Invitation and Call for Proposals: 6th Annual Ecological Justice and Social Work Virtual 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:

World Transformation Fatigue: Social Work and Ecosocially Just Futures May 8th 2026 10am to 2pm ET

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 virtual 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. 

There are several opportunities for participation:

1. Submit a Presentation Proposal (due by April 24, 2026)

   We welcome proposals for 20-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.
   

2. 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.
   

3. 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.
   

4. 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.

   
   

5. 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.
   

Please visit the event homepage for registration and call for proposals, including opportunities for two presentation types, posters, and/or submissions for the ISWEJ website. We hope to see you there!