We Are Stronger Together—Now More Than Ever

Workforce

By Barbara Bedney, PhD, MSW

I chose the theme “stronger together’’ for this column not only because I believe it to be true, but also because it is a phrase that is more important than ever these days. As the Trump administration steps up its efforts to cut federal agencies responsible for promoting the health and well-being of millions of Americans—including older adults, veterans, under-resourced and marginalized communities, individuals with disabilities, and people living with mental health conditions and substance use disorders—the time has never been more urgent to mobilize the power of our profession to prevent these cuts and curtail the long-lasting damage they will cause.

Our first step in this process is to gather our resources in one place, where they are easy to find—a “Stronger Together Resource and Action Center” where social workers can find concise, accurate, current information about the government’s proposed cuts and the implications for individuals, families and social workers. The center also is a place where you can access resources to advocate for yourselves and your clients, including talking points, action alerts, career resources, and other materials. Whether you are in private practice, public policy, child welfare, aging services, health care, or some other field of practice, the proposed changes likely will affect you. As we have always been, we are stronger when we work together to overcome challenges. Check out this new resource on the national website and let us know what you think.

I’m also happy to announce the completion of our “Blueprint of Public Policy Priorities for the 119th Congress,” which provides the framework for NASW’s public policy work and outlines a comprehensive approach to reinforcing the role of social work in shaping a just, healthy society. Priorities in the blueprint focus on investing in the social work profession, including advocating for equitable reimbursement and social worker safety; and investing in children and families, including affordable child care and stronger child welfare services. There also is a special section on protecting Medicaid, one of the programs being targeted for cuts. If passed, this would have dire consequences for tens of millions of Americans.

Of course, all of this is happening while we continue to add new resources to our “Tips and Tools” series, including updates on child abuse prevention month, telehealth waivers, the extension of telehealth flexibilities, and guidance for clinical social workers on the Quality Payment Program; and while we finalize preparations for our national conference in June. With sessions and plenaries on topics ranging from social work leadership, artificial intelligence, social media, child welfare, and workplace stress to rural social work and almost everything in between, the national conference is the essential gathering place where we connect with each other, learn from each other, unwind with each other, and stand together to show just how powerful we are. I’m looking forward to seeing you there, and hope you will join us in our Stronger Together efforts.

In a previous column I wrote about the power and impact of NASW, and what I wrote in that column is still true today: When we come together united in our strength, nothing can stop us!

Barbara Bedney is Chief of Programs at NASW.