Social Workers for Justice

Social Workers for Justice is proud to spotlight two impactful articles featured in the latest edition of NASW NYC Chapter Currents: "OUR VOTE IS OUR VOICE: SOCIAL WORK IS POLITICAL." Our very own co-chairs of the Licensing Campaign Committee, Luisa Lopez, MSW, SIFI and Jessica J. Mitchell, LMSW, MA, authored "Advocacy and Power in Social Work," which explores our work to pass the Social Work Workforce Act in New York State. Their article emphasizes the urgency of creating a more equitable, diverse workforce that reflects and supports our communities. We are also thrilled to highlight "Building Power: Beyond Voting…”, by Executive Director Dr. Jacqueline Mondros whose powerful insights underscore the critical role social workers play in political advocacy and systems change. Both pieces capture the essence of our mission—to uplift social work as a force for justice and progress. Together, these articles exemplify the power of our collective advocacy and the importance of ensuring social workers are at the forefront of policy change. You can read both articles here: https://lnkd.in/e357rRis #SocialWorkIsPolitical #SocialWorkersForJustice #Advocacy #PolicyChange #NASW #Equity #Justice

🗓️ Mark Your Calendars! 🗓️ Join us on October 4th at Columbia School of Social Work for the Social Workers for Justice Annual Retreat! This is a unique opportunity to come together with students, policy insiders, stakeholders, and advocates for a day of powerful reflection, strategic planning, and action. Let’s shape the future of social work in New York State together! Plus, attendees will earn 4 Continuing Education (CE) credits for FREE, courtesy of our partners Latino Social Work Coalition and Scholarship Fund, Inc.! Don’t miss out on this chance to grow, connect, and make an impact. Visit the LINK to register today for the FREE event: https://lnkd.in/gpNKYwXd Register now and be part of the movement! 🌟 #SocialWorkersForJustice #SW4JRetreat #SocialWork #CECredits #Advocacy #ProfessionalDevelopment Siembra Today Latino Social Work Coalition and Scholarship Fund, Inc. The National Association of Puerto Rican-Hispanic Social Workers, Inc. Columbia School of Social Work

We are once again partnering with our colleagues at NASW NYS NASW NYC Chapter on a chapter chat on September 5th and a community meeting on September 16th (you can get 2 free CEUs for this event). These events will introduce students and members to our campaign to eliminate the entry-level exam as a condition for licensure in New York State. We will focus on how we can build the power, voice, and stature of social workers, the important role students can play in this campaign, and what a difference the legislation will make for graduates, hiring in social agencies, and especially for the clients and communities who need a larger and more diverse workforce. Follow the link to register! https://lnkd.in/ertBkej9 Luisa Lopez, MSW, SIFI Jessica J. Mitchell, LMSW, MA Jacqueline Mondros

Why doesn't ASWB just revise the entry-level licensing exam to ensure greater fairness? The issue goes beyond simple revisions. ASWB's own data revealed significant disparities in pass rates, highlighting a systemic issue that revisions alone can't fix. Instead of perpetuating a flawed system, we need transformative change. Seven states have already eliminated or suspended the entry-level exam, and ten others never required it. By eliminating the exam, we can create a larger, more diverse workforce to meet community needs effectively. It's time for NY to join this progress and support the Social Work Workforce Act! #EquityInSocialWork #SocialJustice #SW4J

Disparities in pass rates reveal the unfairness of the ASWB entry-level licensing exam. Why are social workers of color and older candidates being left behind? Since ASWB published pass rate data in August 2022, seven states have eliminated or suspended this exam, recognizing its discriminatory impact on social work licensure. Join us in advocating for a fair and inclusive path to licensing in New York State! Learn more and support the cause at Social Workers for Justice: https://lnkd.in/ezUti6WG #SocialWork #JusticeForAll #EndExamBias #DiversityMatters #InclusiveWorkforce #EqualOpportunity #BreakTheBias

🌟 It's estimated that 80% of the clients and communities served by New York State's social workers are people and communities of color. 🌟 Social workers who share the lived experiences of those they serve are proven to be more effective in providing services. Disparities in licensure not only impact graduates who have invested time and money into their education, but also harm the communities that rely on their support. Let's work together to eliminate these barriers and ensure that all communities receive the care they deserve. 💪🏽✨ Learn more about our campaign at link in bio, or visit: https://lnkd.in/ezUti6WG #SocialJustice #DiversityInSocialWork #EqualOpportunity #SupportOurSocialWorkers

📊 The Facts are Clear 📊 ASWB’s own data indicates that the initial licensing exam disproportionately impacts people of color, who have significantly lower pass rates compared to their white counterparts. Nationwide, 56% of graduates who fail the exam are either Black or Latino. It's time for New York State to address these discrepancies and ensure equity in social work licensing! Learn more about the campaign in New York State: https://lnkd.in/ezUti6WG #SocialWorkJustice #EndDiscrimination #EquityInLicensing

🎉 Victory Across the Country! 🎉 Since August 2022, seven states (IL, RI, UT, CT, MN, CO, MA) have eliminated or suspended the entry-level exam or provided alternative pathways to licensing. These are in addition to the 10 states that never had an entry level exam. That means 17 states now no longer require the entry level exam. At least eight other states are working toward similar ends. We don't want NY to be left behind in this progress! Learn more and get involved: https://lnkd.in/ezUti6WG #SocialWorkJustice #SuccessStories #EquityInLicensing Will Doyle, LICSW Latino Social Work Coalition and Scholarship Fund, Inc. NASW NYS NASW NYC Chapter NAMI-NYC Jacqueline Mondros Luisa Lopez, MSW, SIFI

We’ve heard from  our allies in the Statehouse that Deputy Commissioner of the State Education Department  has the ears of the chairs of both Higher Education committees in the Assembly and Senate. He tells them that ASWB is making changes and that they should  have time to “explore options.”    We believe that the Deputy Commissioner and the Chairs of the Higher Education Committees need  to hear from the people who really do the work (instead of ASWB’s lobbyists) they may come to a different conclusion. Along with our organizational partners, we’re drawing the State Education Department out of its back room conversations and into the light by calling for  public hearings. We want our legislators and the State Education Department to hear from a diverse array of real Social Workers who have been affected by the exam, researched the exam, and have been witness to the effect the flawed exam has had on our communities.If you are an organization that can testify about your hiring needs or a social work who went through the experience of the exam, we want to ask you to testify at the public hearing.   To sign up to testify for the public hearing, sign up here. https://lnkd.in/gMvegNEy

We have gathered public support from 36 members in the Assembly and Senate. Thanks to the work you all have done on the phones and in-person, bolstered by our partners at NASW-NYS, we’ve been able to collect enough support that we are very difficult to ignore. This was and is a great first step, and if you haven’t yet - please make some calls to your assemblyperson and senator today. https://lnkd.in/gPFf7hrT