I would like to thank social workers for their support in electing me as President of New York City Chapter of NASW and will strive to promote the high ideals of our profession and professional association.

As the first President to enter the 21st century I believe that NASW should be proactive in addressing current challenging issues of managed care, technological advances, and welfare reform. We must strive to insure that managed care leads to improved health care services, not the curtailment of services for those in need, that confidentiality is protected in an technological era, and that vulnerable people receive needed financial and social services under welfare reform. With the increasing diversity in New York City there will be greater need for cultural competent services which social workers with our unique person-environment perspective, commitment to social justice, and knowledge about advocacy and empowerment are well equipped to provide. In a changing job environment we must help social workers reframe and market their multiple roles and skills. Social workers will be needed more than ever in the next century and we must educate the public about who we are, what we do, and what we can do. To achieve this objective all members of NASW should participate in reframing our image to the press and the public in general.

Now more than ever NASW must focus on participation, programs and political power. We must strive to increase participation which reflects the diversity of professional social workers throughout the city. The development of task groups which represent emerging interests as well as continual support to existing committees helps strengthen our organization. Sponsoring borough wide activities, as well as reaching out to large social service and health care agencies increases the involvement of social workers with our professional organization. In September the chapter will host an event for social work faculty which serves to reinforce our connection with social work educators. Involving students through meaningful activities helps insure the future of our professional organization.

Programs that interest and educate members are key to a strong professional organization. This fall the chapter is launching an exciting continuing education program with offerings on managed care, DSM IV, cultural competency, CSW review, brief treatment and other timely topics. I support and encourage these activities which will help prepare professional social workers and students to succeed in a changing environment.

Social workers need to increase their political power through continuing contact with elected and appointed officials. I advocate for connecting with political leaders about impending legislation which effect social service and health care. On the state level we must successfully negotiate with legislators in order to gain support for the passage of a licensing bill. In New York City we must engage city council members and other elected officials, as well as commissioners and administrative staff of the Health and Hospital Corporation, the Administration for Children Services, the Human Resources Administration, and the Department for the Aging who provide services to our clients.

As the president of the NYC chapter of NASW, I look forward to the challenge of furthering these initiatives and ask all social workers to join with the chapter to help realize these goals.

Elaine Congress
President Elect