March Social Work Month: Recognizing and Honoring Our Colleagues
By Shirley Gentilini, MSW, LCSW
March is the month when we recognize and honor those social workers chosen by their local units or regions to be named Social Worker of the Year. Those selected have made extraordinary contributions to our profession. We have the opportunity to meet them and learn of their accomplishments at the local region or unit event held in March.
Belonging to your local unit is your opportunity to meet other NASW members and share your ideas to strengthen our organization.
Also those of you with experience in the social work profession can share your knowledge and mentor the newer social work professionals. Together you can work toward supporting one another and solving difficult challenges. I encourage you to remember who helped you as you began your new social work career.
Twenty-five years ago when I began my career in social work, I was privileged to meet and work with Chauncey Alexander, MSW. Chauncey had a passion for social work and had wanted to create a professional organization for social workers. He felt that doctors had their professional organization, AMA. Another social worker I knew was Eleanor Klein, MSW. She worked as a hospital social worker and director of social services at UCLA Hospital. In 1955, Eleanor joined with Chauncey and others to establish our professional organization, NASW.
As a new NASW member and social worker I joined my local unit, the Orange County chapter of Region F. As a member, I met my mentor, Marie Fennell, MSW, LCSW. Marie was passionate about NASW and headed up the Orange County unit. She created lively monthly meetings where other social workers could come, meet, socialize and offer information about job openings. In addition, we learned who the elected public officials were, and on occasion would invite them to our meeting. We listened to them as they shared their views; they listened to us as we shared our concerns on issues affecting our clients. We learned how to work together on those issues.
Another very prominent social worker, June Moore, MSW, LCSW, PhD, became active in our local unit. Later, June became Region F Director for NASW. When she completed her term, she encouraged me to follow her as regional director for Region F, which I did.
Another very talented and respected social worker who belonged to Region F Orange County unit was Linda Howard, MSW. Linda became a unit chair and later a member of the California board of directors. She brought with her the wisdom and experience she gained over the years in her social work career. Chauncey Alexander, June Moore and Linda Howard are no longer living, but their legacy lives on.
They cared about NASW and shared their time and talents. Their influence and leadership qualities helped strengthen our organization. They were my role models and also influenced other social workers who knew and worked with them. This is why I feel strongly that getting acquainted with those who are leaders at the local level is so valuable, for you and for our organization.
In April we will have an opportunity to choose from a list of candidates who are running to fill open positions on the national and state level. To facilitate the voting process, we can vote online. Our state Committee on Nominations and Leadership (CNLI) has worked diligently to select candidates. In the past few years the percentage of those who vote has been very small. This is disappointing. Some may reason, “I don’t know anything about the people chosen to run.” Although this is a valid reason, I would suggest that you read the candidates’ statements, look at their experience and dedication to our profession. This could help you in selecting the one you think best to represent you. Let us make this a year when the percent of NASW members who vote improves.
This year we celebrate 40 years as a state chapter of NASW. We are continuing on our journey to grow and improve. This will only be possible when all of us share our talents and bring ideas of how to remain a strong chapter. There are many ways to do this. One is become familiar with the people who lead and give them input. They could be those leading the local unit, or those on the NASW board of directors.
Another way is to share your ideas with NASW-CA Executive Director, Janlee Wong, and his staff. They are open to hearing from you. Together we will continue on our journey to uphold the values of our social work profession and organization.
We can only recognize and celebrate a few as Social Worker of the Year. I know that so many of you are creative, committed and dedicated in the work you do. I want to thank you for all you do for others, our profession, and your support for your professional organization, the National Association of Social Workers.
As a postscript: I encourage you to remember who guided you as a new professional. Please consider those new to our profession who would benefit from your mentorship. Share your knowledge and skills with them.
