Dear Reader,
As I sit down to write this, another Social Work Month is coming to an end. During this month, I have come across many articles about the great work that professional social workers are doing throughout the U.S. and around the world. It always amazes me when I see the variety of work that our profession encompasses!
Spring is here, and The New Social Worker continues to blossom with each new season! We recently teamed up with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) to co-sponsor the SocialWorkChat.org Web site, a “place for social workers to hang out in real-time on the Internet.” The site is managed by my friend and colleague Susan Mankita, chat host extraordinaire! Check it out, and find more info on page 11.
Also, in this issue, we begin a collaboration with the staff of the Australian Association of Social Workers, as Lyndal Greenslade and Amanda Vos of the AASW’s Horizon Career Centre begin a 4-part series of articles on creating your social work career. See page 8 for the first installment.
We continue examining the important issue of racism in this issue’s article by Gail Golden on white privilege.
You’re almost finished with your field placement, and your supervisor presents a new “opportunity” to you. Do you take it and run, or do you just want to run away? Read Denice Goodrich Liley’s article on page 6 to get a better grip on this situation.
And while you’re considering how to get to the end of that road that is called school, Erlene Grise-Owens has some “trip-tips” for you on page 20.
Caitlin Moe had a job in direct practice, but she wanted to help people on a larger scale. Read about social work and the media on page 12.
You hear a knock on your door, and the next thing you know, you are handed an ominous-looking envelope. You’ve been served with a subpoena. Attorney Brenda Gray takes some of the mystery out of this process on page 18.
Are you looking for a course that you need in order to graduate? You may be able to find one online. See page 28 to read about a new resource that might help!
Until next time—happy reading!
Table of Contents FEATUES Student Role Model:
Joseph Marrazzo
In this issue, Barbara Trainin Blank provides a close-up look at Joseph Marrazzo, MSW student at the Universty of Wyoming.
by Barbara Trainin Blank
page 3
Ethics: White Privilege and the Mental Health
Profession
Social worker Gail Golden shares some thoughts about what she has learned about white privilege, both through the Undoing Racism workshops and through her years as a social worker/therapist.
by Gail K. Golden
page 4
Field Placement: Should I? Shouldn’t I? When Is It Okay to Say “No” During Field Practicum?
It is the final term of your field practicum, and you’ve settled into the routine—the personnel, the clients, your tasks, how you fit into the overall purpose. Things are going smoothly, and you feel you can coast to the end. Then it comes out of nowhere—the opportunity. What will you say?
by Denice Goodrich Liley
page 6
What’s On Your Social Work Horizon?
Creating YOUR Social Work Career, Phase 1: Clarify Your Purpose
This first in a 4-part series starts at the beginning: clarifying your purpose.
by Lyndal Greenslade and Amanda Vos
page 8
The New Social Worker Teams Up With NASW to Offer Online Chats
A new Web site offers the opportunity to chat online with social work colleagues.
page 11
Beyond Standard Practice: Social Work and the Media
Caitlin Moe was hired as a new BSW to work in a residential treatment center, but she wanted to help people on a larger scale. She discovered through her work with the Montana Meth Project that social workers can do just that through the use of the media.
by Caitlin Moe
page 12
Poetry: Four Hundred and Twenty-Six Dollars a Month
A poem about poverty.
by Michelle Hatfield
page 17
You’ve Been Served: How to Handle the Stress of Subpoenas
The innocent-looking envelope you’ve received contains a letter that ominously commands you to APPEAR UNDER PENALTY OF LAW. Congratulations. Like thousands of social workers and case manager/therapists, you’ve joined the ranks of the subpoenaed.
by Brenda Gray
page 18
Traveling Toward a Social Work Degree: Ten Road-Tested “Trip-Tips”
Getting a social work degree is like a “road trip.” You explore new vistas and have life-changing adventures. You may also wander in the desert and get “car crazy.” Grise-Owens, a seasoned social work educator, offers ten tips for reaching your destination and enjoying the journey.
by Erlene Grise-Owens
page 20
Student Poster Competition at BPD 2008 Annual
Conference in Destin, Florida
Photos of student poster presenters at the BPD 2008 conference.
page 25
Electronic Connection: First U.S. Social Work Distance Education Course Catalog Announced
The first U.S. Social Work Distance Education Course Catalog is now available. Read about it here!
by Marshall L. Smith
page 28
DEPARTMENTS On Campus page 24
Social Work Around the Map page 26
Books page 30
Classified Ads page 32
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