Meeting the Challenges after September 11th

As we celebrate Black History, Women's History and Social Work Month in the aftermath 9/11, I am reminded of the words of Dr. Martin Luther King whose birthday was observed in January, "…we are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality…". Through our scientific genius we have made this world a neighborhood, now, through our spiritual and moral development, we must make of it a brotherhood."

The Chapter faces central challenges in the aftermath of 9/11. Foremost among these are ensuring that the health and human service needs of New Yorkers are given sufficient priority as the City embarks on a process of economic redevelopment, and providing supports for a membership that the evidence shows is more overworked, more emotionally overburdened, and feeling less safe in the workplace than ever before.

In light of these challenges, and in keeping with the themes of the events that we celebrate this month, it is important for the profession to commit to fostering a climate of unity, inclusiveness and community. This is particularly important as the City moves forward in rebuilding and recovery. We face many challenges, but there are also many reasons to be optimistic.

A new agenda of inclusiveness

Mayor Bloomberg is making good on his promise to make his a more inclusive administration. In a Gracie Mansion breakfast meeting with members of the Black and Hispanic press, the Mayor spoke of his intentions to meet with many ethnic groups and his belief that every voice should be heard. He brought his message of inclusiveness to the Black Agency Executives' Annual Martin Luther King Luncheon, an event distinguished for bringing together a diverse mix of health and human service professionals to recognize the contributions of City leaders whose work exemplifies the legacy of Dr. King. The Mayor's participation in these, and other events celebrating Dr. King's legacy, are examples of his willingness to reach out to all New Yorkers and will go a long way in reducing the polarization of New Yorkers around race and ethnicity contributed to by the leadership style of his predecessor.

Increased presence of women, Blacks and social workers

It is also encouraging that women, African Americans, and social workers have been appointed to head New York City agencies responsible for overseeing policy and service development for populations of concern to the profession including children and families, the poor, the homeless, and aged. Social work will have two powerful representatives in the person of Dennis Walcott, Deputy Mayor for Public Policy, and William Bell, Commissioner of the Administration Children's Services. Both were recent contributors to the Chapter's newsletter, and are highly credentialed and credible leaders.

The New York City Human Resources Administration has been a virtually closed Agency. Policies of finger printing and job sanctioning reflected the agency's primary concern for reducing the welfare rolls and created a distorted view about public assistance recipients. Although not a social worker, the newly appointed Commissioner/Administrator Verna Eggleston has been a strong advocate for the special needs of children and youth, and has expressed an interest in bringing "integrity and compassion" to the work of the agency. Commissioner Eggleston's approach holds the promise of redirecting policy away from an emphasis on reducing the public assistance rolls to a greater emphasis on reducing child poverty rates, a goal that is integral to the mission of the agency.

Opportunities for a stronger professional association

Some two years ago the National Board embarked on a major overhaul of the National office in an effort to improve members services and strengthen the relationship between National and Chapters. The actions taken by the National Board thus far are outlined in the January 2002 edition of the National Newsletter. The 2002 Delegate Assembly will be meeting this summer and voting on outstanding issues of structure, governance and By-laws. The NASW National Committee on Nominations and Leadership Identification has also adopted a candidate slate for the Spring 2002 elections also published in the January Newsletter.

With generous support from the United Way of New York City, the Chapter Board has embarked on a process of strategic planning in an effort to better position the Association to respond to member needs and the changing social welfare landscape in New York City. We are pleased that Dr. Megan McLaughlin, Executive Director of the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies, and Dr. Peter Vaughn, Dean of the Fordham University Graduate School of Social Services, have agreed to serve as external members of the strategic planning committee.

The Chapter Nomination's Committee has just finished the work of developing a slate of candidates for Chapter elections to fill key Board officer ships and member at large positions. The new Board will have the important role of moving the strategic planning process forward and overseeing implementation.

Encouraging member participation

Since September the 11th we have all come to appreciate more fully our rights as Americans, the most basic of these is the right to vote. It is no less important that we exercise this right of participation on matters of governance involving our professional association. During Social Work Month, as activities are planned to promote the profession, I encourage you to reach out to Board members and your elected representatives to the Delegate Assembly to learn more about issues of governance that the 2002 Delegate Assembly will be acting on, and log on the Chapter web site to remain current on the progress and status of licensure. I also hope that the membership will participate in the upcoming elections and vote for those candidates uniquely qualified to support the Chapter's agenda.