Social work is one of the most dynamic and diverse professions in the public service arena. President Obama’s “United We Serve” summer service initiative, which runs June 22 – September 11, 2009, is a call to action to participate in creating meaningful change in your community through public service, and the project is collecting stories from people around the country about their public service experiences. In conjunction with the President’s initiative, NASW wants your stories to be heard. Send us your most compelling human interest experience in public service. Or merely tell us about the simplest encounter you’ve had as a social worker that has left a lasting impression on you, specifically, and your outlook on the social work profession, in general. NASW wants to collect 1,000 stories from our members to add to the project’s public service story collection. Visit NASW’s Advocacy Blog Web page and share your story .
LEGISLATIVE AND LEGAL ADVOCACY
Support the Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act . U.S. Representative Edolphus “Ed” Towns (NY) and Senator Barbara Mikulski (MD) re-introduced H.R. 795 and S. 686 in the 111th Congress this spring, and social worker and Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Barbara Lee has identified SWRA as one of the CBC’s top priorities for the year. Take action today. Send a letter to your Representatives and Senators in support of this vital legislation. important video message to date regarding the Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act (H.R. 795/S. 686). Find out why NASW needs your help to protect our profession.
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Visit the new health care reform advocacy page on the NASW Web site to learn more about our efforts at the national level regarding this important and fast-moving issue. There you will find a variety of proposals supported by NASW, as well as a list of our partners, policy statements, correspondence, action alerts, and sign-on letters related to the proposals. NASW has joined multiple coalitions to help craft the new health care legislation, and we need your help. Let Congress know that now, more than ever, is the time for a comprehensive national health care policy “that ensures the right to universal access to a continuum of health and mental health care throughout all stages of the life cycle.” H.R. 2058, Companion Bill for the Post Deployment Health Assessment Act of 2009 . Speak up on behalf of the millions of troops who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan whose mental health needs, upon return home, continue to make headlines. This fundamental and effective program will help safeguard the mental health of our entire military. Please contact your Representative and ask him, or her, to support this critical legislation.
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The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Option of the 2007 College Cost Reduction and Access Act took effect July 1, 2009, and social work is just one of several core professions expected to benefit from the law. Please visit NASW’s loan forgiveness page for federal and state application details and resources. Find out if you are eligible for these programs by contacting the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 800.433.3243 .
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Enforcement Delayed Again Until November 1, 2009 The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued new regulations to address identity theft, including medical identity theft, and clinical social workers will need to review their operating procedures for compliance with the new requirements. For more details, read the Legal Defense Fund’s June “Legal Issue of the Month” article at https://www.socialworkers.org/ldf/legal_issue/2009/200906.asp?back=yes
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MEMBER BENEFITS
The 2009 NASW Annual Report was created as a “report card” for our members, which highlights NASW’s priorities and key accomplishments within the last year. The report also includes information about NASW’s advocacy and legal efforts, professional development projects, new publications, partnerships, and media coverage. Available exclusively as a PDF, download your copy today.
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What social work topics interest you that are relevant to your specialty area? NASW Specialty Practice Sections (SPS) is exploring the possibility of expanding Sections. We want to hear from you. Let us know the practice areas that you would be most likely to join. Take the Specialty Practice Sections Poll .
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A free risk management hotline is now available to all NASW members, as well as professional liability insurance policyholders. The hotline specializes in risk management information to help members avoid licensing board complaints and malpractice law suits. Call 800.421.6694 for more information.
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The NASW Foundation: Social Workers Helping Communities in the “Women, Children & Family Services Charities” of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). Visit the NASW Foundation Web site today to learn how your Chapter can raise awareness of the CFC opportunities in your home state, as well as how your contributions can support charitable and education initiatives essential to social work and social workers.
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Visit the NASW Web site Membership Benefits page to cash in on summer savings at participating Choice Hotels®, and you could earn double Choice Privileges® points on your hotel stay. You may also gain enough points to redeem for a $50 prepaid cash card. You must be a Choice Privileges member to take advantage of these offers.
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PUBLIC EDUCATION
C-Change Cancer Prevention Communications Initiative (CPCI)
Cancer Prevention Communications Initiative Eat well. Be Active. Don’t Smoke. Get Screened. Health and Wellness Web section dedicated to coping with cancer, featuring the Cancer Survival Toolbox (co-sponsored with the National Coalition of Cancer Survivorship), and our Topic Cancer Research Web page featuring a series of fact sheets and targeted, cancer-related research.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Recognizing and Supporting Cancer-Related Anxiety and Depression
One in two men and one in three women experience cancer in his or her lifetime. Unfortunately, part of that experience could include cancer-related anxiety and depression. Social workers can better support clients with cancer-specific knowledge and skills. This teleconference—moderated by NASW Executive Director Betsy Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH, with presenters Margaret Christopher, PhD, MSW, MPH, and Sabrina Tyus, MPH— examines the assessment and support of coping skills for cancer-related anxiety and depression.
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VOLUNTEER OUTREACH
Invisible wounds suffered by our service men and women are as devastating as physical wounds. Social workers will play a significant role in working with our nation’s veterans as they face their own battles against mental health challenges. Volunteer today to give one free hour of mental health counseling to a veteran or their loved ones through Give An Hour . Please take a moment to view our NASW interview with Give An Hour founder Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen Romberg.
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