Message from the President
Taking Stock
(May 2002)
My term as President of the Chapter will end in June. I cannot say the time went too slow or too fast. It seemed to be just about right to me, and I am grateful for having the opportunity to give back to a profession that has given so much to me.
When I assumed office, it seemed that the distinguishing feature of my presidency was that it would be the first in the new millennium. The 2000-2002 Board of Directors, that I was to chair, would assume stewardship of the Association at a time when the country had all but abandoned the safety net philosophy, turning its back on groups that I have always believed to be the primary constituency of our profession. Our city and state, previously distinguished for a tradition of progressive social policies and programs, had put forth a welfare reform plan that was far more restrictive than federal guidelines required. There was also hopeful speculation that the 1199 Alliance, new avenues of communications opened with the Black and Puerto Rican legislators and social workers, would make mine the presidency under which a social work licensing bill would finally be enacted. For me, it was mostly a time of opportunity- conducive for successful advocacy because the examples of social injustices were so blatant, and receptive to coalition building necessary for establishing the broad base of support necessary to secure a licensing bill that united the profession.
In the end, the defining event of my presidency was not the new millennium but September the 11th, despite the affiliation with a powerful union, sustained lobbying efforts and the allocation of considerable resources to the effort, social work licensing has yet to be attained. Moreover, the trends driving the practice context are different only in that they will continue to unfold against the backdrop of September the 11th.
I faced unanticipated challenges, and learned a great deal over the past two years about the complex problems, possibilities, dilemmas and tensions within the profession. Some of these, as crisis situations often do, were illuminated in the events of September 11th.
Confronting the Paradoxes
The manner in which we came together in the immediate wake of the attack, leaves no question that ours is a profession that of enormous untapped power. The inability to put in place an administrative structure to effectively manage an massive volunteer effort that many looked to the Chapter to undertake, underscored an outstanding challenge is to create the organizational capability for channeling that power potential to better serve our professional interests. While respect for difference and diversity is one of the hall marks of the profession, as the events of 9/11 evolved, it was apparent that the possibility for intergroup conflict, discrimination and stereotyping existed within our own ranks. The increased demand for mental health services elevated our status as major providers of these services, at the same time surfaced familiar tensions as concerns were raised around maintaining an appropriate balance between mental health and concrete service needs of victims. Limiting Chapter trauma training to C.S.W. certified social workers highlighted unintended effects of professionalization since this approach reduced access to mental health services for clients of lesser visibility but suffering from the cumulative effects of trauma and violence.
The post September 11th world, in which we now live, is one of many more gray areas than black and white. In a city of increasing immigration and diversity intolerance and discrimination will not disappear from the organizations in which we practice and will influence the quality of our work with clients. As the City moves ahead in the process of economic recovery and rebuilding policy decisions will be made that leave some better off, while making others worse off. To be effective in this new environment will require a re-evaluation of Chapter priorities, strong Board leadership, and a greater level of participation from the general membership.
Measuring accomplishments
A major accomplishment of the Board has been establishing a process of strategic planning with the support of the United Way. The process is well underway, and will comprehensively address many of the issues identified as priorities in my first message to the membership as Chapter president. The President's Round Tables, developed as a multi-dimensional strategy for meeting several objectives, have been highly successful. The last, held in Brooklyn, and sponsored in collaboration with Miracle Makers, Inc., The Agenda for Children Tomorrow and the ACS Brooklyn Field Office, was attended by more than 100 social workers. Remarks of appreciation were given by Commissioner William Bell, Willie Wren, Miracle Makers Executive Director and a Proclamation making March social work month in the Borough of Brooklyn was presented by Iris Mule, M.S.W., from the Brooklyn Borough President's Office.
Finally, the theme of the 2002 Annual Meeting is "New York Ascendent". Much like our profession, it is a theme of optimism and hope. A Tribute award will be given as a collective award in appreciation to all New York City social workers for keeping that vision alive throughout the events of September 11th.. My very best to the incoming Board, and to our new President Mary Pender Greene. Stay the Course!