Reflections from the NACSW 2009 Convention

Last week, I had the special opportunity to attend the North American Association of Christians in Social Work annual convention in Indianapolis. This year's theme was "Empowering Communities: Bridging the Social Divide." Several U-M social work students and I networked with students from other (primiarily Midwestern) social work schools and current licensed social work professionals. I attended a variety of sessions that covered topics in direct practice, policy, education, spirituality, administration, community development, and technology. Although I saw many presentations, I will highlight three sessions that would interest CIC members.

Brief introduction: I am a first-year MSI/MSW student, and am currently enrolled in the SI 575 Community Information Corps seminar. My primary academic interests are community informatics and management of human services.

Web 2.0 and Social Work

This was a basic introduction to social networking (Web 2.0) tools. The Internet has changed the way we interact with each other. Although the social work profession is based on face-to-face interactions with clients, social workers need to embrace technology. Blogs (e.g., Blogger, Wordpress), Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn have become powerful marketing and networking tools for individuals and organizations. However, there are ethical considerations for professionals: 1) always manage your image, but don't be afraid to take risks, and 2) don't search for and befriend clients online. Finally, the presenter highly recommended graduate students to create their own LinkedIn profiles before graduation.

He also shared this Youtube video called "Did You Know 4.0?" It has interesting facts and statistics about the changing media landscape in America. It is very fun to watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ILQrUrEWe8

Counseling and Technology: Working with young adults and teens

This session discussed the ways in which social workers are incorporating technology in their agencies and intervention methods. Websites have improved their delivery of programs and services to communities. Information is readily accessible to their clients, such as their specialty practice and community resources. Social workers should use technology because they can focus on their clients' needs (psychological, social, and economic issues), provide tools and resources, and meet them online via chat and forums. Technology is convenient, portabable, and cost-efficient. For example, the presenter used computer games and word-processing software as methods to assess the needs of and establish relationships with her young clients, who are already comfortable with technology. The presenter encouraged social workers to develop competency in technology through computer courses and experiental learning.

Brief biography about the presenter: She is a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist with her own private practice, where she provides serivices such as information and referral and counseling to youth, adult, and geriatic populations.

Leading a Non-Profit Organization in Tough Economic Times

This session explored the barriers nonprofit organizations face in economic crises. Common barriers listed by the audience included funding, staff morale, board dysfunction,  retention, changing government regulations, lack of vision, physical space, and lack of partnerships. There is a greater need among communities for assistance, but nonprofit organizations are facing decreasing resources. By 2016, there would be a greater need for nonprofit leaders (640,000 new senior managers, which is 2.4 times the current number employed). The presenter provided ten fundamental strategies for nonprofit organizations to survive, such as establishing trust, focusing on core mission/strengths, creating a marketable brand, and engaging in strategic partnerships that go beyond cash flow (corporations want to get involved in other ways). This was an excellent session.

Forgotten Folk: Rural Communities and Poverty

I wanted to see this session, but the presenter was ill and unable to come. The presenter's research focused on how geographic isolation exacerbated the poverty experience in rural communities, which tend to have inadequate services and lack social capital. Current policy on poverty and inequality is also tailored toward urban communities. I thought her session would provide great ideas for information professionals interested in this underserved area.

Summary

Overall, I really enjoyed the convention. In the sessions, I learned new concepts that I would have never imagined. It was also nice to hear various perspectives from licensed social workers about their jobs and interests.  In a policy session, social workers are collaborating with other associations to promote and support the Social Work Reinvestment Act. I also learned another fact at the convention: Debbie Stabenow, current U.S. Senator (D-MI), was a former social worker (MSW, Michigan State).

Social workers are everywhere at the local and national level. I also believe I have a better sense of where the social work profession is heading. If you would like to learn more information about the sessions, please contact me at ltwalker@umich.edu.