Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove will be speaking on "New Monasticism and the Resurrection of American Christianity." This pre-convention institute will describes a new monastic movement in the church today, telling stories of hope beneath the radar in forgotten places. Refusing to ignore the culture of death that infects so much of American Christianity, he pushes through the darkness to the hope of resurrection for the whole church.

Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove is an author, new monastic, and sought-after speaker. A native of North Carolina, he is a graduate of Eastern University and Duke Divinity School. Jonathan is an Associate Minister at the historically black St. John Baptist Church and is engaged in peacemaking and reconciliation efforts in Durham, N.C. The Rutba House where Jonathan lives with his wife Leah, their son Jai Michael, and other friends, is a new monastic community that prays, eats, and lives together, welcoming neighbors and the homeless. Jonathan directs the School for Conversion (newmonasticism.org), an alternative seminary that hosts courses around the country. He is author of several books, including New Monasticism: What It Has To Say To Today's Church (Brazos) and God's Economy: Redefining the Health and Wealth Gospel (Zondervan).

Learning Objectives: Following this workshop, participants will be able to:

1. Describe what is happening in new monastic communities today as well as articulate key historical developments with regard to this important movement,

 2. Outline how practices of new monastic communities inform Christianity and Christian social work in the 21st century.

3. Articulate how the new monasticism has become a distinct form of Christian social engagment today.

Level of Presentation: Intermediate, Advanced

Target Audience: Students, social work educators, social work practitioners

Number of Continuing Education Contact Hours Offered: 6.0 hours

David Gibson and Helen Wilson Harris will be speaking on, "Back to the Future: The Application of Wisdom from Alan Keith-Lucas to Child Welfare Practice Today." This six hour workshop is designed to be both didactic and experiential as we address together the major dilemmas in child welfare and residential services today. The workshop focuses on the application of visionary and time honored principles and wisdom of Dr. Alan Keith-Lucas. Dr. Keith-Lucas served as a consultant and prolific writer to faith based child welfare services and is one of theseminal writers in the area of the integration of Christian faith and professional social work practice. Valuing children, seeking and supporting strengths in parents, working toward resilience and permanency planning, and connecting reality, empathy, and support to professional helping will be part of a fun and reflective day together.

Helen Harris is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Social Work at Baylor University. Harris has more than 30 years of practice experience with 8 years of experience in a faith based child welfare agency.

David Gibson is the Vice President for Community Services for Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services, Austin, Texas overseeing 22 social workers in 17 Texas and Louisiana cities.  He has directed programs in emergency care, foster, group, and residential treatment services, adoption, and transitional living.

Learning Objectives: Following this workshop, participants will:

1.     Experience renewal of intrinsic motivation and belief in the possibility of change

2.      Elucidate long term principles that have unique applications today.

3.      Articulate how to evaluate and respond to the barriers in child welfare services.    

Level of Presentation: Beginner, Intermediate

Target Audience: Students, social work educators

Number of Continuing Education Contact Hours Offered: 6.0 hours

Allison Tan will be speaking on, "A Focus on HIV/AIDS: Where Are We Now? What Are Christians in Social Work Doing?" It has been nearly 30 years since the first cases of HIV and AIDS emerged; today's epidemic looks much different than it did back then, but the need for a Christian social work presence remains the same.  In this pre-convention, participants will have ample opportunities to discuss the challenges of HIV and AIDS with one another, under the direction of a seasoned professional in the field.  We will look in-depth at a few current research projects being spearheaded by Christians in social work.  More importantly, we will begin to brainstorm a new, more committed HIV research agenda for NACSW members and the field at large. 

This pre-convention begins with a presentation and educational overview of HIV-related issues; however, the bulk of our time will be spent in dialogue together to identify "hot topics," wrestle with issues and challenges, and develop some next steps.  This pre-convention is a great place for Christian social workers with any level of interest and/or experience in the field of HIV/AIDS. Those individuals just starting to think about HIV and how it might impact their clients will have a number of opportunities to learn and ask questions.  Those individuals who have been working in the field of HIV for years are encouraged to come with their years of practice wisdom to share.

Allison received her BSW from Taylor University and her MSSA/MSW from Case Western Reserve University.  She is currently completing her dissertation in the doctoral program at Loyola University-Chicago.  Her professional career has been exclusively in the field of HIV, first as the supervisor of HIV services at a community health center on Chicago's west side, then as a consultant to the implementation of medical case management for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, and now as an HIV program services researcher.  She also serves as a consultant for The Marin Foundation, a non-profit organization fostering better relationships between the faith community and the LGBT population. 

Learning Objectives: Following this workshop, participants will be able to:

1.   Identify several current research projects by Christians in social work as they relate to HIV/AIDS

2.  Articulate at least 2-3 "hot topic" areas in HIV work nationally and internationally for social work

3.  Describe gaps where Christian social workers have been silent and collectively brainstorm ways to promote change

Level of Presentation: Beginning, Intermediate

Target Audience: Students, social work practitioners, counselors, clergy

Number of Continuing Education Contact Hours Offered: 6.0 hours