Membership Corner. NASW-Michigan Chapter Updates
Friday, February 24, 2017
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Posted by: Duane Breijak
As we get ready to celebrate our profession in March for social work month, I wanted to update you on some of the major news, opportunities, and events coming up for our members. 2017 has been a tremendously busy year, with advocacy and community organizing efforts being energized across the state, programming being added daily, new work groups forming, and changes finalized to the Michigan social work General Rules, to name a few. I wanted to personally thank you for your passion, leadership and energy, and for helping us build a strong social work presence in Michigan.
One question a lot of members have been asking lately is “When is NASW-Michigan’s Annual Conference this year?” For 2017, we are switching things up a bit by hosting two mini-conferences. We hope that this will give more social workers the opportunity to network with hundreds of fellow professionals from across the state. The first will be The Business of Social Work, which will take place April 7th at the Radisson Hotel in Lansing. This one-day event will provide the skills needed to open your own practice, to grow and manage your agency, and to enhance leadership across the profession. The second conference will take place in June and will focus on the intersection of sex and sexuality across areas of practice. More information about this mini-conference will be available soon. We are seeking agencies who are interested in exhibiting or sponsoring either of these events.
We are continually adding new programs all around the state and want to hear from you about the types of training and networking opportunities you would like to see in your area. You can check out all of our upcoming events, with many free CEs (including our monthly Lunch & Learn webinars), at www.nasw-michigan.org/events.
Additionally, two exciting new programs were launched already this year with great success. Nearly 100 social workers will be participating in our first ever virtual book club, earning up to 18 CEs over the course of the year. Our new certificate program, Clinical Concerns & Gender Identity, has already filled the first training date, and we are aiming to offer a second date sometime in May.
Lastly, for the first time since Michigan got licensure there were changes made to the General Rules. All licensed social workers will be impacted in some way by these updates. Changes in continuing education, supervision, adding a second designation, human trafficking training requirements, and more were covered in the two webinars NASW-Michigan hosted earlier this year. We had 2,000 social workers register for these events and have developed and posted resources (including videos of the webinars) on the NASW-Michigan website for any social workers who were not able to attend the live sessions.
I hope you will keep us updated on what is going on in your practice and how we can better support you and your clients. If there is ever anything you need from me please do not hesitate to reach out at dbreijak@nasw-michigan.org or 517-487-1548, ex 15.
Again, thank you for your service to the profession and your membership!
Duane Breijak, LMSW-Macro
Director of Member Services & Development
NASW-Michigan
Weigh in on NASW Policy Statements
The 2017 NASW Delegate Assembly process is underway. Currently, seven policies are up for review. NASW members can read and comment on these policies. Please click here to visit the Comment Forum before March 7. Current policies up for review are:
- Poverty and Economic Justice
- Civil Liberties and Justice
- Environmental Policy
- Language and Cultural Diversity in the United States
- International Policy on Human Rights
- Family Policy
- Professional Self-Care and Social Work
Apply for Social Work Scholarships and Fellowships
The NASW Foundation offers scholarships and fellowships to assist students pursuing a variety of social work specialties. Apply by March 1, 2017, for fellowships in health care and scholarships involving work with African American communities and with American Indian and Latino populations. Questions? Email naswfoundation@naswdc.org or call 202.336.8298. READ MORE.
NASW-Michigan is additionally accepting applications for our Student Leadership in Diversity Scholarships. These $500.00 scholarships recognize and promote leaders among social work students who are working on projects, research, or advocacy initiatives that promote diversity and social justice. Read more or download the application at http://bit.ly/2lAdNxK. Deadline for 2017-2018 applications: August 1, 2017.
Nurses & Social Workers Host Gratitude Breakfast with Rep. Chang
 Detroit, MI. February 13, 2017. The Michigan Nurses Association (MNA), the Michigan Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and State Representative Stephanie Chang held a gratitude breakfast to honor and thank nurses, social workers, and other caring professionals who provide crucial public health services.
"Social workers and nurses, along with other health professionals have to come together to enhance the quality of care in our communities for many generations. With a current emphasis on improving access to care and addressing social justice issues that influence the wellness and functioning of residents residing in District 6, it is honor for NASW-Michigan to thank each contribution that nurses and social workers make on a daily basis,” said Abigail Eiler, LMSW, president of NASW-Michigan. “We look forward to the continued support and partnerships with the Michigan Nurses Association and Rep. Chang. We are a stronger force when we work together." Read more at http://bit.ly/2mpyagi.
Weekly Social & Political Action Meetings for Social Workers
As part of the Women’s March 10 Actions in 100 Days and the Indivisible Movement, social workers and community members have been meeting at NASW-Michigan’s office space in Lansing on Mondays from 12 to 2pm to discuss strategies to advance social justice efforts under the current administration. These meetings are open to all members of the public. Please contact cjulian@nasw-michigan.org for more information or to organize something in your area.
SpeakUp! Recruiting Students and New Professionals
NASW-Michigan has launched an action network for students and new professionals called SpeakUp! We are looking for passionate and motivated individuals to engage in political advocacy efforts in Michigan. We have recently published out first newsletter The Essentials: https://sway.com/oUFW7XSFYW9hda0f
For more information or to apply, please visit: www.nasw-michigan.org/page/SPEAKUP
Please Help Stop Gerrymandering (the unfair drawing of district lines).
One of NASW-Michigan's partner organizations, Nation Outside, is working to spread the word about gerrymandering and redistricting. A great article on the subject can be found here: http://wapo.st/2kQtHVU.
The goal is to combat disenfranchisement and let everyone's voice be heard. This campaign concludes Feb 25th at 5pm. Please take one minute to fill out this survey for follow up information and actions: http://bit.ly/2jMD3D3. To learn more about Nation Outside or sign up for their newsletter, you can visit their webpage: www.miccd.org/nationoutside.
(WEBINAR) How to Obtain Your Social Work License in Michigan (Open to ALL Students)
Are you graduating this spring. NASW-Michigan invites you to a webinar on getting your license, salary negotiation, and ASWB exam. Two dates available:
NASW Graduation Cords (NASW members only)
 Are you a graduating BSW or MSW student and a member of NASW? Show pride in your membership during your graduation or hooding ceremony with a NASW membership cord! These teal cords are only available to student members of NASW. $7 if ordered online. $5 if purchased on site (will be available at any of the in person trainings listed above). Order online at https://naswmi.site-ym.com/store/ViewProduct.aspx?id=6028899 (plan 2-3 weeks for delivery).
NASW Submits Comments on New Regulations for Nephrology Social Workers
To remedy unethical practices that steered dialysis clients away from Medicaid and Medicare insurance coverage, social workers will now be required to counsel patients regarding all insurance coverage options. NASW recommends that dialysis facilities evaluate staffing and, if needed, increase the number of social work staff to adequately deliver psychosocial support services and administrative tasks to dialysis clients, as required by CMS. Read more at http://bit.ly/2kRbnxA.
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