Dean Nancy J. Smyth Joins Grand Challenges for Social Work Leadership Board

Congratulations to Dean Nancy J. Smyth on being named to the Grand Challenges of Social Work Leadership Board. She says, "I’m excited about working with the Grand Challenges as we continue to move forward to build on the accomplishments of the first five years, and especially now, to further advance the focus on shaping policy and practice. Finally, I’m especially gratified to be joining their leadership council now that Eliminating Racism has been added as a specific grand challenge." The board term is for three years.

Initiated by the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare, the Grand Challenges for Social Work is a groundbreaking initiative to champion social progress powered by science. It’s a call to action for all of us to work together to tackle our nation’s toughest social problems.

The 13 Grand Challenges include:

Individual and family well-being

• Ensure healthy development for youth
• Close the health gap
• Build healthy relationships to end violence
• Advance long and productive lives

• Eradicate social isolation
• End homelessness
• Create social responses to a changing environment
• Harness technology for social good

• Eliminate racism
• Promote smart decarceration
• Build financial capability and assets for all
• Reduce extreme economic inequality
• Achieve equal opportunity and justice