Ending the Year with a Hope for Peace

Ending the Year with a Hope for Peace

A message from your Chapter leaders

Facing numerous challenges in recent months, our social worker community has felt the weight of the intensified Israel-Palestine conflict. As we near 2024, our hope resonates for a more peaceful future.

Historically, social workers have proudly stood on the front lines to advocate for marginalized identities, it has always been our duty to provide services to populations experiencing harm. A social worker’s environment is not limited to one place; global crises have the capabilities to affect the lives of the clientele we serve as well as our own communities. Social workers in Michigan this year have been affected by many global incidents; including the conflicts in Ukraine, Sudan, Congo,  and most recently in Israel and Gaza.

As the global body for the profession, the International Federation of Social Workers ( IFSW ) primarily handles international issues affecting social work. As a member and major funder of IFSW, NASW stands by their call for an immediate ceasefire in the region, a release of the hostages taken in Israel, and an increase in the provision of aid and humanitarian assistance able to be brought into Gaza.

As part of the national Social Work Leadership Roundtable , we echo the call that “As social work leaders and professionals we stand together in support of the human right to live in safety, with dignity, and to have basic human needs met. The violence and suffering unfolding in the region represent a humanitarian crisis with global reach. We know all too well that this violence will destroy families and communities and impose long-term impacts on mental health. We reiterate our commitment to safety, security, and dignity for all within a context of peaceful coexistence… The courage and compassion of social workers in Israel and Palestine have made a difference in the lives of the individuals, families, and communities suffering from this conflict. We extend our deepest support to social workers in Israel and Palestine and hope that they will find ways to support each other in establishing peaceful relationships; countering genocide; and ensuring safety, dignity, and well-being of people. We affirm our belief in people’s right to a dignified life free from fear and hope for peace among Israelis and Palestinians and all peoples.”

In Michigan, we want to acknowledge and thank our statewide social work elected officials for being such leaders in calling for peace and an end to violence:

• Michigan state lawmakers urge Biden to ‘advance a lasting ceasefire’ (Sen. Chang, Rep. Rheinghans, Rep. Brabec, and Rep. Coffia)

• Detroit City Council passes resolution calling for Gaza ceasefire (Council Member Gabriela Santiago-Romero)
  

• Ypsilanti leaders support calls for cease-fire in Gaza with revised resolution (Mayor Nicole Brown and Council Member Me’Chelle King)

• Kalamazoo commission issues proclamation for Israel-Gaza ceasefire (City Commissioner Don Cooney)
  

Additionally, NASW denounces the recent rise in antisemitism, Islamophobia, hate speech, and bias-based violence across the nation, including in our Michigan communities. Social workers in this moment need to remain culturally aware, informed, and humble of the Jewish, Arab and Muslim clients we are working with and the trauma, fear, and anxiety that this may be causing them.

Over the next few months, NASW-Michigan commits to expanding educational and advocacy opportunities for our social workers. There are a few ways you can get involved now, if you are interested:

• Connecting with your regional Board member to help plan or coordinate an upcoming town hall, continuing education program, or networking event in your area. 

  • Join your Regional/Student Facebook group or statewide LinkedIn page

• Join the NASW-Michigan Social Justice and Anti-Racism Committee, which meets the second Tuesday of the month from 5:30-7pm via Zoom. Email  klewis.naswmi@socialworkers.org to be added to the group roster.
  

• Share your community resources for crisis response and mental health first aid
  

• Participate in M-PACE, NASW-Michigan political action committee, and help get more social work and social work friendly candidates elected in 2024 and beyond

As a Chapter, we are committed to providing support, guidance, and opportunities for education and growth for our Michigan social work community. We hope you will be engaged, active, and provide your expertise and feedback.

NASW-Michigan Board of Directors:

Fatima Salman, LLMSW-Macro. Board President

Rae Johnson, LLMSW-Macro. Board President-Elect

Mary Mattson, LMSW-Macro. 2nd Vice President

Sade Richardson, LMSW- Macro. Member-At-Large

Laurie Eldred, LMSW-Clinical, CAADC, MPA. Region 4 Representative

Chris Fike, MS, MSW, LLMSW-Macro. Region 5 Representative

Laine Putans, LMSW-Macro. Region 6 Representative

Minnie Cabine, LMSW-Macro. Region 7 Representative

Allison Bohn, MSW. MSW Student Representative

The NASW-Michigan Staff:

Duane Breijak, LMSW-Macro. Executive Director

Kaelyn Lewis, LLMSW-Macro. Director of Membership and Communication

Melina Brann, LMSW-Clinical. Director of Policy and Advocacy

Danielle Haskin, MSW. Education Manager

Tricia McCarthy, Business Operations Manager

Robin Simpson, Manager of Continuing Education Approval