Over the past two years, I have had the privilege to work alongside the NASW-Michigan staff and social workers across the state as they grapple with issues of racial justice and the role of systemic racism in our field. Here at NASW-Michigan, we have been engaging in our own such work. I wanted to share a few highlights:
We formed a Social Justice and Anti-racism Committee, conceptualized to “deconstruct, disrupt, and dismantle racism within the social work profession in Michigan.” The Committee aims to develop anti-racism standards within all areas of the social work profession including, but not limited to, education, ethics, policy, and practice. All social workers are welcome and encouraged to participate in the Social Justice and Anti-Racism Committee. Keep an eye on the calendar to register for upcoming meetings.
In December 2020, NASW-Michigan board began working with the Racial Justice Committee to develop a set of anti-racist principles to guide our work. We have committed that, going forward, the decisions, policies and practices of our organization will be grounded in these principles.
This year, the NASW-Michigan board and staff engaged in a series called “Dismantling Racism.” This terrific training series challenged us to examine our individual social identities and how those social identities impact our roles as social workers.
Several people who attended the Dismantling Racism series attended a follow up “train-the-trainer” workshop, to ensure that new staff and board members can receive the training going forward. Our hope is that this will solidify a culture of continued anti-racist practice within our organization.
Over the last year, NASW has hosted more than two dozen workshops, town halls, and critical conversations on the intersection of social work and racial equity. Watch some of the past national events here.
Indeed there is much work to be done. As our state association continues to do this hard internal work, we look forward to opportunities to collaborate with members to do the same. Interested in getting involved? Let us know!
Best,
Barb Hiltz, LMSW
NASW-Michigan Board President
P.S. If you are interested in learning more about the Dismantling Racism workshop series, contact Daicia Price at daiciasmith@gmail.com.
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Indeed there is much work to be done. As our state association continues to do this hard internal work, we look forward to opportunities to collaborate with members to do the same. Interested in getting involved? Let us know!