Social Work Advocates Magazine

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Training Should Serve as Foundation for Meaningful Action

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 »

Social Work Advocates Feb–Mar 2023: Ethical Challenges Amid Changing Political Landscape

The February – March 2023 issue of Social Work Advocates is out now. Click here to log-in and see the online flipbook. Top stories include: Ethical Challenges: Profession Prepares to Protect Social Workers Amid Changing Political Landscape Social workers across the nation are facing ethical dilemmas as state legislatures enact laws that conflict with NASW’s Code of Ethics, particularly laws ... Read More »

Ethical Challenges: Profession Prepares to Protect Social Workers Amid Changing Political Landscape

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 »

Iowa Chapter President Says Social Work was the Right Path

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 »

Mississippi Chapter Helps With City’s Water Woes

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 »

Uplifting Women’s Issues is Board Member’s Passion

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 »

Social Worker and Lifelong Swimmer Now Swims With Baby

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 »

Social Work Can Play a Critical Role in Pain Management

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 »