Association News: February-March 2021

NASW National

NASW Delegates Approve Goals for Next Three Years

NASW’s Delegate Assembly approved its priority goals for the next three years, as well as revisions to 14 public policy statements that had been under review.

Social Work Month Campaign Highlights Profession’s Vital Role

Social Work Month, which is observed each March, provides an opportunity to celebrate and elevate the social work profession. The theme for Social Work Month 2021 is “Social Workers Are Essential.”

NASW Joins Two Amicus Briefs at Supreme Court

The cases are Fulton v. City of Philadelphia and California v. Texas, consolidated with Texas v. California.

NASW Chapters

Indiana Chapter Webinar Addresses Children’s Grief

One of the ways grief is normalized is talking about it, said Beryl Cohen, executive director of the Indiana chapter. “We should talk to kids about whatever they want to talk about. Kids deal with it differently. There are developmental stages of grief for children.”

Alaska’s Cultural Competence Program Adds to Chapter’s Library

Tonie Protzman, NASW- Alaska’s executive director, said the chapter is building a library of programs that will be on demand and available to all members.

New Mexico Chapter's Mindful Mondays Provide Social Workers With Self-Care

“I think we have the responsibility as part of our social work values to make sure we’re meeting the needs of the profession and the professionals—and meeting the needs of self-care,” says New Mexico Chapter Executive Director Mika Tari.

Social Work Practice

• Behavioral Health Care Needed in Plan to Treat Chronic Pain
• Elder Justice Work Continues
• Aging-Focused Policy Principles Available
• Competency-Based Approach in Work With Older Clients
• Social Work as a Business Model
• Learn How to Help Families Struggling With Effects of Pandemic
• Supporting the Mental Health of DACA Recipients

Social Work in Action

Federal Bill Decriminalizes Marijuana

NASW supports the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, which seeks to decriminalize marijuana.

NASW Urges Student Loan Debt Cancellation

NASW joined more than 235 organizations in sending a November letter to then President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice-President-Elect Kamala Harris, calling on them to use executive authority to cancel federal student debt on day one of their administration.

More Aid is Needed After Economic Relief Package Passes

NASW urges Congress and the Biden administration to include student loan debt relief, among other provisions, in future relief packages.

Boardroom

Never Doubt Giving Back Can Change the World

Debra Fromm Faria, LCSW, discusses the importance of volunteering at NASW. She is the Region III director on NASW’s national board, which represents New York State.

NASW Foundation

Social Workers, Others Honored for Outstanding Service

A “Virtual Night at the Awards, A Night to Remember” ceremony showcased social work excellence with the prestigious NASW and NASW Foundation Awards.