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Membership Services: 1-800-742-4089 |
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Advancing The Profession & Practice Of Social Work In Florida |
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Message From Chapter President |
Dear Colleagues,
I hope summer is treating you well and you have been able to safely expand your horizons. As people begin to move about and re-enter the world, we at NASW-FL have been thinking about our future steps as well. Several units have resumed events – beginning with outside ones, such as the Miami-Dade Unit’s fundraising partnership with NAMI – including an outdoor self-care event. Several units are starting in-person meetings again. We encourage each Unit to do what feels safe and appropriate – and recognize that different units around the state have different circumstances.
June brought us another successful online conference where we provided more than 70 workshops to almost 400 participants, and we are pleased that COVID-19 hasn’t stopped the learning opportunities. That said, we miss you. We are busily plotting some opportunities for re-emerging with a few face-to-face events, when appropriate and safe.
I am very excited to welcome our newly elected NASW leaders. The Executive Board’s role is to create program planning for the state and steer the full board, and only includes a few people. It is currently headed up by yours truly and Jim Akin, our Executive Director, and now it will include my future replacement. I’m excited to welcome our President-Elect - Sharon Gandarilla-Javier, PhD, LMSW, MA, an educator and social work leader who resides in Jacksonville and has an extensive background in criminal justice work. She will be stepping up to what I fondly call the biggest (and most exciting) social work volunteer job in the State. In her year as President-Elect, I’ll have the opportunity to orient her to the role as well as learn from her. We also have a new Second Vice President for Budget & Finance - Christopher Collins, ACSW, LCSW. Our full Executive Board also includes Secretary - Julie Johnson, ACSW, LCSW, and First Vice President - Fabio Naranjo, PhD, who will be ably reprising their roles. Look for big leadership from this group.
We have Student Representation as well. We welcome back MSW Student Representative - Neal Sinha, BSW who previously served as our BSW rep and our new BSW rep, Carroll Merand. If you are a social work student – these two will bring your needs and issues to the Board – so be sure to reach out to them and help them to better represent you.
In addition, several of our Units have new Chairs. Their roles include coordinating the Unit (we have 18 Units statewide) We welcome the new: Emerald Coast Unit Chair - Denise Baril, BSW, MSW; Miami-Dade Unit Chair - Marcela Gomez-Bogomolni, MSW; and Northwest Unit Chair - Ryan Bullard, BSW, MSW, LCSW. They will join our Board, share local issues, concerns and accomplishments and lead in the coordination of your Unit activities. If you want to become actively involved in your local steering committee, now is a good time to reach out to these leaders and offer your talents.
Several wonderful folks were re-elected including Central Unit Chair - Amy Moncion, BSW, MSW, LCSW; Nature Coast Unit Chair - Christina Cazanave, MSW; and Sarasota/Manatee Unit Chair - Kerry Dennis, ACSW, LCSW, MCAP, CSAT, SAP. We are so glad they will be continuing their good work with us. Chairs are elected every two years, so if you don’t see your Unit leadership mentioned here, that is because your Unit won’t have elections until the Spring for their new leadership. You can always find the list of ALL Unit Chairs at NASW-FL’s website: http://www.naswfl.org/chapter-leadership.html These folks might just look like names in a column to you, but I assure you, each is a social worker who wants to make a difference to social workers in their areas – and each would benefit from knowing YOU.
We enter this season with high hopes for the work of our committees and task groups. We have so much to accomplish. If you are seeking opportunities to make a difference on a state or national level, being a volunteer in one of these groups will put you in contact with like-minded colleagues and help you increase your knowledge and professional credibility all while identifying and then doing really needed teamwork. These committees and task groups need your participation.
Our Immigration Justice Task Group is one of our most active and productive teams and they are seeking new members who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves to do meaningful work. Our newest task force for Abilities/Disabilities is also seeking participation. Finally, please see the article below by Kryss Shane about LGBT+ issues and consider stepping up to join us at the LGBTQ+ task group, which is currently re-organizing, with opportunities for impactful leadership. Contact Jim Akin, jakin.naswfl@socialworkers.org or me, susanlcsw2@gmail.com for more information about these opportunities
I’m excited to see more of YOU – one way or another.
Warm regards for a safe and productive summer.
Susan
Susan Mankita, MSW, LCSW
NASW-FL President
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Second Vice President for Budget & Finance - Christopher Collins, ACSW, LCSW
Secretary - Julie Johnson, ACSW, LCSW
Chapter Committee on Nominations and Leadership Identification (CCNLI)
- Melissa Coral Bermudez, MSW, LCSW, LICSW
- Hilda Martinez Reyes, ACSW
- Velma Stevens, ACSW, LCSW
- Caron McKenzie-Davis, BSW
Delegate Assembly:
- Michael Alicea, LCSW
- Seth Berkowitz, LCSW, CCLS
- Stacy Kratz, PhD, LCSW, CAP
- Amy Moncion, BSW, MSW, LCSW
- Peter Downes, LCSW
Unit Chairs:
Central Unit Chair - Amy Moncion, BSW, MSW, LCSW
Emerald Coast Unit Chair - Denise Baril, BSW, MSW
Miami-Dade Unit Chair - Marcela Gomez-Bogomolni, MSW
Nature Coast Unit Chair - Christina Cazanave, MSW
Northwest Unit Chair - Ryan Bullard, BSW, MSW, LCSW
Sarasota/Manatee Unit Chair - Kerry Dennis, ACSW, LCSW, MCAP, CSAT, SAP
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Undoing Racism Through Social Work |
NASW Report to the Profession on Racial Justice Priorities and Action
NASW acknowledges the social work profession and this association have not always lived up to our mission of pursuing social justice for all. We apologize for supporting policies & activities that have harmed people of color. Read our report “Undoing Racism Through Social Work: NASW Report to the Profession on Racial Justice Priorities and Action” to learn what we are doing to promote racial equity: Read more here.
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Social-work students hurt by limits of education on race | Commentary
by Darla Spence Coffey, President and CEO of the Council on Social Work Education
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Gov. Ron DeSantis is not alone in his misguided quest to remove critical race theory from colleges. Lawmakers in at least 20 states are attempting to ban the teaching of this particular set of ideas from public colleges and universities. In fact, proposed laws have sought to eliminate any discussions that address race that pose the risk of a student feeling uncomfortable.
Yet this opens an opportunity to talk about why it is imperative that social work students learn about and be prepared to recognize — and dismantle — systemic racism and gender discrimination in college.
There are 26 accredited programs of social work in Florida and 18 of these programs are at public colleges and universities. There are more than 800 accredited programs around the country where students have critical conversations about racial and social justice as they prepare to work with all peoples and communities in their practice.
Social workers are guided by a person-in-environment framework. This means that they learn that not only do factors like race, gender, class and sexual orientation shape a person’s identity, but that there also are systemic factors that support or inhibit the well-being of people and communities. It is important to teach about the many dimensions of diversity, including gender, race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, and the societal and historical roots of oppression and social and racial injustice as part of social work education.
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Practice Alert: New Program Instruction from Administration on Children, Youth, and Families: Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment |
This document provides guidance for social workers who collaborate and assist their agencies that apply for Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and Treatment Programs State Grant Funds; Agencies Administering the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) State Grant; and Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) Program Grantees. that are funded by grants.
The Program Instruction (PI) provides information on the allowable use of the funding and actions states and territories must take to report on planned and actual use of the funds. Additionally, the PI provides updates on the regular fiscal year (FY) 2021 appropriation for the CAPTA State Grant program and the requirement to prioritize use of funds to develop and implement plans of safe care for substance-exposed infants and their families.
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Reopening In-Person Therapy Services and Vaccine Requirements |
We are finally at the point where many people have been vaccinated, and social workers are wondering how to address this in terms of resuming in-person services.
The 2020 and 2021 articles should be read together.
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New Practice Alert: Travel Guidelines for Emotional Support Animals |
Major airlines have banned emotional support animals (ESAs) under a new United States Department of Transportation (DOT) ruling. This document discussed the DOT's new rules and how it affects ESA and pet airline travel. Clinical social workers should be aware of the changes especially when receiving requests to provide supportive documentation to patients wishing to travel with their emotional support animal.
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Pride Month
by Kryss Shane
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So many of us think about Pride as a month of rainbows, of glitter, of Gaga or Madonna, of travel or travelers, and of celebration. For some, that’s what Pride month means. However, Pride month didn’t come from that. Pride (and the Pride Parade) actually has its roots in a liberation movement. Not so long ago, it was not only illegal to be gay or transgender, but each was also diagnosable in the DSM. As a result, these individuals lived this aspect of their lives underground, gathering socially in basements of someone’s home or in clubs with secret signals of who was welcome. In June, 1969, in New York City, at a bar called The Stonewall Inn, the battle between those living their lives and the police trying to enforce laws turned into a literal riot. Though this was far from the first situation, but this one made the national news. Suddenly, this topic wasn’t just underground, it was front page. A year later, to mark the Riot, many gathered to march for liberation, to march to be seen and heard, to be validated and accepted. Those marches continued. Those marches are now often known as “Pride Parades.”
Did You Know?
According to CNN, "Thirty-three states have introduced more than 100 bills that aim to curb the rights of transgender people across the country, with advocacy groups calling 2021 a record-breaking year for such legislation." There have been so many that it can be difficult for many to keep up, leading the ACLU to create a tracker website to help those who support human rights to know where to focus their efforts.
What Can I Do?
For many of us, the topic of LGBT+ inclusion and affirmation, of history and understanding was a question or two on the licensure exam that we forgot as soon as we passed, or it was a week of a class we took way back in school. For some of us, this is personal history tied to identity, to who we are, to how we fit, or to the challenges we face with our clients every day. Wherever you fall on this rainbow spectrum, I encourage you to take just one more step.
One Step at A Time
Now I know, so many of you are so overwhelmed with the social work that pays your bills and the social justice areas that directly impact your personal values. It can certainly seem impossible to become experts on every area, no matter how much we each want to follow our NASW Code of Ethics. So how about this… how about if we agree to trade? How about if we agree to work together, collectively, to share and spread our knowledge in ways that are research-based, best practice focused, and bite-sized enough for anyone?
In a 2019 interview on How You Can Be A Better LGBT+ Ally, I got asked for ideas of how a person can become a better ally. Here’s a portion of what I said: "Read and learn about LGBTQ+ leaders. Know the stories and contributions of Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, Bayard Rustin, Cecilia Chung, Ivory Aquino, Andrea Shorter, Jazz Jennings, Sara Ramirez, Rosie O'Donnell, Cleve Jones. Know the stories of the callers to the Trevor Project hotline, the cause for the existence of the True Colors United residence, and why SAGE is so necessary. And before you don rainbows, know about the Stonewall riots and Gilbert Baker."
I stand by that in 2021, with a quick change; that was said to the general public and we are not “the general public.” We are social workers. We are educated and capable and supportive and inclusive and superhero-esque. It makes us the perfect people to speak up for and with this community. For those of you planning to deck out in rainbows and glitter, have fun and wear your mask. For those of you who treat the event more as a march for liberation, know that so many of us march for the same reason. As social workers and as fellow humans, we continue to work collectively to celebrate and affirm the identities of all people, beginning with educating ourselves about the history, supporting in the present, and fighting together for the future.
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Congratulations - NASW Foundation Gosnell Scholarship Award Recipient! |
Congratulations to Margaux Herrera, a Florida State University, College of Social Work student, a 2021-2022 Gosnell Scholarship recipient.
The scholarship amount is $4,000. Many applications were received; among them were many outstanding applicants competing for this award. The Gosnell Panel was extremely impressed with Herrera's on-going desire and commitment to work with American Indian and/or Latino populations, her academic record, and supporting documentation.
Click here to learn more about the Consuelo W. Gosnell Memorial Scholarship.
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Manage Your Student Loan Debt with Savi
NASW partners with Savi, a student loan technology company, to provide our members with access to resources and expertise to better understand, manage, and repay student loan debt. The Savi Student Loan Tool analyzes repayment and forgiveness programs to help borrowers choose their best solution.
Members can select a free account to explore options at no cost, or choose a member-discounted premium account to get help enrolling and submitting application paperwork directly to loan servicers, including one-on-one support with student loan experts.
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Social work education is an important part of NASW, and maintaining relationships with students and their universities is even more important.
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NASW Florida has 18 volunteer-led units that hold meetings, continuing education events, community projects, and social events for its members.
Click here for more information on your local Unit.
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Find your perfect social worker job on the NASW-FL employment site!
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Text NASW-FL
Sign up to receive text alerts. Text 'NASW' to 1-800-352-6279.
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Need office space? Looking for Trainings / Licensing / Supervision? Want to return to school? Check out the offers from our advertisers.
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July
July 28, 2021, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (ET)
"Advocacy Practice for Persons with Disabilities from a Social Work Perspective"
Presenter: Luz Elena Arango, MSW,
Participants of this workshop will learn and have a better understanding of the deficiencies that still exist related to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) law by advocacy practice. Registration is Free!
You will receive the Zoom link prior to the workshop.
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August
August 6, 2021, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. (ET)
"Immigration Evaluations: Making a Powerful Impact while Creating a Thriving Practice"
Presenter: Georgia King, LCSW
Registration is Free! You will receive the Zoom link prior to the workshop.
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August 6, 2021, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (ET)
"Monthly Networking & Check-in Event"
Host: Kathryn Taylor Davis, MSW
You are invited to come and learn more about community resources and local agencies, as well as network with your social work colleagues.
Social Work students and professional social workers are encouraged to attend our networking events, even if you are not a member of NASW. This is a wonderful opportunity for social workers, social work educators, and social work students to get to know one another.
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August
August 10, 2021, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (ET)
Virtual Book Club featuring
"Attachment Theory in Practice"
Host: Fred Sacklow, LCSW
"Attachment Theory in Practice" an emotionally focused therapy with individuals, couples and families by Susan M. Johnson.
You will receive the Zoom link prior to the event.
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August 11, 2021, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (ET)
"Monthly Unit Steering Committee Meeting"
Host: Kathryn Taylor Davis, MSW
This event will take place the second Wednesday of each month. The Steering Committee is comprised of members seeking to actively participate in the development of events, workshops and activities.
You will receive a Zoom link prior to the event.
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August 12, 2021,8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. (ET)
Breakfast Club Peer Support Group for Private Practitioners
Host: Susana Lopez-Sierra, MSW - Past Unit Chair,
Location: Roasted Record in Stuart
We welcome all professionals in the behavioral health field to join us for sharing of community resources, collaborating and networking. Registration is free. .
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1931 Dellwood Dr.
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Toll-Free: 1-800-352-6279 | Local: (850) 224-2400
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