Michelle D. Hand, PhD, MSW, LSW

Regardless of what social workers focus on in practice (or in research and teaching), they should simultaneously follow a call to advocacy. Social justice remains a core value of the social work profession and it is one of several professional values that aligns with my values as an individual.  As such, l have long worked with both university and community partners to promote awareness of the needs of non-dominant populations, as well as to support diverse, culturally informed approaches to practice, research, policy and education. This work has included organizing various university and community-based trainings on culturally informed strategies for meeting the needs of individuals, particularly in later life, who live in poverty and are disproportionately impacted by issues such as trauma, sexual violence and exploitation, racial injustice, and food insecurity, to increase awareness of policies impacting populations that have been historically oppressed and to inform collective advocacy toward meeting their needs, such as through letter writing events, volunteer groups and 5k runs.

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I am continuing to learn from our university and community about how my skills can be used to  support current community and university needs, as service is essential, at both personal and professional levels. I have served as a faculty member on the Anti-racism, Equity and Justice Committee in the School of Social Work at WVU, engaging colleagues in collective discussions surrounding anti-racism, social justice, and privilege. I have also worked with faculty and staff to issue a statement on anti-racism to cultivate a safe, inclusive and justice-focused environment that prioritizes the recruitment of diverse students and faculty; and assembled a resource bank of research, trainings and events to support continued learning in my previous role at WVU, while also co-hosting community conversations with students and faculty, to assist them in processing current events and discussing concrete steps toward further advocacy. I look forward to using these skills at George Mason University, to help ensure a safe and welcoming learning environment.

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I also look forward to serving on the BSW Program Committee in the Department of Social Work at George Mason University with an incredible and passionate group of colleagues.