Social Work Advocates:
August / September 2021 Issue


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Back to School: Social Workers Help Students, Families, Teachers Adjust After COVID


As schools across the country plan to fully reopen, social workers are focused on helping students, families and teachers adjust after COVID lockdowns.


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Policing Reimagined: Social Workers Back Legislation, Education and Community Engagement


Social workers support legislation, education and community engagement when it comes to reimagining the U.S. law enforcement system.

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NASW Examines its Past, Present and Future in Addressing Systemic Racism


As the United States turns more attention to addressing its long history of systemic racism, NASW has released a comprehensive report called “Undoing Racism Through Social Work: NASW Report to the Profession on Racial Justice Priorities and Action."

Constance McCashin

Primetime Soap to Social Work


Former "Knots Landing" star Constance McCashin says training to be an actor prepared her well for her current social work career as a therapist.

More in This Issue


Mit Joyner

Examining Reaction to Critical Race Theory in Unprecedented Times

NASW President Mit Joyner and Howard University student Mia Thornton examine the current reaction to critical race theory.


Laetitia Clayton

Social Work is Front and Center as Schools Fully Reopen

Students and teachers returning to in-person learning are facing unprecedented challenges, and social workers are helping them adjust. 


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In the Public Eye

Read about NASW members quoted in the mainstream media.


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Viewpoints: Harnessing the Power of NASW's Political Action Committee

Mary Jane Lundgren, MSW, RN&, outgoing chair of NASW's political action committee (NASW-PACE), discusses its importance.

Angelo McClain

Ending Child Poverty is a Moral Imperative

Congress must enact legislation now to end child poverty in the U.S., writes NASW CEO Angelo McClain. 


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Association News

Get the latest from NASW's national office, our Chapters, practice and advocacy updates and more.


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Schools of Social Work

Read updates from schools of social work.


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NASW Events Calendar: August & September 2021

View a calendar of upcoming conferences, webinars and other events at NASW and related organizations.


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Table of Contents


  • Back to School: Social Workers Help Students, Families, Teachers Adjust After COVID
  • Policing Reimagined: Social Workers Back Legislation, Education and Community Engagement
  • Examining Reaction to Critical Race Theory in Unprecedented Times
  • Social Work is Front and Center as Schools Fully Reopen
  • Ending Child Poverty is a Moral Imperative
  • Trending on Social Media: August / September 2021
  • Social Work in the Public Eye: August / September 2021
  • Harnessing the Power of NASW's Political Action Committee: NASW-PACE
  • Wanted: More Suicide-Prevention Education at Social Work Schools
  • Primetime Soap to Social Work
  • Association News: August / September 2021
  • NASW Examines its Past, Present and Future in Addressing Systemic Racism
  • Amicus Brief Addresses Student Off-Campus Activity Rights
  • NASW-Texas Program Offers Guidance for Post-Pandemic Reopenings
  • Illinois, North Dakota and Wyoming: Chapters Expand Program Sharing With Multistate Conference
  • Marijuana Expungement Bill a 'Huge Step'
  • Connecticut Chapter Successful in Nursing Home Bill
  • Social Workers Fight to Keep Anti-Discrimination Language
  • Environmental Justice Efforts Increase in Scope
  • Optum Pay Makes Changes Based on Social Work Feedback
  • Social Workers are Important Part of Guardianship Process
  • Webinar Highlights Self-Care During COVID-19
  • NASW Welcomes New Members to National Board of Directors
  • NASW Foundation at 20: HEALS Students, Scholars Make a Difference in Social Work's Future
  • Calendar of Events: August / September 2021
  • NASW Code of Ethics Updates Include Importance of Self-Care
  • Today's Nonprofit Leaders Need Modern, Comprehensive Expertise
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2021 Excel Awards

Social Work Advocates magazine won several 2021 Excel awards.

Learn about the awards >>