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Messages

It’s been a busy and exciting few weeks, and I’m thrilled to share some updates with all of you! I proudly announce our excellent progress as we gear up for Lobby Days 2025 and our Policy Symposium.

Empowering Future Leaders

First, our BIPOC Scholarship is off to a fantastic start, and we’re on track to award scholarships to student leaders across the state. The impact of this initiative is truly heartwarming, as it’s inspiring to see so many passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds pursuing leadership opportunities within the Chapter. Their dedication and achievements are a source of pride and inspiration for all of us. We are excited to be part of their journey and proud of the difference they will make in our Chapter and the social work profession.

A particularly special announcement is the launch of the Janlee Wong Scholarship. This historic scholarship honors our beloved former Executive Director and Interim CEO, Janlee Wong. The scholarship is designed to support social work students actively pursuing a career in Macro Practice. Janlee’s legacy is a testament to his tireless dedication to social work, and we are so proud to carry his work forward. His impact is immeasurable, and this scholarship is a small way to celebrate his lifelong contributions to the field.

Learn More Here!I’m also thrilled to introduce our Student Liaison Program. This initiative is not just a program but a testament to our belief in the importance of student leadership. It’s designed to connect with and empower student leadership across every MSW program in the state. Your active participation in this program is crucial, as it will help foster a strong, united community of student leaders. We are investing in you, the next generation of social workers, and we are honored to have you with us.

We are also continuing our critical work in Altadena and Pasadena, where we remain deeply committed to supporting vulnerable families and those who serve them in the Los Angeles area. Our work here is far from finished, and we will continue to provide essential resources and navigation to help those in need.

Solidarity with Social Workers on the Front Line: Support for Fair Pay and Equity

NUHW has begun a focused mediation process with Kaiser in an effort to end the strike of 2,400 California mental health therapists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, and psychiatrists. We stand in full support of their fight for fair wages, better working conditions, and the resources they need to continue serving their patients.
Their fight has not gone unnoticed.
In addition, we continue to stand in solidarity with UHWU social workers, who were impacted by one of the most prolonged strikes in social work history. We provide free memberships and CEUs to help support these dedicated professionals during this challenging time.

Chapter Updates

We are also thrilled to welcome five amazing interns to the Chapter! They’re eager to dive into legislative advocacy and coalition building, and we couldn’t be prouder of their passion and enthusiasm. We’re excited to watch them grow and learn as they contribute to our shared mission. This is the next generation of leaders; we are honored to have them with us.
The Chapter also joins UC Davis during their Title IV E conference, which will be held in Long Beach from 4/18 to 4/19. The Chapter will discuss membership, encourage up-and-coming social workers to get involved, and host seminars. We are committed to fostering opportunities for our social workers to maximize their full potential.
We have received significant responses, inquiries, and questions about federal program challenges, executive orders, and concerns about the political climate. Rest assured that this chapter will continue to organize, mobilize, and educate our social work community on ways to remain engaged in political actions in the coming weeks.

LCSW Study Prep Community Groups

Finally, I am incredibly proud to facilitate our monthly LCSW Prep Community Groups. These groups are a cornerstone of our mission to support social workers working toward licensure. Here, you’ll find a space to learn test-taking strategies and relaxation techniques and, most importantly, connect with others on the same journey. We are committed to building an LCSW workforce that truly reflects the diverse communities we serve, and expanding the number of licensed social workers is a key part of that vision!

Thank you for your continued dedication and support. Your commitment drives our efforts to build a stronger, more inclusive social work community across the state. Your contributions are invaluable, and we sincerely appreciate your efforts. I look forward to what we can accomplish together in the months ahead!

Teauania Charles