By Laetitia Clayton, Editor (swadvocates@socialworkers.org)
On his first day in office, President Joe Biden got to work on executive orders to meet some of his administration’s immediate priorities. It’s a weighty list that includes actions to “control the COVID-19 pandemic, provide economic relief, tackle climate change, and advance racial equity and civil rights, as well as immediate actions to reform our immigration system and restore America’s standing in the world.”
Because social workers are involved in some way in each of these priorities, two of the topics are covered in this issue of Social Work Advocates: climate change and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
In the cover story, social workers discuss the varied effects climate-related events have on people and communities, which often involve our most vulnerable populations and people of color. Environmental justice is a social justice priority for NASW and should be for every social worker.
The second feature article explores the ongoing effects of COVID-19—now that we’re a year into the pandemic. One thing is evident: Social workers have shined during the health crisis in myriad ways. Learn how in this issue. You can also read about a few of the social workers Biden has appointed to top positions in his Cabinet, as well as other stories about NASW activities and the social work profession.
There are many things to celebrate this year, but also more tough times ahead—with racial equity one of the top challenges we face as a country. Positive things are happening there, too, however. Overall, there is hope where there was little before—and that is the power we need to see us through.
Please visit our new digital magazine at https://www.socialworkers.org/News/Social-Work-Advocates. Write to us at swadvocates@socialworkers.org
The February–March issue of Social Work Advocates includes:
Climate Change: Social Work Addresses Environmental Impacts on Physical and Mental Health
Environmental impacts on communities and ecosystems involve things we depend on, like water, energy and transportation. Climate change also affects humans’ physical and mental health, making it a social work priority.
The Path Forward: Climbing the Hill Together
Social work must take bold, deliberate actions that bend the arc of justice toward liberation for all, writes NASW President Mit Joyner.
NASW Applauds Social Workers Through Advocacy
The COVID-19 pandemic has affirmed social workers’ essential role in emergency response, and highlighted our skills and flexibility, writes NASW CEO Angelo McClain.
NASW Delegates Approve Goals for Next Three Years
NASW’s Delegate Assembly approved its priority goals for the next three years, as well as revisions to 14 public policy statements that had been under review. Delegates also considered two proposed changes to the Code of Ethics.
More in the February–March 2021 Digital Issue:
- Feature article: Like Never Before: Social Workers are Essential
- Viewpoints: Guidelines for Social Workers Visiting and Working Inside Corrections Facilities
- Social Work In the Public Eye
- Backstory: Travel Lessons: An Explorer is Born
To read the full digital edition, visit SocialWorkers.org.
