number of graduate students on welfare assistance. In some ways, I think it's horrifying to know that college students may come across instructors with advanced degrees who must rely on food stamps, WIC (known as women, infant and children program), and/or Medicaid. Ms. Bruninga-Matteau is part of an often overlooked, and growing, subgroup of Ph.D. recipients, adjunct professors, and other Americans with advanced degrees who [..] > read more

Sign the Petition: Stop selling credit reports to employers

Published on 2012-05-04 15:28:00

I have heard horrific stories that some companies refuse to hire employees with large student loan debt on their credit reports. This college graduate, who earned a permanent accounting position by her own merit, was later reneged the job offer because the company discovered she owed too much in student loans (!?!). She had proven herself a stellar worker on the job for six months, but a golden opportunity disappeared because she took out student loans to finance her education. Here are the deta [..] > read more

Sign the Petition: KeyBank forces deceased son's family to pay student loans

Published on 2012-05-01 10:31:00

In the past week alone, national media outlets have highlighted the growing student loan debt crisis in America, particularly private loans without bankruptcy options. In 2011, student loan debt ($1 trillion) has already outpaced credit card and auto loan debt. Even after bankruptcy, many borrowers are still trapped because a 2005 congressional law made it nearly impossible to discharge student loan debt. It's time to take a stand against the tyranny of debt slavery and support movements like Oc [..] > read more

Eroding Academic Freedom in Michigan

Published on 2012-04-27 21:51:00

Two University of Michigan graduate student research assistants (GSRAs) have filed a lawsuit to overturn a recently-passed law banning GSRAs from unionizing in the state of Michigan.Alix Gould-Werth and Christie Toth filed the suit in federal court on Tuesday against the Michigan Employment Relations Commission.The suit claims that the law, pushed through at the last minute by Michigan Republicans and signed by Gov. Rick Snyder, violates the state constitution and the equal protection clause of [..] > read more

Why You Aren't Getting Job Offers (U.S. News Money)

Published on 2012-04-24 22:46:00

Allison Green, author and owner of Ask A Manager, posted a column on U.S. News and World Report, explaining eight reasons why you haven't received any job offers. This is useful advice for those who are frantically searching for work in this economy.Frustrated with your job search? Are you sending out tons of resumes, and maybe even getting interviews, but not any offers?Your resume doesn't indicate anything about your work beyond your job descriptions. Your cover letter puts hiring managers to [..] > read more

Penn Video: Honoring W.E.B. Du Bois in 2012

Published on 2012-04-21 17:13:00

In February (Black History Month), the Center for Africana Studies and the Department of Sociology honored W.E.B. Du Bois, the first black professor of sociology at the University of Pennsylvania, with a conference honoring his life and scholarship. As a former African-American Studies major, this was the perfect occasion for Penn to acknowledge his accomplishments. Du Bois was the black public intellectual of the 20th century; he was a scholar, civil rights activist, author, editor, pacifist, a [..] > read more

How Do Recruiters Really Scan Resumes; 11 Resume Mistakes to Avoid

Published on 2012-04-18 07:37:00

BusinessInsider.com posted an article about recruiters' decision-making behaviors. TheLadders research found that it takes employers an average of six seconds to determine whether you are a 'fit or no fit' for a position! Your responsibilities and accomplishments under each job carry less weight (in other words, recruiters only skim those bullet points).The study used a scientific technique called “eye tracking” on 30 professional recruiters and examined their eye movements during a 10-week [..] > read more

Freep: Detroit's workforce lacks job skills; it's called a 'huge problem'

Published on 2012-04-15 17:26:00

This news storyhighlights one reason why I must seek greener pastures elsewhere. The economic situation in Michigan shows little progress.They're students, retirees, people living on disability and those laid off, too discouraged to look anymore.Whatever their background, they're among the 1 of every 2 Detroit adults neither holding a job nor looking -- the worst percentage for 2010 among 41 major U.S. cities.This vast segment -- some 174,000 Detroiters ages 16-64 do not work -- poses a serious [..] > read more

Petition: Reinstate Brooke Harris at Pontiac Charter School

Published on 2012-04-12 15:02:00

This story hits close to home in Pontiac, Michigan (a suburb of Detroit). I still cannot believe she was fired for wanting to create a fundraiser with her students on behalf of Trayvon Martin. Such insensitive administrators. This is ANOTHER reason why charter schools should not replace public education.Brooke Harris loved her job teaching eighth grade at an inner-city charter school in Michigan -- but Brooke says she was fired for teaching her kids about Trayvon Martin, an African-American teen [..] > read more

ALA: Defining Literacy

Published on 2012-04-09 05:56:00

When I attended Michigan, I was very much interested in literacy issues. I took a few library science courses to study information-seeking behavior, information use in communities, and the digital divide. As an aspiring social worker and educator, I believed I needed to understand these issues if I want to work effectively with communities and student populations.This is the American Library Association's official definition of digital literacy:...the ability to use information and communication [..] > read more

Review: Careers in Education (2004)

Published on 2012-04-07 23:45:00

Careers in Education - Fourth Edition, by Roy A. Edelfelt & Alan J. Reiman,I thought the first chapter summarized the purpose of American education perfectly:Universal and free public education to age eighteen is a foundation of American democracy. An informed, literate, and compassionate citizenry is essential to maintaining and improving the condition of the American people and to assisting other nations in raising their stanrdards of living.It also includes a a brief history of teaching in Am [..] > read more

Review: Ferguson's Careers in Politics and Government

Published on 2012-04-07 13:39:00

re > read more

How to Use Google and LinkedIn Properly

Published on 2012-04-04 12:10:00

Have you ever wondered how to use the advanced features on Google and LinkedIn? Read these infographics and learn cool tricks for your academic and career research.GoogleLinkedInNote: You may need to enlarge the images in your browser. > read more

CHE: A Graduate Student With $88,000 in Student Loans Speaks Out About College Debt

Published on 2012-03-29 16:05:00

The Chronicle of Higher Education highlights a growing problem in the United States: the burgeoning student loan debt ($1 trillion), which is now higher than credit-card and auto loan debt. I share this woman's pain as more young adults, the best years of our lives, rack up more than $50,000 in student loan debt. How does this generation plan for future children's educational attainment and retirements? Is America becoming a serfdom state where future generations have less financial autonomy and [..] > read more

2013 U.S. News Graduate School Rankings

Published on 2012-03-25 10:14:00

The 2013 U.S. News Rankings are available! Michigan#1 Social Work#1 Social PolicyPenn#9 Education (overall)#9 Higher Education Both Michigan and Penn improved this year. I could have enrolled in Michigan's higher education administration master's program (ranked #1), but I already have two years of work experience in their School of Education. Plus, I already earned a master's degree from Michigan. I was encouraged by my supervisors to gain exposure at other universities so that I can become mor [..] > read more

End of an Era? Hull House Closes Its Doors

Published on 2012-03-21 12:45:00

In January 2012, one of the nation’s oldest and most famous settlement houses, Hull House in Chicago, announced that it is closing its doors this spring and filing for bankruptcy. The decision to close came after the agency's management and board of trustees worked for two years to reduce operating costs and improve services, officials said.Jane Addams Hull House Association has provided child care, domestic violence counseling, job and literacy training, services for senior citizens and housi [..] > read more

Sign the Petition: Justice for Trayvon Martin (Florida)

Published on 2012-03-17 09:58:00

There is an active petition on change.org requesting state prosectors to charge George Zimmerman, 28, for the death of Trayvon Martin, 17, on February 26, 2012. Zimmerman, who is Hispanic, has not been arrested for his heinous crime. The Sanford police claimed they lacked probable cause to prosecute him (!?!). This is why people are in such an uproar: this travesty could have been prevented, and Trayvon is the real victim.When I heard this story, I was shocked and outraged that this kind of kill [..] > read more

Labor coalition aims to get union amendment on November ballot

Published on 2012-03-13 07:34:00

Fantastic news! In the Detroit News, Michigan residents would have a constitutional right to join and form labor unions in public and private employment under a proposed constitutional amendment unveiled Tuesday at the Michigan State Capitol.Protect Our Jobs, a coalition of labor unions and workers, needs the signatures of nearly 322,609 registered voters by July 9 to get the amendment on the November ballot, according to the Michigan Department of State .The proposed amendment would afford work [..] > read more

Women's History Month 2012 Theme

Published on 2012-03-09 05:26:00

The 2012 theme of Women's History Month is "Women's Education – Women's Empowerment."As a woman of color who cars deeply about education, I thought it would behoove me to highlight this significant occasion. Women from diverse backgrounds have accomplished many social, political, and economic milestones in the United States. I hope you take the time to learn, reflect, and engage on how to improve educational access and equity among women in your community as well as internationally.For more in [..] > read more

2012 World Social Work Day / UN Social Work Day Theme

Published on 2012-03-05 17:58:00

World Social Work Day is March 20, 2012. United Nations' Social Work Day is March 26, 2012.This year's theme is "A Week of Action:""We commit wholeheartedly and urgently to people having power over their own lives to address the root cause of oppression and inequality to work together with others to create a more socially-just and fair world that we will be proud to leave for future generations."For more information, please visit the International Federation of Social Workers' website. This webs [..] > read more

Social Work Month 2012 Theme

Published on 2012-03-01 05:31:00

The official 2012 Social Work Month theme is “Social Work Matters.” Social work is the profession of hope. Social workers help people navigate through life’s difficult challenges. Social workers and other professionals can access the NASW toolkit for logos, messages, merchandise, and topics in Adolescent and Youth Development; Mental and Behavioral Health Treatment; Aging and Family Caregiving; Military and Veterans Assistance; Child Protection and Family Services; Non-Profit Management an [..] > read more

WP: Obama helps break ground on new Smithsonian’s black history museum on National Mall

Published on 2012-02-24 13:09:00

In honor of Black History Month, I am very delighted that the Smithsonian Museum of African-American History is one step closer to construction in the National Mall. Future generations need to understand the African-American experience in this country, which goes back to the early 1600s. The Washington Post includes remarks from President Barack Obama:WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama heralded a new national black history museum as “not just a record of tragedy, but a celebration of life� [..] > read more

National Geographic: Rise and Shine, Detroit

Published on 2012-02-20 23:35:00

The March/April 2012 issue of National Geographic Traveler is dedicated to Detroit. It is a positive article, focusing on Detroit's comeback at the national level. This is following the success of Clint Eastwood's Super Bowl video of Detroit.It's not called a “tug” of memory for nothing: I’m outside Detroit’s railroad station, and I instantly recall my mother’s gloved hand pulling mine as we rushed through the vast atrium that was inspired by the imperial baths of ancient Rome. We are [..] > read more

World Mourns the Loss of Legendary Icon, Whitney Houston

Published on 2012-02-18 22:15:00

It's hard to believe that Whitney Houston is dead and gone. In my childhood (1990s), I had Whitney posters on my walls, listened to her numerous albums, and watched her films (The Bodyguard, Waiting to Exhale, and The Preacher's Wife). I would jam to "I'm Your Baby Tonight", "Greatest Love of All", "All the Man That I Need" and much more. She had the total package: beauty, talent, intelligence, and charisma. May she rest in peace and sing with the angels in heaven.Whitney Houston wasn't any ordi [..] > read more

NYTimes: Education Gap Grows Between Rich and Poor

Published on 2012-02-13 09:16:00

The New York Times recently pushed an article stating that income inequality is the leading factor in the widening educational gap between the rich and the poor. While race is still a contributing factor, poverty has more detrimental effects on the educational opportunities of children. I am delighted that policymakers and researchers are studying this issue. Poverty is also the leading cause of illiteracy, poor health outcomes, single-parent households, and high crime and delinquency. It is a w [..] > read more

Review: Careers for Caring People and Other Sensitive Types (2003)

Published on 2012-02-10 16:33:00

Careers for Caring People and Other Sensitive Types (2003), by Adriana Paradis, is a vocational guidebook about care-giving careers. It presents a general overview of care-giving, the required personal qualifications, such as a general liking for people and intellectual curiosity, job availability, and personal and professional rewards as a care-giver. The primary focus of this book is job positions that call for shorter training periods, more practical for those with limited financial resource [..] > read more

CSMonitor: Why Detroit Loves Clint Eastwood Chrysler Commercial

Published on 2012-02-07 13:29:00

If you didn't watch Super Bowl XVLI, one commercial is stirring up praise and controversy. Chrysler Group, LLC featured its commercial, "It's Halftime in America," with legendary American icon and actor, Clint Eastwood, reflecting on the current economic climate and how the automobile bailouts of Chrysler and General Motors by the U.S. government were good for the nation. Chrysler CEO, Sergio Macchione, previously stated that the commercial would be "unconventional." I never imagined the commerc [..] > read more

Petition Sallie Mae's $50 Unemployment Forbearance Fee

Published on 2012-02-04 09:02:00

Sallie Mae's unemployment fee ($50 for every three-month payment period!) is receiving widespread criticism in the news. Stef Gray started an online petition to stop the "unemployment tax" practice that allows Sallie Mae to prey (and gain a profit) on college graduates with financial hardships. For instance, if you are unemployed for an entire year, Sallie Mae can still collect $200 from you while your loans are in forbearance (loan continues to accrue interest)! Many unemployed and low-income c [..] > read more

Accepted to Penn GSE!

Published on 2012-02-01 10:57:00

I received an acceptance letter from Penn GSE! Woo-hoo! I also earned a merit scholarship award and graduate assistantship to cover a portion of my tuition and fees. I am so excited because this opportunity will give me a chance to expand my knowledge of higher education management at another university. I am still young (mid-20s) to move around and explore my options before I permanently settle down in the near future. Since the program is nine months, I won't incur a lot of student loan debt, [..] > read more

12 Dozen Places To Educate Yourself Online For Free

Published on 2012-01-27 13:12:00

This link contains a comprehensive listing of open courses (OCW), web casts, and other online learning resources you can access across several subjects, including science and health, business and money, humanities, mathematics, engineering, law, and foreign language. This is a cool list that any student, educator, and professional should bookmark among their favorites. > read more

Unemployed in Chicago Line Up for Chance to Work for Ford Motor Company

Published on 2012-01-23 09:07:00

NSFW: You may want to mute the audio due to profanity spoken in the background.This is ridiculous. Ford Motor Company announced it is hiring and people are desperate for stable employment. In Chicago, the line literally extends over six blocks as people stood and waited outside in bone-chilling 10'F weather. I post this video because people need to wake up and realize that the REAL America is suffering in this bad economy. For the past five years, the Great Recession has disproportionately affec [..] > read more

First U.S. Patent Satellite Branch Will Open in Detroit

Published on 2012-01-20 09:27:00

The Alexandria, VA-based U.S. Patent and Trademark Office announced this week that it will create its first satellite branch in Detroit. It is expected to be operational by July and help expedite the patent process. Good for Detroit and Great Lakes Region where innovation and engineering has a rich history!The choice of Detroit as the site for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's first satellite facility has both strategic and symbolic value.It makes sense to locate a patent office in a region [..] > read more

Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement in Higher Education

Published on 2012-01-17 10:04:00

Policymakers and university leaders demand a greater emphasis on civic learning and democratic engagement in higher education. While students learn about American history and civics in the classroom, many don't learn how to apply these lessons in real-life situations, such as voter turnout, town hall meetings, and public service. Furthermore, many students do not know the key difference between debate and deliberation.That report, "A Crucible Moment: College Learning and Democracy’s Future," [..] > read more

Princeton Occupy Wall-Street Group Disrupts JP-Morgan Chase and Goldman Sachs Sessions

Published on 2012-01-14 18:50:00

I have to give kudos to these Princeton students. They had the confidence to stand up and voice their outrage over growing income inequality in front of JP Morgan Chase and Goldman Sachs representatives last month. You can watch the videos below:“Princeton’s motto is: in the nation’s service, and in the service of all nations,” the students recited, to the clear surprise and discomfort of a handful of recruiters. “JP Morgan, your actions violate our motto. Your predatory lending practi [..] > read more

NSW: 14 Ways to Stand Out for New MSW Graduates

Published on 2011-07-04 06:33:00

In case you haven't noticed, the New Social Worker has an article for new MSW graduates. The author outlines excellent points, and I use them in my job search process. I highly recommend reading.1. Join, participate, and assume leadership in a profes > read more

Metro Times: Detroit Public Library's Bookmobile

Published on 2011-07-01 06:54:00

This is an interesting local story about the origins, mission and impact of the Detroit Public Library's Bookmobile in the community. It shows how public libraries are increasing access to literacy and expanding democracy, particularly in marginalize > read more

New Content Coming Soon!

Published on 2011-06-22 14:32:00

Don't worry, I have not disappeared! My workplace has kept me extremely busy with new assignments and back-to-back meetings that I have little time to write new posts. I will have new content posted next month! Stay tuned. > read more

Career Advice: 11 Lessons for Recent Graduates

Published on 2011-05-27 08:51:00

For the Class of 2011, graduation is on the horizon. I found this link on LinkedIn, which contains excellent career advice for recent graduates. I think it opened my eyes to who I am and what I would like to become. It is based on the book, "The Seed > read more

Support School Broadband

Published on 2011-05-19 09:02:00

The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) has developed a broadband availability map and search engine as part of a collaborative effort with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Federal Communications Commission > read more

NASW: Social Work Is the Profession of Hope

Published on 2011-05-16 21:24:00

National Association of Social Workers Executive Director Betsy Clark talked about the valuable services social workers offer society during an interview on the Anita Estell Radio Show (To hear the full interview click here).Social workers help peopl > read more

Today is National Library Legislative Day

Published on 2011-05-09 09:29:00

Contact your elected officials on National Library Legislative Day! Libraries are increasingly essential in these tough economic times. People are flocking to our nation’s libraries for job and career information, small business research and e-gove > read more

10 Ways Libraries Matter in a Digital Age

Published on 2011-05-06 23:15:00

Greg Landgraf revised a list of ten ways libraries matter in a digital age in American Libraries magazine. He used feedback and suggestions from readers to draft this version. Visit the link for more details about each bullet.Libraries serve the dise > read more

Chronicle: 5 Myths About the 'Information Age'

Published on 2011-05-04 06:06:00

The Chronicle of Higher Education has an article, 5 Myths about the 'Information Age', that debunks historical myths about the future of information technology in society. I am glad that libraries still play an important role in furthering knowledge > read more

NYT: The High Cost of Teacher Salaries

Published on 2011-05-01 11:19:00

I hold a lot of respect for K-12 teachers. Although I am not an aspiring teacher, I think it is an admirable profession. I found this article, The High Cost of Teacher Salaries, in the New York Times, and I believe the authors are spot-on accurate ab > read more

Drilldown Detroit Report

Published on 2011-04-28 11:27:00

Report Finds Detroit is Ready for New InvestmentSocial Compact and Detroit Economic Growth Corporation's 2009 DrillDown Report for Detroit will serve as a foundation for comprehensive economic development strategic planning for the City of Detroit th > read more

Video: Recall Rick Snyder, Governor of Michigan

Published on 2011-04-25 01:02:00

Rick Snyder, Governor of Michigan, proposed in his inaugural speech that the residents of Michigan will have to engage in "shared sacrifice" to improve the state's economy. His campaign included ways to bring young people back to Michigan and promote > read more

SWT: Transitioning Social Work Leaders

Published on 2011-04-22 00:10:00

In March/April 2011 Issue of Social Work Today, social workers gathered in Washington, DC, for the 2010 Social Work Congress, where they identified leadership development as a key priority for the profession as it moves into the next decade. More im > read more

60 Minutes: Hard Times Generation, Child Poverty on the Rise

Published on 2011-04-19 13:30:00

The child poverty rate is on the rise as a record number of struggling families fall into poverty. These once-stable families have either lost their jobs or homes to foreclosure. It is estimated that the child poverty rate in the United States will s > read more

DetNews: Detroit library could close most of its branches

Published on 2011-04-15 11:05:00

Nearly all of the public libraries in Detroit may close soon. This will leave few opportunities for residents to improve literacy and access the internet. Ironically, Detroit city officials claim that they want to attract new residents and young prof > read more

The Future of Macro Social Work in the 21st Century

Published on 2011-04-11 10:03:00

Last month, a visitor emailed me an excellent article, Social Work Intellectuals in the Twenty-First Century, about the role of social workers in the 21st century. Although I had already responded to the person, I thought it was important to share it > read more

AOL: Labor Talks in Full Roar Again, But It's Not the Same

Published on 2011-03-23 15:11:00

With so much backlash against labor unions in the public sector, I came across AOL articles on why organized labor is more important now than ever. But the question remains, can unions survive in this volatile political climate?In the bitter aftermat > read more

Krugman: The Forgotten Millions

Published on 2011-03-18 18:08:00

I found this New York Times article by famous economist and columnist, Paul Krugman, on the unemployed in America. He usually publishes thought-provoking pieces. I agree with him -- why isn't this country creating jobs to lower the unemployment rate? > read more

U-M SSW's 90th Anniversary

Published on 2011-03-13 06:18:00

Since March is National Social Work Month, I want to highlight the 90th anniversary of the University of Michigan School of Social Work. This is a special moment because the social work program has been ranked among the top three in the past thirty y > read more

Review: Getting Your MSW (2006)

Published on 2011-03-10 04:14:00

Getting Your MSW: How to Survive and Thrive in a Social Work Program (2006), by Karen Sowers and Bruce Thyer (a U-M social work alum!), is a comprehensive survival guidebook for prospective and current students who are interested in graduate social w > read more

Mother Jones: It's the Inequality, Stupid

Published on 2011-03-07 10:18:00

A friend referred this damning Mother Jones article on the unequal distribution of wealth in the United States. Have this country truly fallen to such low levels? People's incomes are falling, but companies are making record profits. Where are people > read more

Urban Institute: 13 Ways of Looking at Poverty

Published on 2011-03-04 10:55:00

The Urban Institute recently published a fact sheet, 13 Ways of Looking at Poverty. Overall, I thought the information was concise and dead-on accurate. America, we are retrogressing to Great Depression economic levels. This is not good for the futur > read more

Social Work Month 2011 Theme

Published on 2011-03-02 05:04:00

The 2011 theme for Social Work Month is Social Workers Change Futures. There are nearly 640,000 professional social workers in the United States who have dedicated their careers to either helping people transform their lives, or improving environment > read more

ALA: Protect School Libaries Funding

Published on 2011-02-27 11:09:00

I received this email from the American Library Association (ALA) President, Roberta Stevens, that the federal government wants to cut funding for school libraries. Please read below for further details on how you can stop this action:Dear ALA Member > read more

U.S. Labor Protests Coverage on YouTube

Published on 2011-02-24 21:10:00

If you are following the U.S. labor protests, I recommend these websites, Democracy Now! and The Young Turks. These programs are the only news media that cover a balanced depiction of what's happening around the world. Support workers' rights!Democra > read more

The New American Shame

Published on 2011-02-20 12:30:00

From the New York Times, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) created a chart that compares various social and economic measures among developed nations:The United States ranks near the bottom in terms of community well-being. We ranked worst for in > read more

Christine Hassler: 20-Somethings and Career Advice

Published on 2011-02-06 19:41:00

The Huffington Post ran a special article on career development for Generation Y college graduates. The author, Christine Hassler, states that we must become more realistic with our present circumstances:Let me be clear that my intention is not to bl > read more

Detroit Free Press: Criminal System Fails Indigent

Published on 2011-02-01 22:48:00

I found this editorial on the Detroit Free Press. It discusses the poor state of the criminal justice system for indigent individuals and families.Michigan must establish uniform standards and oversight of its public defense system -- and assure adeq > read more

Number of Adults Living with Parents Exploding

Published on 2011-02-01 22:44:18

In Huffington Post, the number of adults living with their parents in the United States has exploded. It's a difficult world for college graduates to start their careers. Inreasing cost of living, low entry-level salaries, growing scarcity of full-ti > read more

Rethinking MLK Day: Poverty in America

Published on 2011-01-21 05:23:00

First, I would like to congratulate people who took the time out of their busy schedules to attend a social justice-related event on Martin Luther King Jr.'s Holiday. I posted this video because all too often, we focus so much on civil rights and leg > read more

Investors, Young Professionals Return to Detroit

Published on 2011-01-18 09:57:00

People nationwide are learning more about Detroit in the news. If it isn't the primetime cop drama, Detroit 1-8-7, you probably heard of it from TIME's Assignment Detroit series. Investors and young professionals are turning to Detroit to revitalize > read more

Ranking in Top 50 Blogs by Social Work Professionals

Published on 2011-01-14 08:46:00

My blog has been recently recognized as one of the top websites in the Top 50 Blogs by Social Work Professionals. My blog is ranked #6, and I feel very honored! My blog continues to gain more publicity, and I am delighted that many social work studen > read more

Federal Funding Sources

Published on 2011-01-12 12:01:00

I created a list below of federal (grant-making) agencies that may be of interest to social workers and information professionals. If I missed an agency, please let me know! Department of Agriculture (USDA) > read more

Article: Challenging Traditional Social Work

Published on 2011-01-08 23:08:00

I found this article (1995) from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration's The Advocate's Forum newsletter. Although it is over a decade old, I still thought this reflection was an excellent view on the current debate betwee > read more

2011: A New Year, Great Expectations

Published on 2011-01-07 15:19:00

It is officially 2011. My classes and field instruction have resumed. Ann Arbor looks like a winter wonderland. It is snowing outside my window, and the weather is cold. I am looking forward to this year because I am halfway done with my dual-degree > read more

SWT: Technology Takes on Social Work

Published on 2010-12-28 09:21:00

In the November/December 2010 issue of Social Work Today, there is a feature article on the fusion of social work and technology.Let’s face it: Technology is transforming how people collect and share information and social workers who refuse to ack > read more

Rochester, NY: Libraries delivering life-saving information

Published on 2010-12-26 08:39:00

I found this excellent article from the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. It illustrates the ways in which libraries are helping communities -- basic literacy, employment and tutoring -- in times of great need. More importantly, they are reaching out > read more

Review: Careers in Sociology - Third Edition (2004)

Published on 2010-12-22 09:27:00

Are you an undergraduate student wondering what can you do with a sociology degree? Are you a college graduate planning to return to graduate school soon?Careers in Sociology -- Third Edition (2004), by W. Richard Stephens, Jr., is the latest edition > read more