June 2023 Newsletter

The 2023 Missouri Legislative Session: Your breakdown!

(Much of this information is derived and condensed from the 2023 End of Session Report from our amazing lobbying team at Winton Policy Group.)

Hello social workers! I wanted to give you a thorough breakdown of some of the most important actions relevant to social workers. Please know that none of our successes are possible without our members! Your membership supports all of our efforts. Your outreach matters as well. I encourage you to read over this summary. Reach out with any questions!

First, the Social Work Compact did pass on two separate bills. These are currently on the Governor’s desk awaiting his response.

Ethically Speaking

Core Value:  Social Justice

by Heather Bradley-Geary, MSW

The National Association of Social Workers-Code of Ethics has an entire section dedicated to Social Justice.  Section 6 (Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities to the Broader Society) states that Social Workers are called by the Code to:

6.01:     “Social Workers should advocate for living conditions conducive to the fulfillment of basic human needs and should promote social, economic, political, and cultural values …that are compatible with the realization of Social Justice.”

6.02:     “Social Workers should facilitate informed participation by the public in shaping social policies and institutions.”

6.03:     “Social Workers should provide appropriate professional services in public emergencies to the greatest extent possible.”

From the Executive Director’s Desk

Greetings Colleagues! 

My first anniversary with NASW-MO falls June 6th. What a privilege to be your Executive Director! Serving alongside an amazing board, supported by wonderful staff, I visited colleges of social work, presented to classes, and gave workshops. I attended conferences and protests in our state’s and our nation’s capitals. I represented Missouri at NASW events in Washington, D.C. and Phoenix. I represented NASW-MO members at State Committee meetings and in the media. And I spent hours in Missouri’s Capitol in hearing after hearing.

What a whirlwind first year!