Monday, June 28, 2010

A Quick Roundup

Here is a great opportunity to become more involved in your professional organization. Identifying talented NASW members to run for elected office will be underway in September. The MA Chapter has open positions on both its nominating committee and the board of directors. When you hold an elected position you have a major role in steering the direction of the organization--- from the inside. Those NASW members who are new to the profession will have the opportunity engage and contribute to the Chapter’s strategic plan as well as build their professional resume. Experienced social workers will be able to share their wisdom and perspective to strengthen the organization.

The Massachusetts Chapter has embarked on several key initiatives under the direction of its Board of Directors: the Social Workers Reinvestment Initiative, charged with reinvigorating social work as a career option for young people has just completed producing a broadcast quality video that will be shown to High School and College level students throughout the state; the Diversity Task Force which is charged with the important task of expanding the Chapter membership to include more people of color is gearing up its efforts for the fall; Political Action For Candidate Election (PACE) the chapter’s PACE has begun interviewing candidates, who are seeking the chapter’s endorsement for State Wide elections. This is an intense process. Candidates are eager to receive NASW’s endorsement and the PACE volunteers devote hours to the task of interviewing and then evaluating the candidates qualifications and commitment to values and programs of the social work profession. These are just a few of the Chapter’s major projects. As a Chapter, we are fortunate to draw on the ideas of our talented membership to keep us in touch and relevant to the communities we serve. Now is the time to share your ideas and lead. Consider running for an office. The Massachusetts chapter is the 4th largest NASW Chapter in the country with 8,350 members who keep the Chapter vital, successful and in the forefront of the profession. Join the Action!

Carol Trust

Friday, June 11, 2010

Casinos Are Not The Answer

Hello Everyone,

This week the Massachusetts Senate Ways and Means Committee hosted a hearing on the proposed Casino Legislation. The MA Chapter has taken a strong position AGAINST the proposal. Legalizing gambling in Massachusetts would exacerbate the ills of an already fragile economy. Supporters of the proposal believe it would jumpstart economic growth. However, as NASW panelists testified this week, the long-term negative social and economic effects far exceed the short term “benefits.” As Social Workers, we understand the full impact addiction has on individuals, families and the community. Below is NASW's testimony before the Legislature, as presented by Rebekah Gewirtz, Director of Government Relations..

Carol Trust

NASW testimony: