Call for Virtual Workshops and Presenters
NASW-MS Chapter invites you to submit an educational virtual professional development proposal (s) for presentation. Professional development presentations are encouraged in the following areas: addictions, aging, hospice, child and adolescent services, ethics, school social work, mental health, developmental disabilities, diversity issues, terminal illnesses, death and grief, trauma, sexual assault, emergency services, homelessness, domestic violence, teen dating violence, compassion fatigue, health, gender and sexuality issues, self-care, COVID-19 AND other social work areas.
For more information and the proposal form, Click here.
NASW-MS Supports an Inclusive Flag for Everyone
NASW-MS strongly supports changing the state flag of Mississippi to move forward in the best interest of all Mississippians. The outcry for a change in the state flag has permeated in the state for almost two decades. Thus, the issue of a new state flag can no longer continue to be ignored, dismissed, or deflected.
Read the full statement
The Core Issue Extends Beyond Police Brutality
NASW-MS Urges a Push for More Sound Policies and Legislation for Black Communities
Our local Mississippi Chapter joins with the National Association and its leaders and members to condemn the murder and killing of another unarmed African American black man, George Floyd. Unfortunately, recently we have witnessed an unwarranted act of violence by those meant to protect and serve our communities. Social workers, now more than ever, must be put at the forefront of our communities to help rebuild and repair the disruption of families, businesses, and our communities. As a profession, we must reinvigorate our efforts to address change at the local level. We cannot sit quietly nor silence the Black community as a profession when our mission as a social work profession is to enhance the well-being and help with the basic human needs of all people.
We reaffirm our commitment to work to shape legislation and public policy that protects and strengthens the social work profession so that we may not only address policy brutality, but also systemic and structural injustices that disproportionately affect the Black community. This core issue has extended into other parts of our society where black Americans and black Mississippians also face structural barriers when it comes to securing quality housing, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
Therefore, we must push for more resources and funding to equip our social workers with tools and information they need to improve the conditions for our black communities in the state of Mississippi. As a Chapter, we will remain vigilant to ensure sound social policies are in place to bring hope and change to all of our communities regardless of race. It is our commitment as a social work professional to advance the role of social work in affecting social change.
With the National Association, we stand boldly on the issues of police brutality, systematic racism, and social injustices of black people. We must also remain cognizant that law enforcement is intertwined within in our communities, and therefore, we must collectively take action to be a voice for the Black community in the state. The time is now to work together to address the requirements of accountability in the civilian complaint process, transparent body camera practices, safe and consistent practices in officer and black civilian interactions, and increased training and regular conflict mediation training by social workers for local police departments. Social workers must also be a resource for officers who have had to cope with the graphic and shocking trauma incidents they have witnessed as a part of their profession. We encourage the social workers of Mississippi to become visible and be present for black residents in the state of Mississippi.
Gwen Bouie-Haynes, PhD, LMSW
Executive Director
National Association of Social Workers Mississippi Chapter
06/09/2020
NASW condemns yet another incident of lethal
police force against an African American
May 28, 2020
NASW strongly condemns the continued death of unarmed people who are African American at the hands of police. We renew our call for the nation to adopt policing reforms to address this crisis. And we offer our condolences to the families of the people who have died.
Read the May 28, 2020 news release
Social Work Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Learn ways to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), support clients and prepare your practice. Social workers, like many health and behavioral health professionals, are concerned about the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on their well-being, the people to whom they provide services, their families, and others in the community.
NASW has been working on multiple fronts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and ensure access to services, such as advocacy to ensure insurance coverage for teletherapy.
Get COVID-19 resources and updates