The Missouri Chapter hosted a first-ever trivia night and featured keynote speaker Gary Bailey, former NASW president.
NASW Chapters celebrated National Professional Social Work Month in their own ways in March.
Some of the highlights include:
California The chapter continued its public image campaign by sending public services announcements to the top 30 radio stations in the Bakersfield area. The second project involved placing five large billboards in Bakersfield for two months beginning in March.
Connecticut The chapter's Board of Directors sponsored meet and greet events in Hartford and Hamden, attracting around 20 members at each event.
Florida. All 18 units held Social Work Month events, which resulted in more than 1,300 participants. Twenty-one Social Worker of the Year awards were handed out. Elected officials also receive awards. The chapter participated in another 20 events to celebrate the month. More than 600 students attended the chapter's Lobby Day activities as well.
Georgia Staff sent out letters to each county commission noting the number of social workers in the county. The letter also suggested a proclamation be read recognizing these social workers during social work month.
NASW Georgia Chapter members accept a proclamation plaque from Paulding County honoring Social Work Month.
While it was a large undertaking to contact each of the state's 159 counties for information, the effort was a success. Many county officials recognized the social workers present at meetings and presented signed proclamations to those in attendance.
Idaho The chapter gave every Idaho high school career counselor a copy of "Choices: Careers in Social Work" so that Idaho high school students could learn more about the profession.
Illinois A record 722 participants took part in Social Work Advocacy Day. The day started with a panel of experts. Later, participants wore "This Social Worker Votes" buttons while visiting their representatives at the state capitol. The chapter also hosted a workshop on the art of the job interview in conjunction with the Social Work Month Theme "Purpose and Possibility."
Louisiana The chapter had six billboards promoting social work throughout the state. Members also participated in a day of service statewide to spread the message about Louisiana's SCHIP program.
Maryland The chapter hosted a successful annual conference during which awards were given out for Social Worker of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Educator and Field Instructor, MSW Student and two Public Citizen awards. Executive Director Daphne McClellan visited members at various social work month events. To promote the profession, the chapter placed a banner in downtown Baltimore and supported around 40 promotional spots on the local National Public Radio affiliate.
Missouri At the Show-Me Annual Symposium, the chapter hosted "Social Work: Empowering People; Investing in the Profession" in March. The keynote speaker was former NASW President Gary Bailey.
Nebraska The chapter held gatherings in celebration of Social Work Month in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, North Platte and O'Neill.
New York City. Executive Director Robert Schachter was a speaker at the 100th anniversary of Harlem Hospital Social Work Department.
Oregon The chapter hosted a Legislative Day of Action attended by 200 social work students and practitioners. Addictions expert Claudia Black hosted the chapter's biennial keynote event and awards luncheon. Other recognition events occurred in Portland and Medford.
Puerto Rico The chapter held its annual conference on March 20 and 345 social workers attended. The conference was broadcast for two hours by radio station Radio Isla, one of the most popular in Puerto Rico. The theme was neurological, biological, emotional and social aspects of addictions.
South Dakota. The chapter hosted a luncheon to honor four legislators who were instrumental in getting MSW legislation passed in the state. Around 100 people attended the event.
Vermont. Leaders put together the first-ever Social Work Month Committee. This group produced two public service announcements, participated in a community cable television show, organized a continuing education unit workshop, hosted a legislative breakfast and Social Work Day at the state legislature and obtained a joint resolution to honor March as Professional Social Work Month.
West Virginia Social Work Day at the Legislature was attended by 150 social workers and social work students and faculty from seven schools and off-campus programs.
Gov. Joe Manchin, III, read his proclamation declaring March as Professional Social Work Month in the state and he attended a debriefing with the Chapter's Board of Directors.