6th Annual Ecological Justice and Social Work Symposium

Adelphi University School of Social Work Continuing Education and Professional Development and the Institute for Social Work and Ecological Justice are pleased to host the 6th Annual Ecological Justice and Social Work symposium.

In a world that often feels increasingly chaotic, fragile, and unpredictable, social workers and allied practitioners are left asking: What is happening? How do we continue to support people and the planet when we carry so much concern? And how do we move forward? We are navigating these profound questions while also tending to our own, and client’s, limits and wellbeing.
This symposium will offer space to acknowledge the confusion, grief, and uncertainty of our world shaped by ecological crises, war and displacement, the rapid expansion of AI, ongoing attacks on human and environmental rights, and a growing sense of fatigue and apathy. Together, we will explore practices that make room for pause, rest, and restoration as essential, not optional, honoring their place in our responses to this moment. In doing so, we hope to reconnect with purpose and cultivate care, connection, and collective resilience on the path toward more just and livable ecosocial futures.

Ways to Participate

• Submit a Presentation Proposal (due by April 24, 2026)
  We welcome proposals for 30-minute general presentation sessions (including 5 Q&A) exploring themes of responding to social and ecological unrest, environmental and social implications of AI and technology, navigating collective fatigue through restorative practices, and other emerging topics at the intersection of ecological justice and social work.
• Propose a Spark Session Presentation (due by April 24, 2026)
  Have a bold idea, emerging project, or practice insight to share? Submit a proposal for one of our twelve 5 minutes Spark Session slots (No Q&A). These rapid, high-energy presentations are a great way to ignite conversation and get your work in front of the profession.
• Present a Poster (due by April 24, 2026)
  Submit a poster for consideration. Depending on the volume and range of submissions, there may be an opportunity to present live. Please indicate your interest in a live presentation option when submitting.
• Submit a Blog Post (accepted through the day of the symposium)
  To reach a broader audience and support international colleagues who may face time zone constraints, we are excited to offer a new submission opportunity. Accepted work will be featured on ISWEJ’s website and email newsletter. Submissions may be written (case studies, resources, tools, opinion pieces, poetry, etc.) or audiovisual (art, song, photography, Photovoice, etc.), up to 1,000 words including references and citations. Please submit only original work not previously published elsewhere, unless you have obtained permission for redistribution.
• Contribute to Our Collective Playlist (accepted through the day of the symposium)
  Share a favorite song and help us build a playlist for the symposium. We’re looking for music that sparks reflection or hope, fuels resilience, and strengthens our sense of community as we navigate this moment of ecological and social fatigue. Together, let’s create a soundtrack for renewal and collective grounding.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

1. Identify the intersecting ecological, political, and social forces contributing to practitioner fatigue, grief, and moral distress in contemporary social work and allied practice contexts.
2. Describe evidence-informed practices that support pause, rest, and restoration as integral components of sustainable, justice-centered professional practice.
3. Apply frameworks of collective resilience and ecosocial wellbeing to articulate a personal or professional response to current ecological and humanitarian crises.

Tuition

• $25: Tuition for 3 CEs
• Free – General registration, alumni, faculty, students and veterans

Register Now!

Credentialing Information

This program has been approved for the following continuing education credits:

CEs: 3

To receive approved continuing education credits, participants must attend the entire symposium and submit a completed evaluation form.

See full credentialing information and CEUs

Cancellation Policy

Please note that we are unable to offer refunds for cancellations made within seven business days of the event or for no-shows. However, if you notify us at least 24 hours in advance, we can issue a credit toward a future workshop. No credit will be provided for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the event.

Accessibility Statement

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Adelphi University require that all events be accessible. To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the event host identified on the event webpage; please allow for a reasonable time frame. The event host, when necessary, will collaborate with the Student Access Office.

Questions about the symposium? Please contact our conference planning team at swcontedconference@adelphi.edu