SOLIDARITIES AND SOCIAL WORK
Activities
Coming up soon:
- SIG Workshop on ‘Concepts and Practices of Solidarity and Social Work’
Time: Wednesday, 15 April 2026, 9:30-15:30 (BST) / 10:30-16:30 (CEST)
Place: Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland; Track 10; N107 Sir Ian Wood Building -RGU
Programme--> LINK
- We recommend: Prof. Dr. Lynne Cairns, 'Softening the Gaze: Collage as a Solidarity Practice in Social Work Research'
- Our Next Online Seminar
Date: Wednesday 13th May 2026
Start time: 12:15 BST/ 13:15 CEST
Duration: 90 - 120 minutes
Registration Link: https://forms.gle/6KFvoQ9iktMcEGPB9
Title: Ecosystem of Reintegration of Veterans and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Times of Crisis: Coordination of Efforts Between the State, Communities, and Civil Society
ESWRA Solidarity and Social Work Special Interest Group
Speakers: Dr. Anastasiia Shcherbakova, PhD in Economics, Associate Professor at the Department of Management and Public Governance, National University of Water and Environmental Engineering
Abstract
The ongoing crisis caused by war and large-scale displacement has significantly transformed the socio-economic landscape of Ukraine, intensifying the need for effective reintegration mechanisms for veterans and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Despite the growing number of initiatives, reintegration processes often remain fragmented, leaving individuals to navigate complex systems of support on their own. These groups face multidimensional challenges, including employment barriers, social adaptation, psychological recovery, and limited access to essential services. In this context, the formation of a comprehensive reintegration ecosystem becomes a critical priority for sustainable recovery and long-term resilience. The concept of a reintegration ecosystem is examined as an integrated, multi-level system that combines the efforts of public authorities, local communities, civil society organizations, and the private sector, with a particular focus on coordination mechanisms that ensure synergy between stakeholders and prevent duplication of efforts. Drawing on international practices and emerging Ukrainian experiences, the study identifies key challenges in building a coherent reintegration ecosystem, including fragmentation of initiatives, insufficient data integration, limited intersectoral communication, and capacity gaps at the local level. At the same time, it highlights opportunities for strengthening coordination through digital platforms, public-private partnerships, and integrated service delivery models. A conceptual model of an effective reintegration ecosystem is proposed, emphasizing inclusiveness, adaptability, and cross-sectoral collaboration. It is argued that only through a coordinated, human-centered, and ecosystem-based approach can Ukraine ensure successful reintegration, strengthen social cohesion, and support long-term recovery.
Keywords: reintegration ecosystem, veterans, internally displaced persons (IDPs), coordination, public governance, civil society, local communities, crisis response, Ukraine.
Zoom link
Topic: ESWRA Seminar
Time: May 13, 2026 12:15 London
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85131747851?pwd=wqh4DIyAEafpxlP0XsyXii9CDWXxaG.1
Meeting ID: 851 3174 7851
Passcode: 735894
Review:
We recently hosted two insightful online seminars exploring solidarity in contemporary Social Work.
In a first seminar, Prof. Dr. Thomas Geisen introduced the concept of relational solidarity, arguing that solidarity—understood as the everyday practice of “standing up for each other”—offers important intersectional and decolonial perspectives for strengthening Social Work research and practice.
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In 'Relocated Solidarity', Prof. Dr. Sui Ting Kong and Hei Chow examined how the Hongkonger diaspora in the UK redefines solidarity through political activism in exile and community-building efforts. Their presentation highlighted how social workers can act as bridges, advocates, and community innovators beyond a narrow safeguarding focus.
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Together, the seminars reaffirmed solidarity as a vital, relational, and transformative concept for the field.
The SIG wants to establish an international network of researchers working on solidarity research in Social Work to promote and facilitate theoretical, methodological, empirical, and international comparative solidarity research.
The SIG wants (a) to initiate and establish international conferences, public forums, and lectures on solidarity research; (b) to offer new possibilities to publish interdisciplinary and innovative findings of solidarity research; and (c) to develop and strengthen solidarity research with researchers in areas of crisis, conflict and war.
Solidarity is the cohesive force that binds modern democratic societies. Welfare states and practices of solidarity are founded on political participation, social justice, and cultural self-determination, but solidarity’s development and preservation are neither inevitable nor linear. Current political, ecological, economic, cultural, and social crises and conflicts pose threats to democracy and are undermining established forms and key aspects of solidarity. These crises and conflicts erode fundamental aspects of solidarity such as protection and recognition. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how and what new forms of solidarity are emerging to meet the threats, address the concomitant social problems, and drive social change and innovation. The Solidarity Research Network (SRN) seeks
