ANNUAL REPORT 2014—2015

National Association of Social Workers—Michigan Chapter

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership

organization of professional social workers in the world with 130,000 members. It

promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers.

NASW also seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and

communities through its advocacy.

The Michigan Chapter has nearly 6,000 members who live and work in the state of

Michigan. NASW-Michigan helps shape legislation that affects the health, welfare

and education of all people. The Chapter works with many allied organizations to

promote causes and services that improve society and address injustice and

oppression.

The mission of the social work profession is rooted in a set of core values. These

core values, embraced by social workers throughout the profession’s history, are

the foundation of social work’s unique purpose and perspective:

NASW Michigan At A Glance

• service

• social justice

• dignity and worth of the person

importance of human relationships

Integrity

competence

The Michigan Chapter At A Glance

5700+ MEMBERS

3400 MEMBERS OF NASW FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS

2500 MEMBERS THAT HOLD THE ACSW ADVANCED CREDENTIAL

3300+ FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS

1500 ADVOCACY MESSAGES SENT TO LEGISLATORS

1000+ SOCIAL WORK JOBS POSTED

900+ ATTENDEES AT 2014 LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION & ADVOCACY DAY

800+ SOCIAL WORK STUDENT MEMBERS

300+ HOURS OF CONTINUING EDUCATION PROVIDED

160+ MICHIGAN SOCIAL WORK NEWS STORIES POSTED

90 WORK GROUP/TASK FORCE/COMMITTEE MEETINGS HELD

75+ CLASSROOM WORKSHOPS/PRESENTATIONS GIVEN

35+ COMMUNITY EVENTS HELD

30 U-LINK STUDENT ADVOCATES

11 REGIONS

1 UNIFIED VOICE FOR THE SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION

Welcome to the NASW-Michigan year in review and thank you for your

membership. As your professional association, your support funds our advocacy,

educational efforts, and ensures that social work has the publicity that highlights

social workers as cutting edge professionals. We work hard to ensure that you

have the best opportunities to receive evidence-based guidelines for both clinical

and macro practice. NASW is the only existing entity that advocates for the social

work profession across the professional continuum. It is through your

membership and communication that we learn what is most critical in your

practice and sets our goals for each fiscal year.

Over the past year, the Chapter has been working on two major efforts in

combination with addressing many political and policy issues highlighted in this report. NASW-Michigan is working to

advance the social work profession within primary care with the Community in Primary Care Model©. Our model

partners social workers and community health workers with primary care physicians to ensure a system that addresses

the impact of social determinants on the wellbeing of patients. We also continue our efforts to ensure adequate services

for the Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind (DHHDB) communities.

Through our close ties with the Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards, NASW-Michigan continues to

address issues in mental health that have a direct impact on the clients we serve. We have formed an exciting

partnership with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and work with them on critical civil rights issues such as

poverty, hunger, homelessness, hate crimes and Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind services. We recently partnered

with ACCESS in Dearborn on their Take On Hate Campaign to end hate crimes against Muslim and Arab Americans.

Additionally, we are working with the Michigan Departments of Community Health and Human Services to address

recommendations from the Mental Health and Wellness Commission, including Juvenile Competency to Stand Trial.

We continue working with schools of social work and have engaged students and faculty in many chapter activities. Our

U-Link program (with over 30 student advocates) has been a phenomenal success and helps address student needs and

helped us developed a successful mentorship program. NASW-Michigan offers career services, student scholarships,

regional networking, a licensure preparation course, opportunities to get published, professional development and

much more. Additionally, we hold regular meetings with university/college policy staff to inform them of new and critical

legislation in the Michigan legislature that can be shared with the next generation of social workers. NASW staff present

workshops throughout the year at dozens of social work classes, as well as sponsor the Student of the Year Awards

throughout the state.

Without our members, NASW-Michigan would not be able to achieve the accomplishments on the pages of this annual

report, which are just a snapshot of all of the services and programs offered. Regardless of your area of social work

practice, NASW-Michigan is advocating on your behalf. As you read the following pages, you will find that the staff and

Board of Directors continue to attain meaningful successes to advance the profession. As always, if you have a concern

that you would like to see addressed in the state, please contact us. We are always listening to the feedback our

members provide.

In partnership,

Maxine A. Thome, PhD, LMSW, ACSW, MPH. Executive Director

National Association of Social Workers—Michigan Chapter

Thank You Members

To help advance the profession and to advocate for social justice, NASW-Michigan actively seeks to provide new programming and to build collaborations with like-minded agencies and organizations. Some of this year’s endeavors include:

Social Work Mentorship Program - For the 2015 social work month in March, NASW-Michigan launched our first ever mentorship program. Over 140 practitioners and students were matched to help train and provide guidance to the next generation of Michigan social workers. Thank you to all of the mentors and mentees who volunteered to participate. The hope is that this will be an ongoing program and that we can build off of the experience of our members.

Certificate in Core Supervision - With approximately 5000 students currently enrolled in Michigan Schools of Social Work, the demand for social work supervision has increased tremendously. In order to meet this demand NASW-Michigan has developed a comprehensive, ethically-based training that will prepare you to step into the role of supervision. NASW-Michigan’s Core Supervision will provide you with a foundation and knowledge to ethically supervise and mentor social workers who have obtained their limited license and are preparing to begin their social work careers.

Take on Hate - In 2015, NASW-Michigan became an endorsed organization for the Take On Hate Campaign. Take On Hate, officially launched in 2014 as a multi-year, grassroots campaign to challenge the growing discrimination and persistent misconception of Arab and Muslim Americans, including refugees of Arab and Muslim descent, in the U.S. Take On Hate, led by the National Network for Arab American Communities (NNAAC), a project of ACCESS, stands against all forms of hate and bigotry toward any group of people.

Michigan Coalition for HIV Health & Safety - The Michigan Coalition for HIV Health and Safety works to modernize Michigan’s HIV response to increase the health outcomes and safety of all Michiganders. NASW-Michigan is an endorsing organization and has been working closely with the group’s more than 35 partner organizations to provide resources, trainings and legislative advocacy.

Silver Key Coalition - The Silver Key Coalition is a group of individuals and organizations committed to supporting the desire of older adults and adults with a disability to remain living at home for as long as possible. The Coalition recognizes that hav-ing a key to one's home is one of the most important quality of life elements, and advocates for an increase in state support-ed in-home services through the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging (OSA). The Coalition’s goal is to deliver on the promise to make Michigan a "no wait state" for in-home services, by eliminating underserving, and fully addressing unmet needs with increased state funding for OSA in-home services of $10 million from FY 2015 to FY 2017.

New Projects & Collaborations

Policy Initiatives

Right of Sepulcher - Right of Sepulcher is a bill that would permit a person to designate an individual of their choice, related or unrelated, to make decisions about their funeral arrangements following their death. Current law specifies that a surviving spouse, or if no surviving spouse, then individuals related to the decedent make the decision regarding disposition of the individual’s remains. As life expectancy continues to increase it is not uncommon for adults to outlive their spouses, siblings and even their children. Many families are spread out geographically across the country, leaving family members disconnected or unfamiliar with the wishes of the deceased. Sometimes, the person who has been entrusted to make medical determinations, including whether to terminate life support, is a non-relative and therefore currently prohibited from making funeral arrangements. This often results in time spent seeking out extended family who may not be as knowledgeable about the individual’s wishes. Medical social workers and other health care professionals are increasingly witnessing the emotional trauma experienced by the growing number of individuals experiencing end-of-life decisions and the dilemma our current laws put people in. NASW Michigan believes that the law should be changed to allow all adults the opportunity to designate a personal representative for the disposition of their body following death. Senator Rebekah Warren (D – Ann Arbor) has agreed this session to introduce this legislation. Members of LSP’s Aging committee and legislative staff will meet with the Senator near the end of April to discuss cosponsors, speakers, and general strategy.

Captions read clockwise starting from top left: (1)Members canvass for Rep. Theresa Abed, MSW; (2) Protesting the school to prison pipeline; (3) Grand Rapids social workers attend a CE film screening; (4) WSU students attend LEAD; (5) NASW-Michigan’s Board of Directors meet to plan a year of action; (6) Eric Wilkins received the BSW Student of the Year Award from Dr. Cassandra Powers; (7) Bowling fundraiser team from The Women’s Center of Greater Lansing; (8) Congressman Ron Dellums addresses the crowd at the 2014 Annual Conference.

Ethics Consultation

A tangible and important benefit NASW-Michigan staff offers members is legal and ethical consultation. NASW-Michigan staff members and the Chapter Ethics Committee (CEC) spend a significant amount of time helping members navigate through difficult ethical dilemmas each week. The CEC is also responsible for providing education and training to NASW members in coordination with the National Ethics Committee and Office of Ethics & Professional Review. The CEC is composed of volunteer NASW members from across Michigan.

Request for Professional Review

Professional review is a collaborative process between chapters and the national office to provide a peer review of members’ alleged unethical conduct. The process is designed to correct and improve the practice of individual social workers as needed.

Licensure Preparation

NASW-Michigan offers members discounts on an online licensure preparatory classes through passitpro.com. The goal is to make licensure attainable, reduce test anxiety, and to provide new professionals with easily accessible resources when taking their exam.

Online Career Center

NASW-Michigan’s job bank allows agencies to advertise employment opportunities directly to social workers in Michigan. Despite the challenging economic climate, NASW-Michigan has been able to secure an increased number of job advertisements from year to year. Over 1000 jobs were posted in the last year on the Career Center. This is a members-only service available at www.nasw-michigan.org. Members also may now subscribe to receive email alerts when new positions are added.

Legislative Education & Advocacy Day

Program Services

October 30, 2014 will go down in Michigan history as the largest number of social workers gathered at the state capital for the annual Legislative Education & Advocacy Day (LEAD), hosted by the National Association of Social Workers – Michigan Chapter.

Over 900 social justice advocates from every corner of Michigan converged upon the Lansing Center for a day of inspiration, education, networking, and political and legislative advocacy. Twenty Michigan social work programs were represented with students, faculty, and practitioners traveling from as far as Mar-quette.

The day featured two keynote addresses, 14 workshops, networking opportunities, legislator meet and greets, and more. Spotlighted speakers included, Representative Marcia Hovey-Wright, LMSW (D – 97th District - Muskegon Co), Representative Theresa Abed, MSW (D – 71st District - Grand Ledge/Eaton), candidate (now Representative) Stephanie Chang, MSW (D – 6th District – Detroit), and Jay Kaplan of the American Civil Liberties Union.

NASW Assurance Services provided a lunch sponsorship for the day and twelve exhibitors were present, including the Michigan Democratic Party and the Michigan Republican Party.

LEAD challenged attendees to not only be actively engaged and to vote in the upcoming election, but to build coalitions to challenge injustice on key social, economic, and policy issues.

Leading the Way Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf-Blind Task Force:

In mid-2013, NASW - Michigan was called on by members of the Deaf community to address gaps in mental health services being experienced by people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Deaf-Blind (DHHDB). A significant segment of health services are provided by primary care physicians or mental health therapists who are not deaf and are also non-signers with little or, more often, no experience in working with deaf individuals. Exacerbating the obvious problem this creates, these clinicians are often paired with interpreters who have limited or no experience working in the mental health field. As a result, there are many misdiagnosis, unnecessary hospitalizations, and errors in prescribing appropriate medications.

As a result, NASW - Michigan organized a task force comprised of members of these communities, advocates, and service providers for the DHHDB. One of the first accomplishments of the task force was collaborating on a policy brief. Released at last year’s conference, "Gaps in Mental Health Care for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Michigan" outlines the gaps in health care and makes recommendations for change.

Soon after this document was authored, members of the task force were able to present the policy recommendations to the Michigan Mental Health and Wellness Commission (MHWC), created by Governor Snyder. NASW – Michigan is proud to announce that most of the task force's policy recommendations have been included in the MHWC recommendations made to the State. Further, our partners in the Michigan Departments of Civil Rights and Community Health have made a commitment to implementing the recommendations.

NASW – Michigan and the DHHDB task force are committed to raising awareness about this issue. Last year, Steve Hammerdinger, Director of Deaf Services - Alabama Department of Mental Health, was the plenary speaker at the NASW – Michigan Annual Meeting of the Profession Conference. Members of our task force have hosted several trainings and provided workshops at several conferences. NASW – Michigan is now in the process of applying for grant funding to implement a state-wide training program for providers and interpreters.

More information can be found at www.nasw-michigan.org under the “Advocacy” tab. NASW – Michigan Community in Primary Care Model©:

Last year, NASW – Michigan released "Better Health, Better Health Care, and Reduced Costs: Integrating Community Supports into Michigan’s Health Care System," which makes the case for integrating social workers and community health workers into Michigan's primary care system. Additionally, it provides the foundation for the Community in Primary Care© (CPC) model, developed by NASW-Michigan, with the goal of a pilot project followed by statewide implementation. We have partnered with the Mid-Michigan Physicians Group to pilot the model and the Curtis Center Program Evaluation Group to evaluate the pilot project. More information can be found at www.nasw-michigan.org under the “Professional Issues” tab.

Delegate Assembly

NASW – Michigan’s delegation to the 2014 NASW Delegate Assembly took part in proceedings this past August. The Delegate Assembly is the representative, decision-making body - comprised of 277 elected delegates - through which NASW members set broad organizational policy, establish program priorities, and develop a collective stance on public and professional issues (contained in the Social Work Speaks publication). Article V of the National Bylaws addresses Delegate Assembly. The Delegate Assembly meets once every three years. As stated in the National Bylaws, "The membership shall act through the Delegate Assembly in all matters except as otherwise provided in the Bylaws." The Michigan Chapter delegates were instrumental in blocking a vote to dissolve delegate assembly and members in Michigan should be proud of their effort to fight for the voices of all NASW members to be heard at the national level.

Improving the public’s perception of the social work profession is a priority for NASW-Michigan. Public opinion of the profession greatly affects the work social workers do, from securing federal and state funding to opening the door to services. NASW-Michigan continues to invest significant time and resources in a public relations campaign to confront misperceptions about social workers. Each month we spotlight news articles featuring members on the ‘News and Press’ section of the Chapter website, in The Bridge newsletter, and on the NASW-Michigan blog. Some of the over 160 articles posted between 2014-2015 include:

Social Work In the News

March 2015 Addressing Gaps in Care for Michigan's Deaf Community How Do I Know When I Am Ready to Take the Test? Getting a School Social Work Job: Advice for New Graduates

February 2015 Michigan Considered Among Worst States for LGBT Equality Life as a Lobbyist. The Quickest Day of My Life How to Survive and Thrive in Your BSW Program

January 2015 Why Couples Counseling Is Not Recommended When Domestic Violence Has Occurred Questions Linger in Gov. Snyder's Department Merger Tackling Homeless through Non-Profit Development Essential Steps for Ethical Problem-Solving

December 2014 Reporting Elder Abuse. What You Need to Know Immigration Reform: Student Advocacy and Policy Change Methods of Reforming the Child Welfare System

November 2014 Twitter, Facebook, and Your Ethical Responsibility Avoiding Malpractice: Tips for Social Workers to Manage Risk

October 2014 What is Cyber Liability and Breach of Patient Data Privacy? Social Workers Address Child Immigrant Crisis The Importance of Grassroots Action

September 2014 Fighting the School-to-Prison Pipeline What You Need to Know About Social Work Who Takes Care of the Caregivers?

August 2014 Ethical (and Legal) Issues in Divorce and Custody Moving Out Of Isolation: Integration Of A Cuban-American Identity

July 2014 Can LLMSW’s Bill for Services? Bill Would Change Who Can Make End-of-Life Decisions

June 2014 Clinical and Ethical Considerations for Social Workers Serv-ing LGBT Youth

May 2014 Marriage Inequality in Michigan: Affecting Family Ties “Bring back our girls!”: Joining the Universal Chant Helping Employees after a Critical Incident 80 Miles by Foot to End Zero Tolerance

Each year, NASW-Michigan honors the unique contributions of our members towards advancing the social work

profession. In 2015, two awards will be handed out at the annual conference to recognize outstanding social work

practice. Congratulations to:

Lifetime Achievement Award Linda Reeser, PhD, LMSW (pictured left) The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a social worker who has spent a career advocating for the profession and their clients. Nominees should demonstrate a continued commitment to the principles of social justice through leadership, education and advocacy.

Social Worker of the Year Julie Weckel, LMSW, ACSW (pictured right)

The Social Worker of the Year Award is presented to an individual who has made a demonstrable difference in such areas as: advocacy for

clients, social policy, social work practice, program development, administration, and research.

2015 Social Work Students of the Year Annually, one BSW and one MSW student from each accredited social work program in the state is nominated to receive the NASW-Michigan Social Work Student of the Year Award. Each student is recognized during a special regional awards ceremony. Southeast Michigan Awardees Joshua Jerz, Adrian College – BSW Stephanie Peck, Eastern Michigan University – BSW Aaron Suganuma, EMU– MSW Taylor Eberhart, Oakland University – BSW Rosemarie Villarreal, Madonna University – BSW LaTonya Archie-Jackson, Marygrove College – BSW Kayla Hohlbein, University of Detroit Mercy – BSW Lloyd Shelton, University of Michigan – MSW Eric Wilkins and Kristyn Weinert, WSU– BSW Monica Bester, Wayne State University – MSW West Michigan Awardees Keila Carmona, Andrews University – BSW Karena Griffiths, Andrews University – MSW Chantelle Yazzie, Calvin College – BSW Kathleen Enerson, Cornerstone University – BSW Victoria Hylarides, Grand Valley State University – BSW Jamie Dahlquist, GVSU – MSW Taylor Ezikian, Kuyper College – BSW Larissa Weld, Western Michigan University – BSW Karie Ward, WMU – MSW Central/Northern Michigan Awardees Mallory Flinn, Central Michigan University—BSW Jamie Terrell, Ferris State University—MSW Celeste Santi, Michigan State University—BSW Marcia Baczkowski, MSW—MSW Sarah Rymkos, Northern Michigan University—BSW Julia Sobah, Saginaw Valley State University—BSW

Recognizing Excellence in Practice

Above: 2015 Southeast MI So-cial Work Students of the Year at Oakland University.

Left: Aaron Suganuma gets awarded the EMU MSW award from former NASW-MI President Marjorie Ziefert.

Bottom: Kuyper College hosts the 2015 West Michigan Stu-dent of the Year Awards.

Highlighting Exemplary Agencies

New Member Resources

Over the last year, NASW-Michigan has released several new member resources, aimed at answering common questions, helping social workers better their practice, and to develop best practices in different areas of the field. Some of those resources include:

Michigan Social Work Licensure Checklist

The Ethical and Legal Responsibility for Continuing Education

The Michigan Social Work Professional Development Booklet aims to help social workers navigate an ever-changing workplace and equip them with the professional tools they may need to secure employment. This 30+ page guide walks social workers through many facets of the employment search, including networking, cover letters, resumes, interviewing, follow up and provides key resources about the social work workforce (including salary ranges and negotiation tips).

Starting a Clinical Social Work Private Practice In the State of Michigan - As an increasing number of Michigan social workers look to private practice as a means of providing services to clients, they face many complex and often overwhelming issues. Questions about fee-setting, ethics, supervision, third-party reimbursement, liability and malpractice insurance are among the many concerns frequently voiced. Created specifically for Michigan clinical social workers, this manual addresses many issues and challenges facing the private practitioner, and it provides guidelines for establishing and maintaining a private practice.

Can LLMSW’s Bill for Services?

What You Need to Know About Continuing Education

The NASW Professional Review Process and What It Means For Social Workers

Throughout the year NASW-Michigan recognizes outstanding work being done by social workers and their agencies/organizations. The Non-Profit of the Month award is given to agencies who have shown exemplary service to their clients and have made significant contributions to their community. All social work staff at each agency receive special recognition, a certificate, and article in The Bridge newsletter.

March 2015 - American Indian Health & Family Services (Detroit) January 2015 - Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (Dearborn) September 2014 - North Kent Community Services (Rockford) August 2014 - Catholic Social Services of the Upper Peninsula (Marquette) July 2014 - Isabella County Restoration House (Mt. Pleasant) June 2014 - Michigan State University Safe Place (East Lansing) May 2014 - Women's Resource Center (Traverse City)

New & Improved Website!

This year NASW-Michigan transitioned to a new, more user-friendly website (www.nasw-michigan.org). New features include an advanced career center, updated legislative action center, student resources, social work news & press and much more.

The Bridge Newsletter

NASW-Michigan continues to publish The Bridge newsletter. Members receive The Bridge each month electronically, as well as receive four print issues. NASW-Michigan will continue to use The Bridge to inform members of the work the chapter is doing, spotlight social work achievement, highlight legislative priorities, and provide opportunities for involvement.

Social Networking

Social media is becoming a powerful component of NASW-Michigan’s visibility campaign. By using technology, social workers from across the state can network, share and learn from one another. Visit our social networking sites and join the conversation!

Facebook:

NASW-Michigan’s Facebook page provides up-to-date information about upcoming events, current legislation, and CE workshops; as well as facts about social work and inspiring questions to promote dialogue. “Like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NASWMichigan.

Twitter:

NASW-Michigan is now on Twitter! Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NASWMI.

LinkedIn:

NASW-Michigan’s LinkedIn profile provides a way to connect with the organization while building your professional network

Blog: The Social Worker Perspective

The Social Worker Perspective is a blog dedicated to the opinions and stories of Michigan social workers. Follow the blog at http://nasw-michiganblog.weebly.com.

Tumblr: Follow us on Tumblr at nasw-michigan.tumblr.com

Youtube: Watch advocacy videos, social work inspirations, chapter events and more at www.youtube.com/channel/UC4mETr6hSJmiG-pIsdOSTbA.

E-Mail Communications

Email correspondence often supplement The Bridge content by providing tools, research, news and other important or interesting information. Each month members will receive:

Michigan Job Bulletin

Legislative/Action Alerts

Social Work Practice Updates

Bi-Monthly Legislative/Policy Updates

Legislative and Social Policy Update Newsletters

This year the Chapter’s Director of Public Policy started publishing a bi-monthly newsletter, via email on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month. The newsletter keeps members up-to-date on need-to-know legislation and policy related issues, calls on members to act on imminent legislation, and informs members of the activities of the government relations staff and Legislative Social Policy Committee. If you would like to know more or learn how to get involved, contact the Director of Public Policy, Allan Wachendorfer, at: policy@nasw-michigan.org.

Bi-Monthly Community Post

Regional Events/Updates

Members in the News

National Advocacy Initiatives

Member Communication

Time For Some Self Care! This year, NASW members have had the opportunity to take some self care with one of many unique member benefits.

NASW-Michigan has been excited to partner with some amazing organizations around the state to provide our members with discounted events and merchandise for themselves and their families. We are currently working on several more benefits and are always looking for suggestions from members.

Detroit Red Wings—The Detroit Red Wings hosted a special NASW Appreciation Night on Tuesday, March 31st to celebrate social work month. Over 70 Michigan social workers attended at deeply discounted rates. The Red Wings also donated proceeds from each ticket sold back to the NASW-Michigan.

Michigan Science Center—The Michigan Science Center is excited to offer NASW-Michigan members 20% off any level of membership. Explore hands-on exhibits, gaze at the stars, discover new worlds in our IMAX® Theater, and take part in live stage shows. As Michigan’s STEM Hub, we inspire curious minds of all ages. Find your element at the Michigan Science Center.

Detroit Zoo—Take your family and friends out this summer and enjoy discounted Detroit Zoo tickets! NASW members receive great discounts on both admission tickets and attractions.

Moosejaw Mountaineering—NASW-Michigan has partnered with Moosejaw Mountaineering to give members a discount on their products. NASW members will receive 15% off regular priced items, 25% off of Moosejaw brand products, 10% off clearance.

Detroit Pistons—Members of the Michigan chapter of NASW enjoyed the NBA hype courtside with discounted tickets to five Detroit Pistons games this year, including matchups against the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards. Over 55 social work attended the Social Work Night event on March 21, where we were recognized on the score board and we able to take post game shots on the court.

Information on how to access these benefits can be found at www.nasw-michigan.org.

Michigan Social Workers Take On D.C.

In July 2014, forty Michigan social workers traveled across the

country to participate in the NASW national conference, themed

Social Work: Courage, Hope and Leadership. Nearly 2,000 people

from all 50 states and 12 countries attended the conference in

Washington, D.C. Here they heard from expert speakers and had

the chance to attend a variety of individual presentations, which

ranged from topics such as mindful parenting and racial equity to

holistic grief support and equine-assisted psychotherapy.

The event also included a ceremony that honored 10 individuals

with NASW’s National, Foundation and Chapter awards, a film

festival, which featured three social work-themed documentaries,

preconference workshops, poster presentations; an exhibit hall,

and several receptions and smaller gatherings that allowed for

networking and socializing. Michigan social workers took an active

role in all of these functions including presenting on several

important topics:

Military Social Workers Perceptions of Pre-Service and CEU training: A Nationwide Assessment - Mark Giesler, PhD, LMSW

Transition To Success: Pathways Out of Poverty - Jason Cross, LLBSW; Marcella Wilson, PhD; Duane Breijak, LLMSW

The Ethics of Addressing Poverty: Social Work’s Ongoing Debate – Linda Schmidt, MSW, MLPA

Cluttered Lives, Empty Souls: Compulsive Stealing, Spending and Hoarding - Terrence Shulman, JD, ACSW, LMSW,CAADC

Silent Cries Hidden Tears: The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children from a Macro Perspective - Kimberly Adams, PhD, LMSW

Bridging Gaps, Raising the Bar for Practice: A PhD Program Innovates to Build Clinical Leadership - Arlene Weisz, MSW, LMSW

Above: Guadalupe G. Lara, MSW, LMSW, Director of the Consortium of Hispanic Agencies (and past NASW-Michigan President) presents on the keynote panel “Social Justice 2014: e Aren’t Finished Yet.”

Above: Laura Davis, PhD, ACSW, LMSW presents her poster on “Moving Out of Isolation: Integrating a Cuban-American Identity.”

Below: Some of the Michigan delegation pose for a photo in Washington D.C.

Legislative/Policy Advocacy NASW-Michigan actively seeks to change systemic problems and help eliminate oppression and discrimination whenever

possible. The mission of NASW-Michigan is to support, promote and advocate for professional social work practice,

practitioners and the social work profession, to improve the quality of life for the people of Michigan.

Community Mental Health:

NASW – Michigan continues to work with legislators, the Department of Community Health, and partner agencies to work towards fixing implementation issues related to the Health Michigan Plan, including the General Fund budget cuts. Last year, thanks in part to the swift action of members who responded to our call to action by reaching out to their legislators, some relief was provided through a budget supplemental. This year, another budget supplemental was passed to further close that gap. Be assured that NASW-Michigan is at the table fighting to keep behavioral health services intact and provider reimbursement adequate.

MPSERS Gaps in Coverage for Social Workers:

The Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS) has a gap in their insurance coverage for some retirees. MPSERS non-Medicare retiree health insurance plans are underwritten by Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) and do not reimburse social workers as a provider. NASW – Michigan’s legislative staff have been meeting with representatives from both MPSERS and BCBS. Both organizations now understand the importance of social workers and the importance of providing continuity of care. Both BCBS and MPSERS are now navigating the proper channels to add social workers to the non-Medicare retiree policy for reimbursement. We expect the change to take place in the near future.

Religious Freedom Restoration Act

Last year a bill called the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) was introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives. RFRA would excuse any person from following state or local laws they claim “burden” their exercise of religion. The law could be invoked to undermine local discrimination laws that protect individuals from being denied employment, housing, or other services, including behavioral health. Social workers and other licensed professionals could refuse services based on “sincerely held” religious beliefs.

Non-coincidentally, the bill was introduced alongside the effort to expand the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to include protections for people based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression AND alongside the wave of marriage equality rulings across the country. NASW – Michigan partnered with a coalition of civil rights groups to both oppose RFRA and support the Elliott-Larsen expansion. Unfortunately, The Elliott-Larsen effort stalled due to the bill failing to include transgender protections and advocates being unwilling to support a bill that was not fully inclusive. However, RFRA continued to move through the process.

Susan Grettenberger, VP of Social Policy, provided testimony on behalf of the Chapter, with the assistance of CSI Lobbyist, Noah Smith and Director of Public Policy, Allan Wachendorfer. Her testimony outlined the grim reality of the bills potential effect on social workers and clients. RFRA eventually stalled after the Senate was unwilling to take up the bill during Lame Duck. Unfortunately, the bill was reintroduced as SB 4 this legislative session. NASW – Michigan is still in opposition to the bill and stands ready to testify again.

Legislative/Policy Advocacy

Michigan Political Action for Candidate Election

M-PACE was successful in the 2014 mid-term elections, with 8 of the 11 candidates who were financially supported winning their races. Two social workers and NASW members, Marcia Hovey-Wright and Stephanie Chang, were elected to the Michigan House of Representatives. Marcia is a long-time NASW member and former school social worker. She will be serving her 3rd and final term in the House. Stephanie became the first Asian-American woman ever elected to the Michigan House of Representatives. M-PACE was proud to support both of them. M-PACE recently sent out a welcome letter to all 148 state senators and representatives for the 98th legislature. To get involved with M-PACE or to find out how to donate, contact the NASW - Michigan Director of Public Policy, Allan Wachendorfer, at: policy@nasw-michigan.org.

Juvenile Competency Legislation Committee

NASW – Michigan is now part of the Governor’s Juvenile Competency Committee, which is working toward creating standards for determining juvenile competency to stand trial. NASW – Michigan also leads the sub-committee that is determining best practices for treatment and restoration methods for juveniles who are facing trial in the Michigan court system. Currently, there are no standards in place. This effort is ongoing. Stay tuned for updates.

Grand Jury Decisions and the #BlackLivesMatter Campaign

After the Ferguson/Staten Island grand jury decisions to not indict the officers responsible for the deaths of Eric Garner and Michael Brown, NASW-Michigan released a statement and asked members to sign a petition to policy makers. The petition asked that policy makers make the necessary changes to help work towards fair and equitable treatment of people of color by law enforcement. Several hundred members signed on to the petition. This effort is still underway and has led NASW – Michigan to work toward a partnership with the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards to provide cultural competency trainings statewide to law enforcement officers and with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights to ensure that cultural competency is carried out in practice.

Criminal Justice Policy Commission

Legislation initiating the creation of the Criminal Justice Policy Commission supported by NASW – Michigan passed last session and was recently signed by the governor. The law calls for one “mental health professional” to serve on the commission. As of April 2015, NASW member Jennifer Strange, LMSW, CAADC has been appointed by Governor Snyder to fill this position.

Social Work Month Resolution

House Representative and NASW member, Marcia Hovey-Wright, recently introduced House Resolution 36, a resolution to declare March 2015 as Social Work Month in the state of Michigan. The resolution celebrates social work month, NASW’s 60th anniversary, and recognizes social workers for all of the important work they do.

Policy Faculty Roundtables

In an effort to continue to strengthen our relationship with schools of social work in Michigan, NASW – Michigan has been holding policy faculty roundtables before the commencement of each academic semester. The goal is to align the efforts of NASW with activities in the classroom; keep faculty up to date on current legislative news; and work together to better serve members and the needs of universities.

Chapter Staff

Maxine Thome, PhD, LMSW, ACSW, MPH, Executive Director mthome@nasw-michigan.org

Duane Breijak, LLMSW, Director of Member Services & Development dbreijak@nasw-michigan.org

Allan Wachendorfer, LLMSW, Director of Public Policy awachedorfer@nasw-michigan.org

Tricia McCarthy, Office and Event Manager tmccarthy@nasw-michigan.org

Rikki Kirchen, Administrative Assistant rkirchen@nasw-michigan.org

Robin Simpson, RSST, Manager of the Michigan Continuing Education Collaborative rmingus@nasw-michigan.org

741 N. Cedar St., Suite 100 Lansing, MI 48906

Tel 517-487-1548

Fax 517-487-0675

www.nasw-michigan.org

Our Wonderful Interns

Contact the Chapter

NASW-Michigan would like to say thank you to our wonderful interns. Your advocacy, passion, and energy have been instrumental in the success of our chapter this year.

Pictured Below: Trevor Verrier (Wayne State University), Chérie Elahl (Grand Val-ley State University), Angel Foster (Michigan State University), and Joshua Jerz (Adrian College)

Pictures Right:: Antoinette Debose (Oakland University)