Enhancing Social Cohesion and Preventing Violent Extremism: A Social Work Framework 

This lecture provides an overview of the crucial role social workers and other frontline practitioners play in preventing and countering hate-motivated and extremist violence. It highlights the skills and competencies that are most critical when working with individuals who may be at risk of, or who are already engaging in, harm and violence. The lecture also introduces youth leadership, digital literacy and online safety as core components of psychoeducation and primary, “upstream” prevention efforts aimed at fostering resilience and social cohesion. In addition, the lecture explores how professionals can support “downstream” intervention efforts with individuals who are at risk of, or already engaged in, harmful or concerning behaviours. Ethical considerations are discussed throughout, alongside the challenges and opportunities inherent in multisector collaboration and community organizing, with particular attention to contexts relevant to rural communities. Overall, the lecture supports practitioners in understanding risk and protective factors related to radicalization to violence and in navigating this emerging field of social work practice through the application of ethics and social justice principles.

Speaker: David Yuzva Clement, PhD, MSW (’24), MA, RSW
David is an Adjunct Research Professor at Carleton University’s School of Social Work, an Associate Fellow at the International Centre for Counter-Terrorism, and a Research Advisor at the Canada Centre for Community Engagement and Prevention of Violence. His current research examines the nexus between social work and preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE). It also advances knowledge on children, youth and families affected by violent extremism and extremist ideologies online, and explores the interplay between community organizing, civic education and democracy.

David completed his MSW at Wilfrid Laurier University in 2024.

What if the future of mental health lies in rediscovering the wisdom of the past?

In this compelling talk, we’ll explore psychedelic medicine as both a cutting-edge frontier in mental health care and an ancient form of healing that has re-emerged after decades of suppression. Once silenced in the 1970s, psychedelic therapies are now at the centre of a global renaissance, with promising research highlighting their potential to treat conditions like PTSD, depression and end-of-life anxiety.

The first half of this lecture delves into the science and practice of this resurgence: Who can benefit from psychedelic medicine and why? What risks must we consider? How are practitioners trained to navigate this delicate and profound terrain? This overview provides a balanced perspective on the state of psychedelic therapy in Canada and beyond, offering insight into its potential and limitations.

In the second half, we’ll focus on an innovative social cure model of practice with these medicines. This approach weaves together psychedelic medicine with relational experiences. We'll become oriented to a holistic framework for healing in which to consume these substances therapeutically, and which facilitated integration of experiences. By emphasizing connection—both within oneself and with others—the social cure model ensures that the transformative power of these medicines is grounded in community, relationships and the broader fabric of healing.

Whether you’re a mental health professional, policymaker or simply curious about the future of human wellbeing, this talk will encourage you to explore how psychedelic medicines are quickly becoming an innovative path forward for mental health and wellbeing.

Raechel Pefanis, MDiv, MSW, RSW, PCC
Raechel is a registered social worker (turtle clan) in the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy and mental health innovation. As one of five shareholders of Alethia Psychedelic Therapy, a pioneering organization specializing in psilocybin, MDMA and ketamine-assisted therapy, Raechel works at the intersection of psychotherapy and traditional healing practices to help individuals and communities transform. 

Peg Peters, MA
Peg holds a Masters in Comparative Religions (Myth and Ritual) and is a documentarian, storyteller and founder of Gathering Groups in Abbotsford, BC. Peg brings decades of experience in designing and facilitating relational healing spaces. With a focus on fostering connection and community, Peg has helped countless individuals find pathways to growth and wellbeing by emphasizing the social dimensions of healing and the power of shared experiences to enrich therapeutic outcomes.

An Exploration of the Upstream Funding Model and its’ Impacts on the Lives of Equity-Seeking Populations in the Region of Waterloo: A Case Study for Health and Social Service Working Professionals

Dr. Ginette Lafrenière is a professor at the Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work where she has been teaching since 2002. In 2003, she founded the Social Innovation Research Group (SIRG), a feminist community-based research centre that works primarily with equity-denied organizations.  

Since 2023, she has been collaborating with the Reconciliation, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) team at the Region of Waterloo on evaluations relative to an innovating funding project dedicated to equity-led grassroots organizations. The “Upstream Fund” is a trust based funding envelope which attempts to level the playing field and set a new standard for inclusive and equitable funding practices for First Nations, Inuit and Métis (FNIM), African, Caribbean and Black (ABC) and racialized communities.

Together with Fauzia Baig (Director, REDI team) and Neb Zachariah (REDI Advisor), the group will present the Upstream model and the transformative reverberations that this project has had in our community.  Social workers will be particularly interested in how such funding has contributed to enhanced mental health and positive outcomes for youth, women and other equity-seeking groups in the Region of Waterloo.