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THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER® Social Work E-News
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Issue #28, March 11, 2003
EDITOR'S EYE
Dear Social Work Colleagues,
Welcome to Issue #28 of the Social Work E-News. This e-mail newsletter is brought to you by the publisher of THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER magazine and other social work publications.
HAPPY SOCIAL WORK MONTH! March is National Social Work Month in the U.S. The National Association of Social Workers has information on its Web site at http://www.socialworkers.org about this very important month and related activities.
ATTENTION EMPLOYERS: In honor of Social Work Month, THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER's job search Web site at SocialWorkJobBank.com is making a special offer to employers. All single job postings are HALF-PRICE for this month. If your agency currently has a job opening for a social worker (or social workers), please visit http://www.socialworkjobbank.com for more information. If you know of other agencies that are hiring social workers, feel free to pass this special offer along to them, as well!
My mention of vicarious traumatization and compassion fatigue in the last issue brought several responses. I found that there are at least several subscribers to this newsletter who are doing important work in this area.
It was nice meeting so many Social Work E-News subscribers at the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) conference in Atlanta a couple of weeks ago. One thing that struck me was that quite a few people said to me, "Oh, yes-I receive THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER online!" The Social Work E-News is a service of THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER, which is a quarterly print magazine, and THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER ONLINE, which is our Web site at http://www.socialworker.com . They are separate, but related, publications.
One fun aspect of the CSWE conference is the Annual Arts Festival, where social workers and social work educators showcase their work in the arts as it relates to social work education. I met and heard two social worker/musicians whose work I'm featuring in this issue.
Until next time,
Linda Grobman, ACSW, LSW
Publisher/Editor
THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER®
http://www.socialworker.com
linda.grobman@paonline.com
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IN THIS ISSUE
Letter from a Reader
News
A Word From Our Sponsor
Feature
On Our Web Site
In Print
Job Corner
Newsletter Necessities
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LETTER FROM A READER
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Dear Editor:
I have been a keen reader of your online magazine. It is encouraging that it has reached a wider subscription now. My only concern is, since this magazine has such great potential for the entire social work profession worldwide, what has been the contribution from Africa?
We have social workers in the Sierra Leone, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, which are being ravaged by war. And also from Kenya, which has just undergone some democratization process but the level of poverty is still very high. AIDS continues to take a great number of people leaving other orphans, to name a few African cases.
I think we have to begin to forge more collaborative links between the Africa based professionals and those outside Africa. Maybe we need to enhance such programmes as scholarships to the African based social workers in classes where the interaction enhances change of thought, promotion of proactivity based on case studies on comparative basis. By so doing, we shall feel part and parcel of the global family of human service providers.
On the looming political crisis between the US and Iraq, social workers are at a dilemma. We are faced by a situation where two iminent evils--bloodshed due the actual war and postponing bloodshed in the name of weapons of mass destruction threaten our stand as social work professionals. If the weapons are not destroyed if they exist, tomorrow they will be used to take away life. Social workers are therefore at a loss of what to support.
However, tolerance--a virtue that social workers adhere to--can be the only solution. We can though belatedly promote the virtue of tolerance in the whole world where dialogue takes the center stage.
From my lovely country Kenya, I wish all those who will read this a prosperous 2003.
John Njuguna Ngugi,
Nairobi-Kenya
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NEWS
NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH INFORMATION CENTER NEWS
Many individuals, because of circumstances at birth or other unforeseen events, require special care throughout their lifetime. Advocates, in both the private and public sectors, are working tirelessly to secure the rights of these people who often fall victim to unfair practices or discrimination because of their inability to speak for themselves.
The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) National Mental Health Information Center spotlights, among its special online features in March, two groups that focus on protection and advocacy services for children and adults who are most vulnerable to potential neglect and abuse. We are making these resources, along with information about two other related health observances celebrated in March.
These special features, located at SAMHSA's National Mental Health Information Center web site, include:
National Professional Social Work Month at http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/highlights/March2003/socialwork/ - The National Association of Social Workers credits professional social workers with preserving rights and strengthening voices for underrecognized and underrepresented populations, which led to making "Preserving Rights and Strengthening Voices" the theme of this year's Social Work Month. The Association encourages public support and recognition for the dedication of professional social workers, their individual contributions to society, and their work in groups to influence public policies and shape public programs.
National Mental Retardation Awareness Month at http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/highlights/March2003/retardation/ -Sponsored by the ARC of the United States, this celebration focuses on increasing public awareness of mental retardation and related developmental disabilities. The goal is to enhance the community's understanding of the issues affecting people with mental retardation. A unique aspect of this year's celebration is Sabbath/Sunday weekend, March 23-24. During this weekend, churches, synagogues, and other religious organizations are being asked to acknowledge the needs and abilities of people with mental retardation and their families.
CMHS Program Spotlight: Protection and Advocacy Program at http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/highlights/March2003/CMHS/ - SAMHSA's Center for Mental Health Services funds and oversees the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness Program (PAIMI). This program provides protection and advocacy services-general information and referrals; investigation of alleged abuse, neglect, and rights violations in facilities; and the use of legal, legislative, systemic, and other remedies to correct verified incidents-for individuals with mental illnesses and serious emotional disturbances who reside in treatment facilities.
Brain Awareness Week, March 10-16, 2003, at http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/highlights/March2003/brain/ - Many diseases can cause brain dysfunction or degeneration such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, or Tourette's syndrome, to name a few. Brain Awareness Week is an international effort organized by the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives to advance public awareness about the progress, promise, and benefits of brain research. The Dana Alliance is joined in the campaign by partners in the United States and around the world, including medical and research organizations and the Federal government.
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This week is also Cover the Uninsured Week. Information on a variety of activities is available at http://covertheuninsuredweek.org/
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A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR
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HTTP://SOCIALWORKEXAM.COM
Social Work Exam Prep Review. Prepare right on the Internet!! Multiple choice exam banks, Timed Questions, Secrets to Passing, DSM-IV Terms, Notables, all Online and Interactive. Reveal strengths and weaknesses so you can map your study strategy. Check out our FREE QUESTION SAMPLER!!
Licensure Exams, Inc.
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FEATURE
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SOCIAL WORK AND MUSIC-TWO PERFORMERS TO WATCH FOR
By Linda May Grobman, ACSW, LSW
The Council on Social Work Education knows the value of the arts in social work education, so each year at its Annual Program Meeting, the Arts Festival is a big hit. I recently attended the CSWE APM in Atlanta, where the arts festival included music, art, poetry, a "sing-around," and more. I would like to highlight two social worker/musicians I had the opportunity to hear at this event.
Anne Hills is a folk singer extraordinaire. Her voice is one of the purest and aesthetically pleasing I have ever heard. Not only is the music pleasant and relaxing to listen to, but she sings and writes songs with a social conscience. She performs traditional folk music of all kinds, as well. One of her early recordings, "Woman of a Calm Heart," features Anne singing a duet with Livingston Taylor on the song "Akasha Wind." According to her Web site (http://www.annehills.com), she has 17 CDs. After being on the folk music circuit for many years, and while still maintaining an active touring schedule, Anne returned to school to get her MSW. See http://www.rambles.net/anne_hills.html for an interesting interview with Anne about songwriting, music, and going back to school in social work. Anne is performing later this month at the Pennsylvania NASW conference, which is scheduled for March 20-22.
Joan Benz writes and sings songs about domestic violence. Her voice is down-to-earth, with lyrics to match. The strength of her songs is in the empowering words she uses to get her message across. Joan's CD "Standing By You," is "dedicated to all victims of violence and abuse and to the men and women who act as advocates to help victims become survivors." Joan's songs bring to life the issues that victims and survivors of domestic violence face every day. Her song, "Standing By You," outlines the social worker's roles, saying, "I'll be there when you're crying and I'll understand your pain
.But most of all I'll listen to the things you have to say." The CD includes many powerfully-worded songs, such as "I'm Sorry." Her business card says she does gospel, country, and folk music. "Standing By You" is her 4th CD. For more information on Joan's music, contact jbenz6@hotmail.com .
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ON OUR WEB SITE
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There are many interesting discussions taking place on THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER's online discussion forum. Go to http://www.socialworker.com/discus to join in the dialogue on various ethical dilemmas, career questions, and other items of interest.
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IN PRINT
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SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER MAGAZINE
THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER is our print magazine, published since 1994 (now in our 10th year!), which is published quarterly. It includes articles on social work ethics, field placement, practice specialties, and a lot more. If you are not a subscriber yet and would like to be, go to http://www.socialworker.com for more information. Put a subscription to THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER on your "wish list" or order directly from our online store at http://www.whitehatcommunications.com/store -- where you will also find the social work and nonprofit management books we publish.
The Spring issue of THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER will be available next month. It will include the following articles:
*Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
*Friday at 3 O'clock: A Memoir of the Field
*Coming Full Circle: Putting Advocacy Ethics Into Action
*Ethical Decision Making Meets the Real World of Field Work
*Fifty Years of Homelessness: An Analysis of Federal Housing Policy
*Older Adults and HIV
*Social Work, Dreams, and Passion in an Ideal World
*Telephone Tips
*
and more
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SOCIAL WORK MONTH ITEMS
We have buttons with the slogan "I AM A SOCIAL WORKER!" available from our online store at http://www.whitehatcommunications.com/store -- these have been very popular for Social Work Month (March, in the U.S.) and for graduation.
At the request of some of our readers, we have made a few additional novelty items available. They include mugs, tote bags, tile coasters, and other items--all with the slogan "I AM A SOCIAL WORKER!" Order these items from our "Mugs and More Store" at http://www.cafepress.com/socialworker
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JOB CORNER
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LONDON QUALIFIED SOCIAL WORKERS
Social workers urgently required for child protection jobs in England, You must be a recent graduate with a BSW or MSW to participate in the program. All jobs are within Social Services Government Departments. Excellent pay rates, holiday pay and professional support. LQSW can assist social workers with flights to England. Speak to us about flight package. Please e-mail for details and your availability. Other client groups are available later.
http://www.lqsw.com
e-mail: info@lqsw.com
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ATTENTION EMPLOYERS: In honor of Social Work Month, THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER's online job board at http://www.socialworkjobbank.com is offering HALF-PRICE JOB POSTINGS! Please visit the SocialWorkJobBank site for details, or contact linda.grobman@paonline.com .
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Please visit our specialty job site at http://www.socialworkjobbank.com to search current job listings, or to post a job opening for your agency. Please let employers know that you saw their listings in the SOCIAL WORK E-NEWS and at SocialWorkJobBank.com. If you are an employer, contact Linda Grobman at linda.grobman@paonline.com to find out how you can get the word out about your job openings through SocialWorkJobBank.com and the Social Work E-News!
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NEWSLETTER NECESSITIES
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ABOUT THIS NEWSLETTER
THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER® SOCIAL WORK E-NEWS is published by:
White Hat Communications (publisher of THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER® magazine and THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER® ONLINE)
P.O. Box 5390
Harrisburg, PA 17110-0390
Linda Grobman, Editor
linda.grobman@paonline.com
http://www.socialworker.com
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Advertising:
If you would like to place a job listing or sponsor this newsletter, send an e-mail message to linda.grobman@paonline.com for rates and further information.
News:
Please send brief social work-related news items to linda.grobman@paonline.com for consideration.
PRIVACY
Your subscription e-mail address will only be used to deliver this e-newsletter and to occasionally inform you of updates from its publisher. Your e-mail address will not be given to anyone else or used for any other purpose as a result of your subscription to this newsletter.
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Copyright 2003 White Hat Communications. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to forward this entire newsletter, with all information intact, by e-mail to social work colleagues, students, and others interested in social work, for personal use only. You may also print out this newsletter for personal use. All other uses of this material require permission from the publisher at linda.grobman@paonline.com
THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER is a registered trademark of White Hat Communications.
Linda Grobman, ACSW, LSW
Editor/Publisher
THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER
http://www.socialworker.com 