On October 6th, I will have been with NASW-MO for three months, and they have been exciting and energizing. We’re focusing on engagement and relaunching our newsletter is part of this work. Feel free to forward this to any colleagues who don’t already receive it. We encourage you to read on for more information about our good work in the upcoming months.
During the past three months, I’ve had the privilege to speak to deans and directors of social work programs throughout the state and begin campus visits. I’ve attended meetings of our State Committee for Social Workers. The chapter hosted a listening session, a training on initiating evidence-based COVID conversations, and communicated on crucial issues such as the Interstate Licensure Compact and the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Waiver.
But for me, the best part has been talking to social workers and social work students across my state about issues they care about, such as the ASWB test, licensure, inclusion, and the Dobbs decision. I’ve been asked hard questions about NASW’s role in the work ahead. This is good! I don’t have all the answers yet. Our profession teaches us to listen, learn, and collaborate. But I need to know what Missouri social workers care about.
Keep communicating with me. Keep asking questions. Keep sending ideas.
Social work teaches us that rarely can one of us solve a big problem alone. But likewise, rarely is there a big problem that all of us cannot solve together. Your National Association of Social Workers is how we solve problems together.
In solidarity,
Cassie E. Brown MSW, LCSW
(she/her/hers)
cbrown.naswmo@socialworkers.org