“Interacting with the Muslim Community” is the topic of a free training session from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 11, in Somers Lounge on The College of St. Scholastica campus. Every one is welcome; the event is intended for social service workers and members of the public. There is no fee to attend.

The session will be led by Fedwa Wazwaz, director of training for the Minneapolis-based Islamic Resource Group. She will introduce approaches that social workers and others can take when working and interacting with members of the Muslim community.

“Since 9/11, many Muslims are afraid to use social services,” said Wazwaz. “They're afraid their kids might be taken away. We need to help them feel safe in taking advantage of needed resources.”

In her talk she will examine cultural differences that may need to be considered when working with members of the Muslim community, including those related to child-rearing and family dynamics.

The last 45 minutes of the session will include case discussions, said Marcia Runnberg, program coordinator and assistant professor of social work at St. Scholastica. "This will help participants learn and practice different approaches using real-world situations."

The session is the second in the “Getting to Know Our New American Neighbors” training series offered by the College’s Social Work Program.

Participants are encouraged to pre-register for training sessions online at http://www2.css.edu/app/depts/swk/. Three CEU credits are available at the door for $15 (cash or check only).

The New American Training Project is funded by the Duluth Superior Community Foundation and The College of St. Scholastica Social Work Department. Additional community sponsors include the National Association of Social Workers - MN Chapter, Duluth East Hillside PATCH, Duluth Adult Learning Center ESL Class and ESL Civic Involvement Project, and CHUM.

For more information contact newamericans@css.edu or visit http://resources.css.edu/academics/swk/newamericans/.

Other training sessions in the series include:

“Overview of Political Torture and its Consequences,” Heather Tracey, social worker and trainer, Center for Victims of Torture; and “Mental Health Assessment Basics for Refugee Clients,” Marcia Runnberg, training series coordinator and assistant professor, St. Scholastica
1 to 4 p.m. Friday, March 28

Discussion on Hmong and Latino neighbors, speakers to be announced
1 to 4 p.m. Friday, May 16

All sessions will be held in Somers Lounge on campus.

The College of St. Scholastica is regularly recognized as one of the finest colleges in the Midwest. The 2008 “America's Best Colleges” survey by U.S. News & World Report magazine ranks St. Scholastica in the top tier of Midwestern universities. The Washington Post has rated St. Scholastica as one of the nation’s 100 “hidden gems” among U.S. colleges and universities.