We Are Stronger Together
From the President
By Yvonne Chase, PHD, MSW, LCSW, ACSW
As I prepared for this column, it was impossible to ignore the current political landscape. But someone once told me that out of chaos comes creativity, so that is what I am keeping in mind.
President Trump’s executive orders and the passage of the federal spending and tax bill have rocked the very core of what America stands for. In contrast, when I reflect on NASW’s recent national conference in Chicago, I think anyone who attended would agree that participants formed a powerful voice for positive change and for remaining vigilant through what I anticipate will be a long and challenging road.
More than 2,000 people attended the conference in person, with almost 500 attending virtually. This is a testament to the power of social work. The speakers were inspirational, including Dr. Justin Harty from Arizona State University, who reminded us that social work has at times abandoned its mission, particularly in child protection. He mentioned the book, “Unfaithful Angels,” emphasizing the importance of learning from our mistakes.
That sent me off to conduct some research on quotes that convey what I want to express. I found two relevant Albert Einstein quotes. He said, “Be a voice, not an echo.” That prompted me to consider the numerous social work organizations that exist. If we came together to address the political upheaval caused by this administration, we would be “stronger together.” Einstein also is quoted as saying, “A ship is always safe at the shore, but that’s not what it is built for.” If social workers are the ship, we need to pull away from the shore—our safe spot—and advocate for the vulnerable populations who are living in fear: fear of job loss; losing their homes; losing the ability to feed and clothe their children; and, for some, fear of not coming home one night because they are being deported.
President John F. Kennedy was quoted as saying, “Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.” We teach our students to develop critical thinking skills, but we also need to apply them ourselves! Consider the small steps we can each take, such as working in our own communities to help alleviate fear and find new resources when many agency budgets are being cut, and advocating with our legislators for even small changes in state Medicaid guidelines that could open possibilities for the most vulnerable.
Former U.K. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher said, “You may have to fight a little more than once to win it.” Perseverance is part of the fabric of social work.
I want to leave you with a quote that is on the lighter side. It’s something the Cheshire Cat said in “Alice in Wonderland,” and I want to say this whenever I talk to someone who supports this administration’s draconian measures: “I’m not strange, weird, off, nor crazy, my reality is different than yours.”
Remember: We are stronger together.
Contact Yvonne Chase at president@socialworkers.org