Look For Hope Everywhere With William “Bill” Vanderwill

March 18, 2026

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“My belief is always that the next generation of Social Workers will be better and raise our profession and raise the people we serve. I’m also committed to intergenerational community organizing where all of us, all generations work together..the older population is not just the help receiver, but also the wisdom keepers. And I look for people that really are wisdom keepers.

Many people feel hopeless, and I’ve always said through the years, let’s look for hope everywhere.”

–William L. Vanderwill

Reflecting on his 50-year career as a Social Worker, William “Bill” Vanderwill speaks on the importance of strengths-based practice, intergenerational communication, community organizing, and the grassroots power of everyday people taking actions for social justice.

Listen in to hear insights from the man I affectionately call “the Fred Rogers of Social Work.”

This Personal Journeys segment includes:

How mistakes can become valuable learning opportunities in social work and advocacy
The importance of intergenerational collaboration and recognizing elders as wisdom keepers
Practical examples of grassroots community organizing and everyday social justice actions
The evolving role of social work, from adaptation to helping clients thrive
The power of hope, compassion, and storytelling to inspire future generations and lasting change

Meet Bill

When I was earning my MSW at The University of Michigan School of Social Work, Bill was my field liaison. We’ve been able to stay in touch over the years as friends and colleagues. Even though this episode was geared towards learning more about Bill, he used the opportunity to highlight the incredible work of others in Detroit, which is true to form for him.

Name Drops and Appreciations from Bill

Marsha Battle Philpot, The Brightmoor Community of Detroit, The Greening of Detroit, Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit, Detroit People’s Food Co-op, The Boggs School in Detroit, Julia Putnam, His great-grandmother Catherine Buckenberger, his aunt, national association of Black Social Workers, Fatima Salman, Michael S. Spencer