Supporting Communities Across the Globe
University of Delaware addresses the critical need for social workers through conference focused on supporting global communities
With specialized training in human development, human services and social systems, social workers are uniquely positioned to support communities in times of crisis or challenging life changes. With its master of social work program (MSW) and community outreach, the University of Delaware College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) works to prepare skilled professionals to meet these evolving needs in Delaware and beyond.
In March 2026, the college hosted a conference for social workers and other treatment providers, educators, researchers and students from Delaware, New York, New Jersey and the Washington Metropolitan region. Titled “Global Voices in Community Wellness and Youth Violence Prevention,” the conference was international in scope. With attention to the impact of structural violence, it explored how positive developmental settings, strengths-based narratives, creative arts and more can work together to support long-term community well-being in the U.S. and other countries. The event examined community-centered wellness strategies, policy approaches to safety and prevention and Hip Hop-integrated therapeutic and empowerment practices.
“With my colleague Paul Boxer, I recently edited A Mixtape for Youth Violence Prevention, which highlighted best practices and innovative approaches to preventing harm and cultivating community health,” said Raphael Travis, CEHD professor and director of the MSW program, who studies how the creative arts foster well-being. “With this conference, I was interested in highlighting similar and unique innovative approaches across diverse global contexts.”
Travis shared his expertise on the powerful role that the creative arts can play in violence prevention. His presentation focused on research evidence and hands-on examples demonstrating the therapeutic uses of Hip Hop culture.
The conference also featured a keynote presentation from Allan Bernard, opposition senator in the Parliament of Jamaica and deputy spokesperson on social protection and social transformation, as well as a presentation from Franklin Moreno, a postdoctoral research fellow at Temple University, who spoke about violence prevention in Honduras.
Participants also viewed a screening of the film, Life After the Gunshot and participated in a Q&A with Joseph Richardson, The MPower Professor of African-American Studies, Medical Anthropology and Epidemiology at the University of Maryland, who shared his research on gun violence, trauma, mental health and community violence interventions.
“Attending the social work conference on community wellness at UD was an inspiring and enriching experience that brought together diverse, committed speakers and participants,” said Abigail Fischer, a social worker based in Wilmington, Delaware, and a CEHD alum. “The engaging sessions, whether through the powerful documentary or passionate professionals, emphasized how research can directly impact community well-being both locally and internationally. I left with renewed perspective and practical insights to apply in my work supporting children, families and communities.”
To learn more about the MSW program, visit the program website. To learn more about CEHD research in the social determinants of health, visit its research page.
Article by Jessica Henderson. Photos by Shelly Silva.
Social workers and other treatment providers, educators, researchers and students from Delaware, New York, New Jersey and the Washington Metropolitan region attended “Global Voices in Community Wellness and Youth Violence Prevention” in March 2026.