January 4th marked a critical moment in social change - the official end of the HIV/AIDS related entry, stay and residence restrictions (more commonly known as the “travel ban” ) in place since 1987. NASW Social Work Speaks policy statements clearly support the removal of the ban, and views this and related restrictions as discriminatory and limiting a client’s right to care and treatment.

Social workers and allied professions have long viewed the ‘travel ban’ as an affront to individual rights. Everyday experiences of clients range from not being able to re-unite with family, friends, or partners because of that persons’ HIV status to limiting equal access to health and behavioral health care services. The ban also resulted in persons with HIV/AIDS denying they were living with a chronic illness. And for untold thousands, the ban limited their ability to apply for citizenship and work visas.

The lifting of the ‘travel ban’ is a necessary next step in the ongoing efforts to address and stop the stigma and discrimination universally experienced by persons living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

HIV/AIDS Spectrum Project - www.socialworkers.org/practice/hiv_aids

On October 22, NASW participated in an advance screening panel for a powerful new movie called Precious, based on the novel Push by Sapphire.  This film chronicles the harrowing journey of an obese, abused and illiterate teenager in New York City who seeks a better life for herself and her two children. Lee Daniels directed an all-star cast including comedienne Mo’Nique, rising star Paula Patton, and rocker Lenny Kravitz, and introducing Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibe as Precious. In a surprising twist, pop diva Mariah Carey plays a no-nonsense social worker, Mrs. Weiss, who confronts Precious’ mother about incest and other physical and emotional abuse of her daughter. Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry served as executive producers for this gripping story of personal triumph over family violence and social isolation.

During the discussion portion of the screening–coordinated by Liquid Soul Media in partnership with Lionsgate Productions–more than 300 Baltimore and Washington area residents discussed issues that included:

• Education as the pathway from poverty and despair
• Value of community networks and service coordination
• Impact of untreated mental illness on families
• Risk-taking and courage when reporting abuse
• Increased and sustained funding for prevention programs
• Reducing isolation among vulnerable children and teens

Questions for social workers: Do you plan to see the movie?  Do you have any expectations about how the social worker character will be portrayed?  Leave a comment below.

NEW: Join a discussion of this movie and others, current TV shows and news coverage…from a social work perspective.  Visit our new social media driven site,  SocialWorkersSpeak.org today!

Hispanic Heritage Month 2009 Celebration

September 15 – October 15, 2009

You are cordially invited to help the National Association of Social Workers celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month 2009.

Last year we reached out to Hispanic social workers and asked them to tell us why they chose the social work profession and what they felt were the most pressing issues in the Hispanic community.Their responses were published on NASW’s Web site for the general public www.HelpStartsHere.org. Please click here to see the roster of participants and links to their profiles. This project was extremely successful — the Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration page was the 5thmost accessed page for the entire year with more than 8,000 visitors!

This year we would like to make submitting a profile a bit simpler. We ask that you tell us your name, work location, where you earned your social work degree(s) and tell us your area(s) of specialization. Please include an electronic photo, if possible. Next choose just one of the following questions to answer:

• How will the reduction in social services, health, and education by the federal, state and local governments affect programs supporting the Hispanic population?
• How can social workers help resolve social and public policy issues in the Hispanic population in a predominantly Americanized society without sacrificing cultural sensitivity?
• Describe a typical day on the job.
• Please describe some of the most rewarding moments in your career.
• How can we better prepare social work school graduates for what they will experience on the job?
• What do you want the public to know about Hispanic social workers that they may not be aware of?

Theresa Spinner from NASW Communications will compile your information, send you a draft for your review and approval, and then upload it to the HelpStartsHere.org web site.  You will not be asked to upload your information onto the site.  Email Theresa: tspinner@naswdc.org.

The deadline for submissions is Thursday, September 10, 2009.  Profiles will be published on HelpStartsHere.org on September 15, 2009.

Thank you.