Message From NASW-LA Executive Director, Will FranCis, LMSW

Our theme this year is a vital message in turbulent times – how can we pull the values that uphold our profession into all aspects of our work and lives. This country is facing an uncertain future under a new administration that may challenge how we practice and what protections we are able to extend to our clients and communities. We may find ourselves caught between rules and laws and our Code of Ethics, uncertain how to best carry out our mission. And there may be individuals within social work whose very identities are under attack, targeted simply for living as their true selves.

I really believe that in order to maintain our strength and passion for our work it is vital that we take the time to think about how important compassion is to all that we do.  I think this is best exemplified in the adage: To truly know your neighbor is to actively consider what they might need, not just what you can give them. We must listen to our clients, colleagues, friends and even those we disagree with in order to think about how we can uphold our values. We need to reflect on any privilege we may have, and what it means to thoughtfully use that to support others. And we need to ensure that we save compassion for ourselves, making sure we have the energy and ability to continue to work for a better future.

In the uncertain days ahead, I hope that you’ll draw on compassion in all that you do and use it as a motivation in your work. Actions driven by compassion bring out the best social worker in all of us. They help us see how to listen and support our clients and colleagues and show why social work thrives on empathy and awareness. Thank you for all that you do, and for working in ways that continue to motivate and inspire all of us at NASW.