By Cassie Brown, MSW, LCSW PRIDE (noun): 1) a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired 2) consciousness of one’s own dignity. June is Pride Month. Throughout the country, there will be rainbow-bedecked parades, parties, and marches. ... Read More »
NASW Press Reads for Hope, Affirmation, and Pride! Read More »
By Lorrie Appleton, LCSW I am preparing to meet a new therapy client. (Let’s call her Emily). While anticipating our introduction, I scan my office, particularly noting the empty couch and chairs waiting to be occupied. I wonder how many people will be attending the meeting. I scheduled an individual session, however, I suspect the office will soon become inundated. ... Read More »
Many understand Memorial Day to be a time to commemorate the fallen veterans of all wars and conflicts. Its origin began as “Decoration Day” after the American Civil War where over half a million lives were lost. Although the birthplace of the federally recognized holiday is contested, the U.S. government declared the annual commemoration began in Waterloo, New York in ... Read More »
By Jo Seiders, LCSW, CDE May 17th is commonly recognized as International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia — a day many people around the globe celebrate gender and sexual diversity and collectively confront oppression, discrimination, intolerance, and violence that many LGBTQIA2S+ folks experience daily. The significance of May 17th is that on that day in 1990 the diagnosis of ... Read More »
It is easy to forget how terrified we were in the early days and months of the pandemic—and the relief we felt when mRNA vaccines were developed, approved, and rolled out across the country in seemingly record time. Read More »
By Sarah Meisinger MSW, LICSW It has been a long time coming and I have finally decided to pause and dedicate some time to reflect on the importance mentorship has played throughout my social work career. In order to effectively illustrate the impact of mentorship within our profession, I reached out to an important social worker in my life and ... Read More »
By Violeta Donawa, LMSW, MA Dr. Kathleen Cox and Dr. Sue Steiner bring the concept of “self-care” out of the shadows and demystifies its significance in the lives of social work practitioners and leaders. The authors’ undergraduate and graduate students inspired them to more fully flesh out the tenets of self-care as a means to prepare them for the field. ... Read More »
The NASW Code of Ethics is a set of standards that guide the professional conduct of social workers. The 2021 update includes language that addresses the importance of professional self-care. Moreover, revisions to the Cultural Competence standard provide more explicit guidance to social workers. All social workers should review the new text and affirm their commitment to abide by the ... Read More »
By Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW I am not one to crash a party with serious thoughts. Last month was time for celebration as we commemorated the 50th anniversary of Social Work month. Our profession and its contributions to this country’s well-being too often go unrecognized. Even our future was once questioned by noted experts like Dr. Abraham Flexner who said ... Read More »
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