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It is our pleasure to announce that GWSCSW has hired Melanie Hood-Wilson and Associates (MHWA) as DEI consultants for GWSCSW. MHWA comes highly recommended by the non-profit and educational institutions with whom we spoke to at length, all of whom were very impressed by the way MHWA approaches the work of Diversity Equity and Inclusion. The leadership of GWSCSW are excited to work with MHWA which describes itself as a company that seeks to assist its clients in understanding America's racial and cultural disconnects by developing strategies to help them successfully grow, embrace, and embody the values Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. It is our hope that the GWSCSW will come to be known as an organization of increased diversity, equity, and inclusion which is so valued by the GWSCSW leadership and members.
As we begin collaboration with MHWA, the first steps are twofold. Step one will involve MHWA performing an internal equity audit and needs assessment through the review of GWSCSW's organization structures and the systems that support it, through the identification of white supremacy cultural norms that hinder the forward movement on the Antiracist Continuum. This process will involve the participation of our membership. If you are contacted, we ask and encourage you to participate openly and honestly so that the Society can make meaningful changes which will allow us to learn and grow as an organization. Once completed, MHWA will present its findings first to the Board and then to the membership. The second step will be the facilitation of a Membership Town Hall to be held in the Spring of 2023 (more information will be sent as soon as details are finalized - GWSCSW Town Hall | Saturday, April 22, 2023 9:00 AM. This will be an opportunity for the GWSCSW to come together to speak about DEI concerns, a vision for the future, and to be heard.
This is a first step, but it is not the last step. Moving toward an antiracist society is a long journey, and we hope you will be with us as we move towards the completion of our journey.
Please feel free to contact your Board with any questions, concerns, or to voice your desire to participate.
GWSCSW Board and Social Justice Branch
Low Cost Therapy for MSW StudentsGWSCSW's low-cost therapy program to help MSW students who cannot afford therapy at usual rates to get therapy while they are still in school. | Social Justice Branch
How has systemic racism impacted your clinical practice? How do you measure up as an anti-racist clinician? How often do you consider the effect of systemic racism on the issues bringing your clients to therapy? Racism is but one important force that has shaped all of our lives, whether we realize it or not. Thus, in order to cultivate emotional intimacy with our clients, we must, as clinicians, first be willing to engage with the insidious nature of racism and sit with a great deal of discomfort. We must be willing to enter a brave space within ourselves before we can foster one with our clients. |
mentoring programThe purpose of the Mentor Program is to provide a link between a Mentor, who is an established member of the profession, with a graduating social work student, a recent graduate, a social worker re-entering the field or one new to the area. The program is open to all GWSCSW Members no matter what area of concentration or special interest he or she has in the field of social work. | Study Groups for MembersStudy Groups promote ongoing social work education, collaboration, peer leadership, and the exploration of a wide range of clinical interests. The GWSCSW Continuing Education Committee has developed procedures to make it possible for GWSCSW members in Study Groups to be granted Continuing Education Units (CEUs). |
WELCOME TO OUR WISDOM
Episode 6: Welcome to Our Wisdom -- Robert Taibbi: How Clinicians Evolve Over Time - As we change and develop as clinicians, our practices often mirror our shifting directions. Meet Bob Taibbi--clinician, professor, author of 11 books (!), workshop presenter and respected thought leader. During his 46 years in practice, he has shifted his methods to reflect a changing client caseload and meet the needs of who his clients are today. In this episode, Bob explores the flexibility and fluidity of our profession as he traces his experience from community mental health to teaching, writing and working in private practice. He is a popular CE presenter at GWSCSW and shares his innovations in working with individuals, couples and families. | News & Updates
| Upcoming events
The Greater Washington Society of Clinical Social Work is run by committees of volunteers who offer their time and professional expertise. In return they receive opportunities to develop professional connections and visibility and to have interesting and fun interactions with colleagues. We all receive the many benefits that the society provides through their generosity. The following offers brief descriptions of the committees. Please think about volunteering! |
Benefits of Membership
GWSCSW . . . Advocates for YOU - Provides educational events for licensure renewal - Connects you with peers - Provides professional support for your career
- Exchange views and obtain information through our interactive listserv
- Promote your practice through our Therapist Finder - an online listing of fully licensed members searchable by the public
- Receive our lively and informative quarterly newsletter, (News & Views) and even become a published author by contributing an article
- Be informed about the current legislative issues affecting the mental health field through our Legislative Program
- Attend (or host) Wine & Cheese networking events
- Access the members-only sections of the website - including the member directory, professional resources
- Participate in the Mentoring Program
- Join a committee that fulfills your interests (a great way to meet fellow professionals and to quickly feel connected)
- Attend Continuing Education events at discounted member rates, present continuing education workshops; and track your CEU attendance through the website
ADVOCACY & LEGISLATION BRANCH+GWSCSW advocates for the profession in all three jurisdictions and is part of the national efforts with the Clinical Social Work Association (CSWA). | COMMUNITY BRANCH+Join this active community and
| EDUCATION BRANCH+GWSCSW offers professional education to help clinicians meet their continuing education requirements. | COMMUNICATIONS BRANCH+Stay up to date on everything GWSCSW and learn about everything available to you with our outreach team. |
