National Association of Social Workers

From the President

Building Partnerships, Profession

By Gary Bailey, MSW

On the eve of what could be one of the closest presidential elections in U.S. history, I am mindful that much of what moves people in this country is not necessarily the formal, well-orchestrated campaigns of large political parties or deep-pocketed organizations.

That is not to say that these efforts do not shape the way we view the world and ourselves on a daily basis. What I mean is that the issues raised and messages communicated by these groups are not the only ones that resonate with the American public.

Many of the most effective social movements and significant national trends began as grass-roots efforts that generated interest and gained supporters along the way. Small, but focused, efforts can have a big impact when they leverage the strengths of strategic allies.

For example, Christopher Reeve's death a few weeks ago reminded many of us just how influential he had become in advancing research, especially in the area of spinal cord injuries. His work with government, corporate and nonprofit organizations to raise awareness, seek solutions and challenge the status quo was an example of effective social action and a commitment to social justice.

This summer, another of America's most respected celebrities, Bill Cosby, made a bold statement about the need for better parents. He challenged many of us in the African American community to reassess our commitment to developing capable and confident young people who are prepared to take advantage of new opportunities made possible by the sacrifices of previous generations. Regardless of how one felt about his arguments, his statements caused people to talk and think about a very important issue: how to help more African American kids, and kids in general, succeed.

In the case of Bill Cosby's new "parenting initiative," he has said that top educators, psychiatrists and attorneys are being consulted to craft a plan that will improve life choices for young people. I felt compelled to send Dr. Cosby a letter addressing his lack of inclusion of social workers in this planning. I reminded him that social workers bring relevant research and vast experience that can inform new strategies for helping parents provide more nurturing environments for their children.

I say "remind," because one of the key people involved in opening the Camille Cosby Clinic at the Judge Baker Children's Center, a Harvard-affiliated teaching institution, is Christina Crowe, an accomplished professional social worker.

I believe both the Reeve and Cosby efforts are using social work techniques to change the system. Social work is about social change through collaboration.

In my role as president of our association, I get to speak to thousands of social workers every year. In these conversations, I am constantly amazed by the strength and creativity of the networks these dedicated professionals use for the benefit of their clients and communities.

Our profession's legacy is built on a keen ability to combine the best ideas of many different disciplines — psychology, life science, sociology, political science and human relations, among others — to help people and systems become more productive. I am dismayed by the lack of recognition we receive for this expertise.

We cannot forget, nor let others forget, that social workers bring enormous value to discussions of health, mental health, education, justice and all social sciences in this country.

Currently, NASW's national office works with more than 150 allied organizations and coalitions to advance the social work mission and to ensure high-quality social services in multiple arenas. In addition, NASW chapters, schools of social work and sister social work organizations have relationships with other influential organizations at the local and national levels. We can't underestimate the importance of these alliances.

While celebrities have significant financial resources and powerful connections to get things done, I contend that social workers have more power than we often claim. Look around and think about how much your colleagues are able to accomplish through their extensive networks within and outside the profession. It's impressive.

We all became social workers because we wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. When we reach beyond our social work circles to build strategic external partnerships, we not only help our stated causes; we help build the reputation and credibility of the entire profession.

To comment to Gary Bailey: president@naswdc.org

From November 2004 NASW News. © 2004 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved. NASW News articles may be copied for personal use, but proper notice of copyright and credit to the NASW News must appear on all copies made. This permission does not apply to reproduction for advertising, promotion, resale, or other commercial purposes.