December 2023 Newsletter

NASW-MO Staff Member Honored By NASW

Jennifer Engelby, NASW-MO’s longtime Professional Development Coordinator, is being honored by the Council of Chapter Executives (COCE) with the Gilman-Wells Award. The Gilman-Wells Award was established in 1997 by NASW. It is named for two Chapter Executive Directors, Ethel Gilman of the Florida Chapter and Don Wells of the Indiana Chapter. Bothwere named Outstanding Chapter Executive Directors in the past and both had passed away while serving as chapter directors. This award honors a chapter staff person who excels in at least one specific area of chapter activity.

NASW National Report Published: “The Power of Social Work”

We are excited to present our members and supporters with the 2022-2023 National Association of Social Workers Annual Report, “The Power of Social Work.” For nearly seven decades, NASW’s accomplishments have been powered by the commitment, involvement and support of our members. In this report you will see how NASW’s wide range of achievements at the state and national levels are advancing the profession of social work in service to millions of people. Learn more: https://buff.ly/3ulA2Pl.

  

Ethically Speaking 

The Common Ethical Dilemma of Gifts

by Peggy Reed-Lohmeyer, MSW, LCSW

Undoubtedly, one of the most common ethical issues reported by social workers is being given gifts from clients or clients’ families. It is not surprising that people would want to show appreciation to someone who has helped them or their loved one, especially at this time of year, when gift giving is common. However, accepting gifts can rub up against or clearly violate the Code of Ethics. Standard 1.06(a) indicates social workers should “avoid conflicts of interest that interfere with the exercise of professional discretion and impartial judgement” (National Association of Social Workers, n.d.). Standard 1.06(b) states that “social workers should not take unfair advantage of any professional relationship…” (National Association of Social Workers, n.d.).

From the Executive Director’s Desk

Cassie E. Brown MSW, LCSW 
Chapter Executive Director

It has been an intense, busy, and wonderful year for NASW-MO. Consider this your annual report! As your Executive Director, I have traveled throughout our wonderful state in 2023. I have visited places including Cape Girardeau in our bootheel, Kansas City, Joplin, Springfield, Fulton, Columbia, and more. I look forward to continuing to travel throughout the state to meet more social workers!

NASW-MO continues to build coalitions, work with related organizations, and do the bridge building work that social work demands!