Dear Colleagues,
As Black History Month is coming to an and in preparation for Social Work Month, I want to share some of the words I spoke during the LEAD Rally, just two weeks ago. I wrote it as I was thinking of some of the very harmful changes that upcoming bills would create. Those of us in Florida who crave justice, equality and safety for all citizens must not rest our advocacy efforts against injustice – even as several of the most harmful legislation seems destined to destroy so many hard-won freedoms.
Read the below, like a callout – what we could have done, if we were standing on the steps of the Florida Capital….
Now is the Time for Social Work!
And now is the time – to make this our Florida
because we want all groups to thrive in it
not just survive, or hide or lose pride in it
Now is the Time for Social Work!
Now is the time to speak out against Racism
Against bills that are disguised as protecting rights that only protect whites
by banning discussions about historical facts and erasing historical acts.
Racism is embedded - no – spearheaded by and within American society and in institutions and face it - no law labeling some concepts “divisive” can truly erase it.
Now is the Time for Social Work!
Let our legislators know
that banning discussion of racism or sexism, or heterosexism
is not a sound strategy for eliminating actual racism, sexism or heterosexism. Or improving society. If one population is stripped of their history they cannot be free – thus no-one can be.
Now is the Time for Social Work!
Thus, Now is NOT the time
to support plans that ban books and ideas and free speech and truth - outrageous limitations like these limit true courageous conversations
Now is the Time for Social Work!
Now IS the time where the rubber hits the road. For those of you that are students - You’ve already started preparing for this
in your classes – with heart to hearts about history
not just through the lens of your own story.
but by increasing your own self- awareness
When you gain greater mastery at this – it’s easier to see
that despite the good in our ancestry, we must also own the atrocities.
Now is the Time for Social Work!
Now is the time to ask ourselves – what do you want to do about this? When we name it, we can move forward. And commit ourselves to ensuring true justice for every segment of society.
Now is the Time for Social Work!
And now is the time to tell our legislators it is NOT ok if we “DON’T SAY GAY” to take safety away from the LGBTQIA+ youth. Educators must be able make classrooms safe and inclusive, and schools can’t be afraid to have programming that educates and supports these kids
Now is the Time for Social Work!
Now is the time for immigrant justice
As social workers, we know that hope is a requirement for people to thrive – but for some immigrants and refugees, there is little hope. Now is the time to rise up against harmful and discriminatory laws that deny sanctuary and re-traumatize immigrants crush hope.
Now is the Time for Social Work!
And now is the time to protect our colleagues, who are at risk of losing their 491 Board status because we MUST take care of our own Thousands of social workers, mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists who have been registered interns for 5 years without completing their full requirements will be dropped from the 491 Licensure rolls on March 31st, 2022, when 491.0045 is fully implemented.
Now is the Time for Social Work!
(But how can NOW be the time for social work if we leave some of our most talented colleagues behind?)
Now is the time for social work – TODAY is the day to DO IT!
Now is the time to seize your opportunity
Feel the power of this social work community, collectively powerful
The more we use our self-awareness, the more powerful are our tools to help us repair this
Now is the Time for Social Work!
Now is the time to go forth and make a difference
And today you will lead the change effort with your social work hearts
Because when you put the truth into action
asking for bills to be passed and laws to be changed
You are saying you do not accept the pathway we have been on
It’s the beginning of the Florida we all want to live in and love on
– Go forth and play your part!
Now is the Time for Social Work!
Thanks for reading my LEAD Day words. This year’s LEAD Day was brought to you by a powerful committee of social workers, social work educators and was organized by Seth Berkowitz, who did a terrific job of creating a successful LEAD 2022. Thank you for your commitment, Seth! Our Legislative Chair, Dawn Brown kept us focused on important issues. We are so grateful to you as well. Of course, none of this would have been possible without our Executive Director, Jim Akin and Jean Krier and Chris Call doing the heavy lifting. Last, but not least, Erin Cusick, who coordinated most of the technical pieces of our event – and ensured our appointment schedule had ample opportunities for legislative meetings. I’d also like to acknowledge the wisdom of Sharon Ross Donaldson, who helped me conceptualize my thoughts when I was preparing my rally remarks. I couldn’t end this section without a shout-out to the students – so many of whom spoke to legislators for the first time – I was amazed a number of times throughout the day at their bravery, articulate pleas for action and passion.
We hope that this year’s LEAD Day brings some successes. That said, advocacy for things that affect the daily lives of the people we serve does not begin and end on LEAD Day. As we enter into Social Work Month, I know you will keep these, and other social justice issues alive in the hearts and minds of Floridians.
Happy Social Work Month. This is the Time for Social Work!
In solidarity and with admiration for your work,
Susan
Susan Mankita
President (2020-2022)
NASW, Florida Chapter
