Social Work in Action: April / May 2022

NASW Hosts Sexual Assault Awareness Panel

United States department of veteran affairs, white ribbon

During the week of April 18, 2022, NASW will host a one-hour live event on Facebook in observance of  Sexual Assault Awareness Month. 

The panel will include NASW CEO Angelo McClain; CEO and founder of White Ribbon USA Veronika Mudra; director of the Assault and Harassment Prevention Office in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Lelia Jackson; and additional subject-matter experts from Department of Veterans Affairs. 

White Ribbon VA is a social-impact initiative against domestic violence organized by White Ribbon USA, NASW, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

The event, which will be recorded and available on NASW's Facebook page afterward, aims to elevate awareness and eliminate sexual harassment, sexual assault and domestic violence, and promote a positive change in the culture.

NASW Disappointed in Lack of Support for Voting Bill

capitol building dome

NASW expressed its disappointment in Senate gridlock and failure to pass the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act. 

All 50 Republican senators—along with Democratic Sens. Kyrsten Sinema, of Arizona, and Joe Manchin, of West Virginia—obstructed the path for progress on voting rights by voting against a rule change that would allow a vote on the Senate floor. These senators prevented action on the bill. 

NASW sent a letter on Jan. 19, 2022, to Sinema, who is also a social worker, calling for her to support passage of this critical voting rights legislation. This communication follows months of active NASW advocacy to advance voting rights for all Americans. Notably, NASW members responded to its action alerts by sending thousands of email messages to their lawmakers in the Senate. 

The Senate’s failure means that people of color and historically marginalized populations will face additional barriers to carrying out their constitutionally guaranteed right to vote. This inaction will continue to embolden efforts to pass restrictive state laws denying access to the ballot box. 

NASW remains steadfast in its commitment to voting rights and will not be deterred in its advocacy efforts to strengthen democracy and protect access to the ballot box for all Americans.

Career Fair Brings Job Seekers, Employers Together

The NASW Virtual Career Fair in January was a success. There were 542 attendees and 74 employers/companies attending the one-day event. It offered social workers the opportunity to network with professionals and companies near and far to make connections in a virtual setting. The next NASW Career Fair is scheduled for January 2023. 

Visit NASW's Events Calendar to find additional events.

Updates Available to Nursing Home Visitation Guidance

two people, one in wheelchair

Following its Nov. 12, 2021, release of guidance for nursing home visitation during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released three versions of frequently asked questions clarifying the guidance.

NASW upholds both the right of nursing home residents to receive visitors and the need for vaccination and other public health measures to decrease COVID-19 transmission and severity.NASW offers resources to help social workers engage with clients, colleagues, family, and friends about COVID-19 vaccination.

Read "Update: Nursing Home Visitation During the COVID-19 Pandemic" on Social Work Blog.



Social Work Advocates April/May 2022 issue with The Great Resignation on cover

Social Work Advocates Flipbook

NASW members, sign in to read the April / May 2022 issue as a flipbook