Massachusetts’ Social Work Advocacy Efforts Inspire Chapter President

Boardroom

By Paul R. Pace

NASW Massachusetts Chapter President Yvonne Ruiz, PhD, MSW, MA, LICSW, was a member of the NASW Massachusetts board of directors twice before becoming president. She was involved in several initiatives related to diversity and equity.

“This work was most important to me, and I was proud of the way NASW-Massachusetts was leading in this area,” said Ruiz, professor and chairperson of the School of Social Work at Salem State University.

“I wanted to continue the focus on social and racial justice at the board level,” she said. “For example, I suggested that we offer a conference on cultural responsiveness in social work practice, and the idea was embraced by the staff and the board.”

Ruiz says learning from her board colleagues has been a huge benefit. ”I am in awe of the work they’re doing in their communities to drive change and support systemic improvements in social services and community well-being,” she said. “Some of the most impressive work is being done by our Political Action for Candidate Election (PACE), whose members meet with candidates to identify those who are aligned with social work so that relational and humanistic values are represented in state and local office.”

Learning about the chapter’s advocacy efforts and how the state’s legislative agenda prioritizes equity and social justice has reinforced her belief that social workers step up for individuals and families to advocate for anti-oppressive services and resources, Ruiz said, adding that it’s important to volunteer for your professional association.

“Social work is an active profession,” she said. “We want to create change and make a difference. Volunteering is an opportunity to join with others who have similar goals, and we know that together we can make things happen.”