As efforts to strengthen NASW’s administrative operational structure have progressed, the subject of power has been getting increasing attention from leaders across the association. The word power is derived from the Latin verb potere (to be able)—therefore, power may be appropriately defined as that which allows one to take action for reaching goals; the capacity to act, the strength and potency to accomplish something. Traditionally, theorists of power have distinguished between “power over,” which conveys implicit or explicit dominance from; “power to,” personal empowerment: the opportunity to act mor...

Read More

More members only content in this month's edition: Speakers, activities and more highlight conference theme Wehrmann voted next association president NASW back's court's abortion clinic ruling 2016 NASW Conference highlights The Board Takes Action - June 2016 NASW president, staff, members attend global meetings in Korea FAQs: NASW Modernization Social Work in Action NASW members, read the full digital edition of the September 2016 NASW News.

Read More

Nearly 2,000 people apttended the NASW national conference, held June 22-25 in Washington, D.C., where the theme was “Leading Change, Transforming Lives.” The theme highlights what we do for families and communities, and also highlights social work leaders who do this work, NASW President Darrell Wheeler said in his opening remarks. “In this year of all years … with all that’s going on in the world, the world needs social work and social workers more than they ever have,” Wheeler said. Attendees heard from keynote speakers like journalist Soledad O’Brien, who discussed some of the major world even...

Read More

Allow me to begin this entry with a wish that all reading this are finding some ways to enjoy the fading days of summer 2016. For me, it’s been one very hectic period – physically, intellectually and emotionally. On June 22, we kicked off the NASW National Conference, “Leading Change, Transforming Lives.” I will come back to the theme and its serendipitous impact on my summer later, but now — Wow, what a wonderful set of opening presentations and an energetic room of social workers from around the globe. My only regret is that I could not stay for the entire meeting, as I had to leave on June 23 for the Inter...

Read More

Letters to the Editor The front page article on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) in the April News highlighted NASW’s support and involvement in efforts to prevent this devastating developmental disability caused by in-utero exposure to alcohol. While this is certainly important and NASW’s involvement should be applauded, focusing only on prevention efforts ignores the millions of children and adults who live with FASDs. The often quoted assertion – “FASDs are 100 percent preventable” ‘ oversimplifies a very complex issue, that is inextricably dependent on layers of entrenched societal issues ...

Read More

The importance of housing and health care was the focus of an in-depth story published in the CT Mirror. NASW member Paula Crombie, director of the Department of Social Work at Yale-New Haven Hospital in Connecticut, is quoted in the article. “Housing and health care are tied totally,” she is quoted as saying. “If we get somebody housed who was homeless, their impact on health care is significant. They’re pulled out from the high utilizers to just a normal utilizer. It’s kind of amazing when you think about it.” The article notes that in one hospital’s experience, when a person gets into stable hou...

Read More

The story of Jessica Grubb’s battle with heroin addiction so touched President Obama that when he traveled to Charleston, W.Va., last fall, he invited her parents to attend his public forum on opiate addiction. “Jessica Grubb had tried several programs, and she had been successful,” said Sam Hickman, executive director of the NASW West Virginia Chapter in Charleston. “She was doing well.” Then she had an accident, and her physician — who did not know of her past heroin-addiction problem — prescribed an opioid painkiller, he said. Grubbs died in Michigan in March. “It’s really tragic,&...

Read More

Today, social work leaders must be visionaries, forward thinkers and innovators. They must adapt to change and cater to new innovations while respecting traditional methods. Above all, they must thrive in uncertainty. As such, if they want to succeed, social work leaders must evolve and constantly rethink their approaches. Demands on social work leaders have never been greater. Those in health and human services struggle to survive in a world of shrinking budgets, increasing needs, and lack of resources. Indeed, these leaders operate in increasingly unpredictable, uncertain, and complex environments; yet performance expectations are highe...

Read More

People gathered outside the U.S Supreme Court (photo right) on March 23 as the justices heard oral arguments in the case "Zubik v. Burwell." At stake is whether employers can use their religious beliefs to make it more difficult for women to access essential birth-control coverage, and, by extension, potentially discriminate against other groups. A decision on the case is expected in June. Photo by Paul Pace/NASW News NASW members and other social workers were encouraged to appear outside the U.S. Supreme Court on March 23, where the justices began oral arguments in the case Zubik v. Burwell. NASW joined an amicus brief in the case to su...

Read More

Former NASW President Suzanne Dworak-Peck was honored with the USC Alumni Merit Award in April. The award is bestowed on those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the university and community by giving generously of their time, energy and leadership. For more than 40 years, Dworak-Peck, an NASW Social Work Pioneer®, has dedicated herself to improving the lives of individuals and families in the most vulnerable and underserved populations, USC officials noted. Dworak-Peck is also the president and chairwoman of NASW Assurance Services Inc., which designs, secures and oversees high-quality insurance programs, services and init...

Read More