Retirement Letter from Maxine Thome
Monday, August 16, 2021
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Hello NASW Members,
I am writing this with mixed feelings. It is time for me to say good-bye to you in my formal capacity as Executive Director of the NASW-Michigan Chapter, since I will be stepping down in September to begin the next chapter of my life in retirement. I will, however, continue on as an active member of NASW and hope to see you at future events and on committees. My passion remains with NASW, social justice, and all things clinical and macro.
It has been an honor to serve in my position and to work hard to advance our profession. I have made many friends over the 20 years and have appreciated what our Michigan social workers, you, have accomplished. You have been a motivation to me to keep up the fight for all things just and fair. You have helped me gain an understanding of what needs to be changed to better serve clients, change systems, and be the voice for those who feel they are not heard.
The past 20 years have brought many changes to our profession and we are becoming stronger and more visible each year. Your stories have been a motivator to me to keep on doing the heavy lifting…they have inspired me both personally and professionally.
I started this job in 2001 when we were trying to handle the fears and crisis, trauma and sadness associated with 9/11. We saw President Obama elected, which gave hope to the lessening of racism and hatred; then we saw the Trump leadership and the rise of racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, anti-Semitism and the alt right. In addition, we are still dealing with a pandemic that has left many of our fellow Americans in grief. Social workers have been heroes through all of this. We are the profession of systems change, social justice, and the change agents in people's lives. We are clinicians, politicians, health care workers, school social workers and we are the profession that is everywhere. Most of all, we try hard to understand, help, and advocate.
You are the best and I thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journeys, your challenges, and your successes.
I am very pleased to let you know that Duane Breijak will be following me as your next Executive Director, beginning on August 23. Many of you know Duane in his current role as Director of Member Services, and how much he cares about and has worked on behalf of social workers around the state. It was with great anticipation that I hired Duane nine years ago and I knew he had great leadership potential…I was right! Please join me in welcoming Duane as the next Executive Director of NASW-Michigan!
 So, again, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your social work story and I look forward to seeing you somewhere down the road. You are the real change agents and your work is important to the lives of all Michigan citizens.
In the words of Congressman John Lewis, “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.”
This is what we as social workers must do…and I will be right there with you.
With much caring and hope,
Max
Please join us to celebrate Max for a retirement celebration!
Date: September 11, 2021
Time: 4:30-7:00 PM
Location: Unity Spiritual Center of Lansing, 2395 Washington Rd, Lansing, MI 48911
What: Buffet dinner, hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Free parking on site Bring your stories with Max to share!
Click here to RSVP.
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