Vol. 48, No. 7, July 2003

From the President

Building on a Strong Foundation

By Gary Bailey, MSW

In my service to our association over the past decade, I have had the opportunity to work with some phenomenal volunteer leaders. Former NASW presidents Barbara White, Jay Cayner, Josephine Allen and Ruth Mayden have all left our association and our profession stronger.

I give special thanks to Terry Mizrahi for her visionary leadership over the past two years. NASW is a more vital and relevant organization, due in large part to her efforts.

As I begin my term, I am committed to building upon the foundation laid by these and other extraordinary social workers.

Over the past few months, I have visited a number of chapters around the country and have been heartened by the genuine outpouring of support with which I was welcomed. More important, I am impressed by the sense of pride that so many of you feel about our profession and our association.

In these challenging political and economic times at the local, national and international levels, one of NASW’s most important functions is to advance the practice and profession of social work. We can accomplish this by positively influencing societal issues and by becoming more responsive to the growing diversity and changing needs of our members.

There is little question that NASW will be called upon to provide leadership in many areas, but we must also be cognizant that our resources, both financial and human, are not infinite. To be most effective, we must be focused and strategic in our responses to the multitude of issues before us.

As president, I will ensure that NASW speaks out strongly on the public policy issues that matter most to professional social workers. This association plays a vital role in shaping public policy that affects our clients, our communities and our work. Because I believe social justice is the soul of social work, our profession’s historical commitment to social justice and human rights will continue to be one of my primary areas of focus.

Most of all, I am aware that NASW’s strength and credibility are defined by its membership. Your personal commitment to our profession and willingness to serve the community above and beyond the call of duty make me proud to be your representative both in the nation’s capital and around the world.

With your full participation and support, NASW can achieve its greatest potential, ensuring that the profession commands the respect it deserves.

To contact Gary Bailey: president@naswdc.org

From July 2003 NASW News. Copyright © 2003, National Association of Social Workers, Inc. NASW News articles may be copied for personal use, but proper notice of copyright and credit to the NASW News must appear on all copies made. This permission does not apply to reproduction for advertising, promotion, resale, or other commercial purposes.