I have four topics I would like to address briefly in my column this month.
First: the NASW National Conference. The conference had about 1,500 attendees in person and another 900 who participated virtually. As I met and interacted with people, the many “hugs” reminded me of the importance of in-person meetings. The pandemic caused us to settle comfortably in our remote settings and interact with everyone, including our clients, through a computer screen. Those times have changed. The conference plenary speakers were inspiring and the workshops were informational, but the networking during breaks and in the exhibit hall was amazing. The human bond that unites us in the social work profession is obvious.
NASW has decided to hold a national conference each year. In election years, it will be held in Washington, D.C., to accommodate easy access to our congressional representatives. In the off years, it will move around the country, with next year’s conference slated for Chicago. As the nation continues to move past the aftermath of the pandemic, I believe we will see the need for human interaction to increase.
Second: NASW’s international involvement. I met with NASW’s International Committee during the national conference, which caused me to reflect on NASW’s involvement and impact as a global social work community member. NASW’s global reach and our involvement as part of the international community are integral to our role as social work practitioners in resolving human rights concerns. We are a national association with an international impact. I want to share a few activities where NASW has a presence, involvement and lasting impact.
Many countries, including China, have used the NASW Code of Ethics as a guide. Our Office of Ethics and Professional Review has assisted several countries in developing their codes, including Mexico, Congo, Jordan and Togo.
The International Committee interprets NASW policies and Delegate Assembly priorities in developing guidance for implementing programs in international social work education and practice and advocating for the protection of human rights in the global context. Whenever possible, the committee works with our Canadian partners on joint activities.
The NASW International Committee sponsored a webinar on Feb. 28 titled “Beyond Borders: Navigating Conflict with Global Social Work Wisdom.” The webinar featured presenters from Ukraine, Rwanda, Liberia and Nepal. Each presenter provided a historical overview of the economic, social, and political conflict in their respective countries and discussed the role of social work practitioners in resolving human rights concerns. The committee formed a collaborative partnership with the Ghana Association of Social Workers, and drafted several statements, including one regarding the floods in Libya and the earthquake in Morocco. I depend on the International Committee to keep me apprised of issues I should bring to the attention of the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) as I begin my two-year term as president of IFSW’s North American Region. The committee members will help me carry NASW’s message of solidarity and social justice to social workers in countries where wars and internal conflict have put large populations in harm’s way.
Third: the upcoming presidential election. I recently read one of former NASW President Mit Joyner’s columns from 2022, where she described the upcoming elections as critical. Mit passed away in 2023, but if she were here, I think she would agree that our democracy is in jeopardy with this presidential election. U.S. Supreme Court rulings have restricted individual rights concerning reproductive rights, have given the president powers that mirror a dictatorship, and continue to ignore the need for gun control. A recent NPR update indicated that the U.S. has eight times the rate of gun violence as Canada does and close to 100 times that of the United Kingdom. Each vote will count in this election. You can go to votingissocialwork.org and visit the Nancy A. Humphreys Institute for Political Social Work for more information. NASW also has a voting resource page. There is power in numbers!
Fourth: a sad goodbye. Last year, we lost two strong forces in the social work profession, Mit Joyner, the former president of NASW and of CSWE, and Tony Bibus, a member of the NASW national board. Recently, Dr. Bernice Harper passed away at age 102. Dr. Harper chaired NASW Pioneer events for many years, leaving an incredible social work legacy. We miss these individuals but celebrate all they have given to the profession, and we are honored to have had the opportunity to be in their presence. I know others have made tremendous contributions to the social work profession. My thanks go out to each and every one!
Contact Yvonne Chase at president@socialworkers.org