2017 is under way and already emerging is the fact that this will be a historic year, as individuals and communities exercise their voice in American politics in unprecedented ways. Equity and social justice are core tenets that we, as a profession will uphold, shine light upon, and give voice to without exception. In fact, I believe there is no other profession poised to better meet the challenges of our society than the social work profession. We should take a moment to reflect on our awe-inspiring work — past, present and future. I would like to share our current initiatives and priorities, and how you can help shape your profession by participating in our collective social justice agenda and assuming a leadership role.
At the NYS Capitol, NASW-NYS is actively engaged in calling for juvenile justice reforms, LGBTQ protections, and access to quality mental health services. With New York being the last state in the United States to automatically charge and prosecute children 16 to 17 years old as adults, raising the age of criminal responsibility has risen to the top of our agenda. As such, NASW-NYS has become very active in the Raise the Age Campaign. And as the rights of our LGBTQ citizens come under fire and scrutiny from the federal administration, we have lead the charge against the use of conversion therapy — a practice that continues to be implemented despite research that proves it to be futile and often detrimental.
Furthermore, licensure exemption remains at the forefront of our work as we recognize that the continuation of this practice disproportionately impacts marginalized and oppressed communities. It is both a scope of practice issue affecting social worker salaries statewide and a social justice issue.
As we work on these and other priority areas, we often issue calls to action. This is one opportunity for you, as a member, to exercise your voice on behalf of the many communities we serve and the profession. Stay engaged and take action when we send our legislative alerts! Learn more by reading our 2016 NASW-NYS Legislative End of Session Report at the following link: https://naswnys.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/2016-NASW-NYS-Legislative-Session-Report.pdf.
As we mobilize and activate our membership around policies at the local, state and national level we will use our Code of Ethics as a guide. As we explore these policies, we ask: Does the policy reflect our fundamental professional beliefs? Does it enhance human well-being and promote equity and justice for all with attention to people who are vulnerable, oppressed and living in poverty? Does it take into consideration the implications of our history in the context of race, diversity and intersectionality? Does it recognize and address systems and structures that continue to impact individual and community’s ability to self-actualize?
NASW represents our collective voice, amplifying it to drive change. We know an organization’s greatest asset is not bricks and mortar, but the combined effort over time of those engaged in the mission and work of the organization that is.
As I travel throughout New York State on our Division Tour, I have learned of our members’ active engagement in social justice movements like the Women’s March and protests of Presidential Executive Orders. Many members have shared how powerful this experience was. Equally, they say, it leaves them asking, “What is next? What can I do now?”
I encourage you to connect and participate in your local NASW Division, who are doing extraordinary work around the state to unite and strengthen our profession. From developing programs to shaping social justice movements, our division members are at the forefront leading change. To find your division visit: https://naswnys.org/about/divisions/.
In the next couple of months, we will be issuing a call for statewide leadership. We need a strong governance and committee structure to vet, shape and drive our policy, program and social justice agenda. I hope you will consider how your knowledge and experience may serve your profession as you join social workers from around the state in a leadership and/or advocacy role.
I thank you for recognizing both the value of your membership and for recognizing that our broad systemic change initiatives would be impossible without you. I encourage you to become as active as you can in the mission of NASW. I look forward to “Standing Up” with, and on behalf of you, our profession and the individuals and communities we serve to shape a bright future for all!
Peace, health and solidarity to you all.
Sincerely,
Ron Bunce, LMSW
Executive Director
National Association of Social Workers – New York State
Author: Amelia Lochner Malavé
NASW-NYS