The NASW Pennsylvania Chapter attended the 38th Annual Conference for the National Institute for Social Work and Human Services in Rural Areas in July at Millersville University of Pennsylvania.
The Rural Social Work Caucus quilt displays the many themes used throughout the years for the annual conference of the National Institute for Social Work and Human Services in Rural Areas.
Abigail Hurst, director of policy and communication at the chapter, said about 150 people traveled from across the country to the event, where the theme was “Community, Commitment and Tradition.” Members of the Rural Caucus shared stories, successes and practices of social work in rural communities across Pennsylvania and the nation, Hurst said.
NASW West Virginia Chapter Executive Director Sam Hickman led the opening ceremony in a song praising how “The [Rural Caucus] don’t have much structure, but it doesn’t fade away,” Hurst said. Hickman serves as secretary of the National Rural Social Work Caucus.
Over the three-day event, social workers attended various sessions that showcased what their colleagues have been able to accomplish in rural areas, and they connected with one another, Hurst said.
Ron Simon, NASW-Pennsylvania’s executive director, said, “The problems rural social workers often face are unique and diverse, and require creative thinking. Conferences like this one are invaluable to those often working independently to collaborate, network and discuss best practices.”
From the October 2013 NASW News.
