The op-ed below was submitted to local media by Richard Cook, University of Maryland School of Social Work. This link to resulting article in the Baltimore Sun: http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.vozzella07sep07,0,6995248.column This week the nation is hearing again that Barack Obama started his work on human concerns in Chicago as a community organizer. While the world is familiar with what a soldier does,... 

Take Action! On September 17, 2008, the House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 6893, the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act (H.R. 6893), by voice vote. This legislation targets specific deficiencies in the child welfare system and addresses some of the most important needs affecting foster children in America today, including extending federal foster care payments up to... 

Take Action! Background Last year the House passed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act (H.R. 2381/S. 1843). Sen. Kennedy introduced S. 1843 on July 20, 2007. It currently has 45 cosponsors. The Senate may bring this bill to a vote in the next couple of weeks. Lilly Ledbetter is a woman who was denied her fair pay claim because the Supreme Court held that the discrimination began too long before she... 

September 16, 2008 As I travel around the country representing the National Association of Social Workers, I meet many social workers who work with clients and communities in different capacities. Many of these social workers have dedicated their lives to serving those living in poverty, particularly children. How do families become impoverished? We know that 13 million children live below the poverty line. We also... 

Take Action! Senator Blanche Lincoln recently introduced, “Increased Student Achievement Through Increased Student Support Act (S. 3364),” a bill that will have a tremendous impact on the lives of children by creating a better trained and prepared school social work workforce to address the psychosocial and emotional issues that can impede educational performance. Our nation currently faces a serious shortage... 

Take Action! On August 21, the Bush Administration released a draft regulation that would limit the rights of patients to receive complete reproductive health information. There is a 30 day comment period. It ends on September 20. Action Requested Send your comments to Secretary Mike Leavitt at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Background The new rule expands the universe of providers that can... 

As Hurricane Ike approaches Texas, the American Red Cross is in great need of licensed mental health professionals (Volunteering)* Volunteering in your local community To find the Red Cross chapter closest to you, please go to the Chapter Locater website at www.redcross.org. Local volunteers may be called upon to provide mental health support to volunteers going on national disaster assignments or to Red Cross chapter... 

Social workers were in attendance at the RNC. “Nita Waddell, an alternate delegate from Hope, Ark., and retired social worker, said she liked McCain’s speech but that it was Palin’s address Wednesday that finally sold her on a ticket she had some misgivings about – mostly because of McCain’s support for campaign-finance-reform measures that conservatives view as an infringement on free speech. “Palin made...