Concurrent Breakout Session 4B: Addressing School Violence, and Bullying in School/ Community Environments through Welcoming, Empowerment, Mapping and Monitoring Approach (WEEMA)!

(Social Work CE)

School Safety issues are a top concern for both students, parents, and educators.  Social work has played a central role in listening to the voices of students, teachers, parents and community members as a basis for providing systemic solutions to unsafe school and community contexts. School violence and bullying can take many forms, including verbal, physical, and emotional abuse, creating toxic environments that have lasting impacts on mental health and overall well-being. The school shootings and actions of hate have been linked in the media to bullying and victimization in schools.  Social workers play a critical role in addressing this issue by supporting those who experience bullying and fostering prevention approaches that promote systemic change resulting in safer, more respectful environments. This session will explore the role school and community social workers could play in aiding those affected and implementing preventive measures.  Specifically, Dr, Astor will focus on his method of Welcoming, Empowerment, Mapping and Monitoring Approach (WEMMA) that uses the voices of those in the school and community to create environments that are uniquely meeting the needs of each school and community.