This half-day workshop will challenge participants to explore important questions around protecting the rights of vulnerable people during times of war. Participants will recognize how conflict intersects with the rights and protections of people — at home and abroad. Participants will become familiar with the Geneva Conventions, which are the international humanitarian laws governing war and their impact on human life and dignity. They protect people who are not or are no longer participating in the hostilities and restrict the means and methods of warfare.
The methods used in this workshop require participants to play an active role in the process of learning. Case studies will be used from the U.S. Civil War, World War II to more recent conflicts in Russia and Ukraine. These case studies will describe the behavior of actual people who are caught up in situations where humanitarian action is required. Social work core values stemming from the NASW Code of Ethics and the International Federation of Social Workers Statement of Ethical Principles will also be compared to the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement in examining these challenges of war and conflict.
CEUs: 3 Ethics Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2026 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Location: Zoom Requirements: Webcam (participants must be on camera) Presenter: Dr. Michael Cronin, PhD, LCSWÂ
Presenter Information:
Dr. Michael Cronin, PhD, LCSW is a distinguished social work practitioner, educator, and leader with nearly 40 years of experience. His scholarly work focuses on international social work, disaster mental health, and international humanitarian law, with particular emphasis on vulnerable populations affected by conflict and crisis.
Dr. Cronin earned his PhD in Social Work from the Wurzweiler School of Social Work of Yeshiva University in New York City. He has a MS in Social Work (MSW) from Columbia University. Dr. Cronin has a Diploma in Social Innovations from the University for Peace in Costa Rica, a United Nations mandated University.
As a Fulbright Scholar in Ukraine (2019-2020), Dr. Cronin was based at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy (NaUKMA) and collaborated closely with the Ukrainian Red Cross. During this time, he led several capacity-building initiatives, including curriculum and faculty development, and supported the establishment of a COVID-19 hotline.
Dr. Cronin served for 30 years as the United Nations Commissioner for North America with the International Federation of Social Workers. In this role, he led a team of volunteer social workers and interns to promote global awareness of key social issues, including aging, family systems, health and mental health, social and economic development, gender equity, youth, and human rights.
Dr. Cronin has volunteered as a disaster mental health leader and instructor with the American Red Cross since 1996. He was awarded the International Humanitarian Service Award which recognizes a volunteer who exemplifies or inspires the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
Price:
$60.00