By Alison Laurio David LaPensee has traveled to 30 countries and 47 of the 50 United States. He said he has been taking photos for decades and always has his camera with him. “If I went alone or with other people, I always had something to do in the present moment,” he said. LaPensee in Rocky Mountain National Park in ... Read More »

By Sue Coyle, MSW In October 2022, NASW published “Undoing Racism Through Social Work Vol. 2.” The report emphasized NASW’s commitment to an anti-racist profession and society. It recognized that while social work and social workers may be starting from a different place than other professions, there’s still work to be done, noting: “Given its century-long contributions to social justice ... Read More »

By Alison Laurio  Eighty-eight years ago what was called “The Great Labor Day Hurricane of 1935” hit Florida on August 29. With winds of up to 185 mph, its pressure was the most intense of any Atlantic hurricane to make landfall on record. The Lauderdale Daily News on Sept. 3, 1935, wrote the category 5 storm killed 408 people, and ... Read More »

By Alison Laurio Search online for “Planned Parenthood and abortion rights” and a page opens with large white letters standing out against a dark background. The message: “The U.S. Supreme Court has ended the federal constitutional right to abortion — handing our power to control our own bodies to politicians.” After Roe was overturned on June 24 last year, and ... Read More »

Julia Rose, MSW, LISW, serves as the president of the NASW Iowa Chapter. She is an Intimate Partner Violence Program Coordinator for the Veterans Health Administration. She answers questions about her role with NASW. What inspired you to serve as president?I was interested in uplifting the social work profession when I was approached by the current Iowa Chapter president about ... Read More »

By Alison Laurio  Heavy rainfall in late August exacerbated ongoing problems at the main water treatment facility in Jackson, Miss., prompting Gov. Tate Reeves to declare a state of emergency. The Pearl River flooded Jackson, leading to low water pressure and a malfunction of pumps. Although a boil-water notice was lifted in mid-September, many residents remain skeptical about water safety.  ... Read More »

By Paul R. Pace “The world is going through a challenging time in regard to women’s health and rights, and as a social worker we have a crucial role to play to ensure women have access to proper care and health,” says Yasoda Sharma, PhD, MSW, director of Region IV for NASW’s national board of directors. “My inspiration to serve ... Read More »

By Alison Laurio Stephanie Urbina, MSW, was enrolled in her first swimming class when she was a young child. Her parents had immigrated to the U.S. from Nicaragua and both worked full time. “My mother wanted to bond with me, Urbina said, so she enrolled her 5-year-old daughter in competitive swimming. There, she said, “I really flourished.” Why Swimming? After ... Read More »

By Paul R. Pace Social worker Jennifer Kljajic, LCSW, lost her brother to suicide when he was tapered off from opioids too quickly after taking them as prescribed for years due to a chronic pain condition in 2018. It was not until a year later that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published guidelines that warned against fast ... Read More »

By Alison Laurio Will Francis, LMSW, said he “saw the writing on the wall” after new laws were implemented in Texas and took action to inform NASW Texas Chapter members about how to stay safe while doing their jobs. “Freedom of Social Work: How the First Amendment Supports Safe Spaces” — his presentation at the state conference — is an ... Read More »