Social Work is Front and Center as Schools Fully Reopen
By Laetitia Clayton, Editor
I remember the excitement I felt as a kid when summer was coming to an end and school was about to start back. I loved the summers off, too, but there was a certain anticipation about returning to school to see all of my classmates and teachers and to learn new things. I can’t imagine how I would feel today if I were a student.
COVID has changed so much for all of us over the past year and a half, and schools are no exception. In this issue’s cover story, social workers weigh in on the best ways to help children, families and teachers adjust as schools fully reopen. One message is that there is an opportunity to make school environments more welcoming and less punitive.
We also examine social work’s involvement in reimagining law enforcement. The issue is complex, but it’s important for social work to have a voice and be part of the change. Social workers already are involved in various ways—by supporting legislation and community engagement when it comes to reimagining the U.S. policing system.
In Association News, learn about the recently released NASW report on addressing systemic racism. Also read about an NASW Texas Chapter program that focuses on post-pandemic re-openings, and how the Illinois, North Dakota and Wyoming chapters coordinated a multistate conference.
You can read these articles and more at socialworkers.org/News/Social-Work-Advocates, and in flipbook format at qgdigitalpublishing.com/publication/?i=717315.
Write to us at swadvocates@socialworkers.org
The August–September issue of Social Work Advocates also includes:
- President’s Column: Examining Reaction to Critical Race Theory in Unprecedented Times
- CEO Column: Ending Child Poverty is a Moral Imperative
- NASW Examines its Past, Present and Future in Addressing Systemic Racism
- Backstory: Primetime Soap to Social Work
- Viewpoints: Harnessing the Power of NASW’s Political Action Committee
- Association News
