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Membership Services: 1-800-742-4089
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Advancing The Profession & Practice Of Social Work In Florida
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Message From Chapter President
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Dear Colleagues,
It has been almost a full year since most of us have shared lunch with each other or met in person to get a CE or plan an event. It’s hard to deny though, the longing for travel, for face-to-face time and normalcy. Month after month, as COVID-19 threats continue, we imagine and plan for better times. For as long as I can remember, one of the major gifts of being a part of NASW was an opportunity to share (actual) space with dear colleagues. Social Work Month, which is in March, used to be a sweet time, especially in my own Unit, Miami-Dade. We would have a heck of a party – we’d honor a few of the many colleagues that deserved recognition, we’d catch up, network and enjoy a great meal – indoors – at the same table with people who weren’t in our bubble. As people begin receiving COVID-19 vaccinations, we can dare to dream that in the not-too-distant future, we can get some face-to-face connectivity again.
But as we dream about a future where we can have live conferences and gather by the hundreds, face to face, I hope we can remain mindful of what is happening around us NOW. It is, after all, WHAT WE DO NOW that sets the stage for a future when we can, once again, thrive. So let’s talk about what’s happening now.
February is Black History Month, and there is no better example for me of how the past, present and future coalesce. As we remember and honor the contributions of great Black Americans, we must remember the past inequities that kept so much greatness out of our history books. And NOW, the stakes are higher than ever – and the opportunities are even greater. Our commitment to a socially just future must always inform the steps we take as social workers to end racism. Our actions must go beyond simply performative. Towards these ends, NASW National has created a blueprint for the Biden/Harris administration that calls on our national leaders to support, among others to:
- Establish a presidential task force and federal funding for state and local efforts to address racism as a public health crisis.
- Revoke the Executive Order Combating Race and Sex Stereotyping limiting diversity training.
- Pass the COVID-19 Bias and Anti-Racism Training Act (S. 4248 in 116th Congress).
- Pass the Anti-Racism in Public Health Act (S. 4533/H.R. 8178 in 116th Congress). Pass the Establish Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act (H.R. in the 116th Congress).
- Pass legislation making lynching a civil rights violation.
- Pass the Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys Act (S. 2163/H.R. 1636 in 116th Congress) to establish a commission within the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights to make a systematic study of the conditions that affect Black men and boys.
Here in Florida we are closely following antiracism legislation to determine the impact it will have on people and families of color, as well as disparities in health care, education and family income. We also plan to encourage the Florida Senate to use their 2019 policy to allow university researchers to study how proposed criminal justice legislation could disproportionately affect people of color in the state. We will take active steps to bring legislation to fore whenever possible.
March is Social Work Month and at NASW-FL, our Board and Chapter Office are hard at work creating opportunities to honor our profession and outstanding individuals in each of our 18 units who earn the coveted “Of the Year” Awards. We will honor many “Social Workers of the Year”, “Student Social Workers of the Year”, “Educators of the Year”, “Public Citizens of the Year” and “Elected Officials of the Year”. Many units are planning online virtual celebrations to award their unit winners. This year, because we CAN, in addition to your local unit events, we are also planning a Statewide Social Work Month Event with the Florida and the Virgin Island chapters, on March 31, where we will all gather to celebrate. We are upping our game and have LOTS of surprises, including a showcase of truly talented social workers, sharing their serious gifts, games and prizes. You’ll be surprised to see just how creative we get!
This year, March will also have our FIRST virtual LEAD (March 22 – 24). The times require it, but we are already working behind the scenes to ensure large scale participation, with a focus on relevant bills, and virtual connection with our legislators in multiple ways. As we create the future, we can continue to speak up to our elected officials.
And speaking of speaking up…during Black History Month, we can and MUST continue to speak up via social media about ways to make the lives of Black people safer and their experiences more equitable. We can continue to participate in committees, and in communities.
And don’t forget, we can speak up for ourselves when we need kindness and support from our loved ones who may not realize that even social workers need help sometimes. As always, I encourage you to continue to speak up to NASW-FL; let us know what you need, visit the NASW National discussion boards to talk with your colleagues, and reach out to your unit’s leadership, our Chapter Office, or to me.
With hope, as we begin to re-create our future…
And with warmth,
Susan Mankita, MSW, LCSW
NASW-FL President
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Student Representative's Column
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While February is the shortest month of the year, there is no shortage of historical events that have improved the quality of life for people who have been marginalized.
- In 1865, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Thirteenth Amendment (which formally abolished slavery in the United States) to the U.S. Constitution.
- In 1909, The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded.
- In 1926, Negro History Week (which later became Black History Month) originated by Carter G. Woodson is observed for the first time.
- In 1960, four black students stage the first of the Greensboro sit-ins at a lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina.
- In 1964, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Civil Rights Act.
These are just a few of the historical events that took place in February. There is a remarkable correlation between these historical events and the legacies of the social work profession. Whether it was challenging social injustice through the abolishment of slavery or organizing a sit in to protest the unjust civil policies of segregation, all these activities reflect the core principles of the social work profession.
As stipulated in the NASW Preamble, “The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty.” The social work profession has always had a legacy of addressing the needs of society and bringing our nation’s social problems to the forefront. I can only imagine that in every one of these historical events there was probably a social worker at work in the abolitionist movement, advancement of colored people, and civil rights movement. This month not only allows us to reflect on the historical accomplishments of African Americans, but it also gives us a chance to see how the social work profession fit into those narratives. If these historical events are an indicator of anything, it reveals how much progress we have made as a society. While there is no shortage of work in this helping profession, rest assure that social workers will be at the forefront.
My challenge to my fellow social workers and colleagues is to use this occasion to gain cultural awareness about a different cultural group. Connect with a fellow social worker from a different ethnic group and learn from them. For my student colleagues please check out the new NASW-FL Student Series of online training, case study analysis experiences, and practice conversations (located on the website). My recommendation: The Myth of Racial Colorblindness presented by Shimon Cohen, LCSW.
As always you are more than welcome to reach out to me for anything. My email information is located below. Have a productive and successful semester!
“If there is no struggle, there is no progress” - Fredrick Douglas, Abolitionist
Hakeen A. Rome
MSW Student Representative
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Thank you to everyone who submitted a workshop and / or poster proposal for the Annual Conference.
Proposals will be reviewed and notifications are slated for late March.
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Social Work Month: Social Workers Are Essential
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The theme for Social Work Month 2021 is Social Workers Are Essential.
Social workers are essential to community well-being.
As practitioners, social workers are trained to help people address personal and systemic barriers to optimal living. They are employed to effect positive change with individuals, families, groups and entire communities.
Look for upcoming Unit Social Work Month celebrations and award ceremonies.
Save The Date
March 31, 2021,
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (ET)
Social Workers are Essential:
The Statewide Event
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Thank You 2021
Conference Sponsors
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Bronze Exhibitor
(paparazzi accessories)
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Advertising Opportunities
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Need office space? Looking for Trainings / Licensing / Supervision? Want to return to school? Check out the offers from our advertisers.
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Find your perfect social worker job on the NASW-FL employment site!
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Sign up to receive text alerts. Text 'NASW' to 1-800-352-6279.
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Join new and seasoned professional Social Workers from across the state via zoom to educate and lobby legislators on important issues facing the social work profession and our clients.
March 22 - Virtual Training 2:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. (ET)
March 23 and 24 - Zoom Meetings with Legislators
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Health Practice Alert - COVID-19 Vaccines FAQ
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In this Practice Alert, NASW provides resources for social workers to learn more about COVID-19 vaccines that are currently available and general eligibility guidelines to access a vaccine in the initial phases of distribution. NASW encourages individuals to receive a COVID-19 vaccine when they meet their state’s eligibility criteria. NASW is advocating for vaccine access for social workers and populations that are at high-risk for COVID-19, and NASW will continue to monitor federal and state vaccine distribution plans.
Click here to read the full Health Practice Alert.
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Important Update for Health Care Provider Telephone Conference Call for COVID-19
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Beginning Tuesday, February 23, 2021, the health care provider telephone conference call will be held monthly, the fourth Tuesday of each month, at 5:30 p.m. Participants are asked to email questions in advance to Provider.COVID19@flhealth.gov no later than close of business on the Monday preceding the call. All participants will be muted during these calls to help streamline information delivery. The State Surgeon General, Dr. Scott A. Rivkees, will provide updates from the Department of Health on the COVID-19 response efforts and address questions submitted from health care providers. This call is not transcribed or recorded.
If you are interested in joining this monthly telephone conference call, please see the updated call-in information below:
Date: Fourth Tuesday of every month
Time: 5:30 p.m., ET
Call-In Number: 888-585-9008
Conference Room ID: 208-305-233
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Commission Rules Sexual Orientation Discrimination Illegal in Florida
by Scott Powers, FLAPOL
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LGBTQ persons in Florida are now protected from housing and workforce discrimination.
In what may be a landmark administrative ruling, the Florida Commission on Human Relations has declared that it will investigate job, housing, or public accommodation discrimination complaints that were based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
The commission issued notice that it has concluded that a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision and an executive order from President Joe Biden set legal requirements that illegal discrimination “based on sex” covers discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
Consequently, the state agency that enforces civil rights laws now will include protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals from discrimination.
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An Hour with Private Practice: Questions & Answers (HOPP)
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There is no registration and members can join in the discussion, ask questions, and make comments. These sessions provide members with important clinical social work updates impacting the delivery of mental health services in a private solo or group practice.
Teleconference Dial-In Number
Members can join HOPP by dialing the following teleconference line at least 5-10 minutes prior to the start time:
US/CAN Toll Free Number: 1-800-581-5838
Participant Passcode: 213761
February 17, 2021
Liability Considerations in a Mid- and Post-Pandemic World
Lonnie Ropp - Director, Product Management and Underwriting, NASW Risk Retention Group, Inc.
March 17, 2021
Meeting the Challenges of Passing An Audit in Private Practice
Mirean Coleman, LICSW, CT - NASW Clinical Manager
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Accepting Leadership Nominations
Deadline is April 2
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NASW-FL is soliciting nominations for open leadership positions.
The nomination process is by self-submission.
Statewide Positions:
- President-Elect
- Second Vice President for
- Budget & Finance
- Secretary
- BSW Student Representative
- MSW Student Representative
- 5 Members of the Chapter Committee on Nominations
and Leadership Identification (CCNLI)
Unit Positions:
- Central Unit Chair
- Emerald Coast Unit Chair
- Lake-Sumter Unit Chair
- Miami-Dade Unit Chair
- Nature Coast Unit Chair
- Northwest Unit Chair
- Tampa Bay Unit Chair
- Treasure Coast Unit Chair
- Sarasota/Manatee Unit Chair
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Annual Social Work Conference Sponsor and
Advertiser Opportunities
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You are invited to participate in the 2021 NASW-FL Annual Social Work Conference, June 17 - 19, at The Florida Hotel and Conference Center in Orlando, FL.
The opportunities listed are for an in-person Conference; however, based on the COVID pandemic the Conference may be a hybrid meeting: in-person and virtual, or only virtual. All opportunities listed will be adjusted to meet your needs.
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Social work education is an important part of NASW, and maintaining relationships with students and their universities is even more important.
Check out our latest University News and Updates on our website.
NASW-FL is providing a series of online training, case study analysis experiences, and practice conversations to support social work students and educators in Florida.
The series is available to all students and may be used to supplement field and coursework at no cost.
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NASW Florida has 18 volunteer-led units that hold meetings, continuing education events, community projects, and social events for its members.
Click here for more information on your local Unit.
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February 18 - 20, 2021
"Clinical Supervision"
Presenter: Nancy Gordon, LCSW
Schedule:
Feb. 18: 2:00 pm—6:00 pm (ET),
Feb. 19: 2:00 pm—6:00 pm (ET) and
Feb. 20: 8:30 am—12:30 pm (ET)
Registration:
Members - $200.00 and Non-Members - $250.00
This course fulfills the requirement to be a Qualified Supervisor under Chapter 491.
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February 18, 2021, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (ET)
"The Righteous Mind": Why Good People are
Divided by Politics and Religion
Presenters: David O. Hovel, BS & Bonnie Hovel, MSW, LCSW
TLC Non-NASW members receive CEUs courtesy of NASW-FL. All other non-NASW members pay $15 to NASW-FL for CEU Credits. You will receive the Zoom link prior to the workshop.
This workshop is sponsored by Transition Life Consultants (TLC).
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February 18, 2021, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (ET)
"Tobacco Use Disorder: The Neglected Addiction"
Presenter: Chenikka Usher
In this workshop participants will examine the benefits of tobacco cessation in improving mental health, quality of life, and long term abstinence. The presenter will introduce a brief intervention shown to increase client willingness to attempt to quit. Registration is free!
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February 18, 2021, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (ET)
"Coping with Grief and Loss"
Presenter: Luz Elena Arango, MSW
Participations of this workshop will learn coping strategies for grief and loss and to provide a safe and stable environment free from depression and anxiety. Registration is free! You will receive the Zoom link prior to the workshop.
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February 18, 2021, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (ET)
"Social Work Virtual Coffee Hour"
Host: Kim Devine, LCSW, LMFT
Please join us for our monthly virtual check in with fellow social workers.
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February 20, 2021, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (ET)
"Social Workers' Peer Support Group & Meditation"
Presenter: Edith Caballero, LCSW, RYT-200
Come join us as we discuss subjects that influence our lives personally and professionally. We are an open group that meets every 3rd Saturday of the month with a goal of supporting each other. You will receive the Zoom link prior to the event. "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." Helen Keller
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February 22, 2021, 6:00 p.m. to 7:300 p.m. (ET)
Making the Most of a Virtual Field Placement - Session 2"
Presenters: Christina Cazanave, MSW &
Khalilah Louis-Caines, LCSW
This training is devoted to assisting field supervisors locally and across Florida, seeking additional support in conducting successful virtual & hybrid field placements. The second training the series will provide peer support when facing field challenges. The training will also address completing supervision and maintaining intern accountability in a virtual field setting. This workshop is sponsored by: Saint Leo University.
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February 23, 2021, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (ET)
Virtual Book Club:
"Building a Life Worth Living" by Marsha M. Linehan
Host: Fred Sacklow, LCSW
This is a memoir of the founder of DBT. She shares her history of mental illness and how she was able to use it to help others. You will receive the Zoom link prior to the event.
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February 25, 2021, 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (ET)
"Child Welfare Social Worker Consultation Group"
Host: Amy Moncion, LCSW-QS
This meeting is open to both members/non-members of NASW throughout the state for sharing of community resources, collaboration, networking and case consultation. This meeting will be virtual until further notice. If you have questions for our facilitator, please submit them in advance to central.naswfl@socialworker.org
You will receive the Zoom login prior to the meeting.
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February 25, 2021, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (ET)
"The Struggle Continue"
Presenter: Rodney Hurst
The workshop will be at Art See & Shop in Jacksonville. You have an option of attending live at the Art See & Shop (MASKS ARE REQUIRED) or virtually through Zoom. Please make your selection: In Person or Virtually on the bottom of the Registration form. Registration is free!
This workshop is sponsored by: Association of Black Social Workers.
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February 25, 2021, 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (ET)
"LGBTQ Inclusivity in Healthcare"
Presenter: Claire James
This workshop will explore the importance of inclusive care, historical and contemporary contexts for LGBTQ individuals in healthcare, sex, gender and behavioral terms.
Registration is $5.00 for NASW members and $15 for non-members. You will receive the Zoom link prior to the workshop.
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February 26-27, 2021, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ET)
"Social Work Licensure Exam Prep Course"
Presenter: Sophia F. Dziegielewski, PhD, LCSW
Registration (Closes Sunday, February 21):
$205 Members and $270 Non-Members.
The Zoom link will be sent prior to the event.
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March
March 4, 2021, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. (ET)
Are We Experts Yet?
Hosts:
Veronica Latchman, Alexis Serrano & Shirley Roseman
“Are We Experts Yet?” is a monthly peer support group for students, interns and new professionals.
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March 5, 2021, 8:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (ET)
Social Work Month Celebration and Awards Ceremony
"Celebrate Social Workers with Integrative and
Complementary Approaches for Behavioral Health”
Presenter: Kathy Shafer, Ph.D., LCSW, CAP, E-IAYT, 500RYT, LFYT
Registration is free for NASW Members, $20 for Non-Members and $10 for Non-Member Students. A Zoom link with be provided prior to the event.
Registration closes March 4 at 3:00 p.m.
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Save The Date
March 25, 2021, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (ET)
Social Work Month Celebration and Awards Ceremony
Guest Speaker: Susan Mankita, MSW, LCSW, NASW-FL President
More information coming soon.
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March 22-24, 2021
Legislative Education Advocacy Day (LEAD)
Join new and seasoned professional Social Workers from across the state via zoom to educate and lobby legislators on important issues facing the social work profession and our clients.
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Save The Date
March 31, 2021, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (ET)
Social Workers are Essential: The Statewide Event
More information coming soon.
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1931 Dellwood Dr.
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Toll-Free: 1-800-352-6279 | Local: (850) 224-2400
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