December 2022

During the entire month of March, it is the opportunity to place the spotlight on social workers across the country and highlight the numerous contributions we make to society. It also provides a time to promote, and advocate for social workers through activities, events, and other outreach and awareness efforts.

In 1984 the White House began officially recognizing Social Workers in March as Social Work Month.   Since then the National Association of Social Workers has selected a social issue to promote each year, spanning topics such as the health care crisis, to hate crimes, to children in poverty, to homelessness and more.

Each year has a different theme and the 2022 theme is,  The Time is Right for Social Work.  According to National, this theme underscores the contributions social workers have made to this nation for more than a century and how the services they provide are needed more than ever as our nation addresses economic inequality, systemic racism, the need for improved health and mental health care, Covid-19 and other issues.

As social workers, daily you find yourselves in various demanding, often emotional situations.  From   discrimination, poverty, trauma, protecting children and adults with support needs from harm,  helping keep families under pressure together to supporting someone with mental health challenges.  What you do can be very difficult, especially when you give so much of yourself, despite the long hours and the emotional impact of the job and everything you have assigned to you. Yet, you do it without thinking, you always complete the assignments. It’s part of who you are – thank you for UNDERSTANDING your assignment.

 Your Membership Information Is Important to Us! Help us better serve you by keeping your contact information up-to-date.

Recently the National Office made changes to the mailing address and fax number on the New Member Application form.  A new application is available on the National website at www.socialworkers.org or via the link on the Louisiana Chapter’s website at www.naswla.org.  The new address is: P.O. Box 791343, Baltimore, MD 21279-1343 and the fax number is 888-551-6096.  Please note that membership applications must be mailed to the National Office at the address above.

The Finder connects consumers with licensed social workers quickly at www.HelpStartsHere.org. The Finder is free to the consumer and is an excellent opportunity for licensed social workers to promote their services, practice, and organization. Listings cost $25.00. This fee is waived for social workers with a current Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW) credential - another benefit for NASW members.

It is important that Licensed MSW and BSWsocial workers register on the National Social Worker Finder online search tool and take advantage of the benefits.  The success of the Finder will help ensure the success of the new consumer Website – www.HelpStartsHere.org

The public benefits. Social workers benefit. Your chapter benefits.