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H 3757: Progressive law 2
Retirement? Oh No! 3
From Where I Sit 4
President’s Letter 5
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome 6
Bridge to Rediscovery 7
Letter from Betsy Clark 8
Student’s Perspective: Cult Competency 9
Links etc
Advocacy Cruise Registration
11
12
B U S I N E S S N A M E
Chapter Update Newsletter Date
Chapter Update August-September-October 2012
WHAT’S INSIDE:
Lake Murray Sunset Cruise
What are you doing on the afternoon of October
20th? Wouldn’t you rather be floating on Lake Mur-
ray, talking to some fascinating people, looking at
the fall colors, and watching the sunset spread across
the horizon? If so, join us for our Sunset Cruise
Fundraiser for Advocacy.
The idea of the cruise originated with long-time
member Brenda Hyleman, who wanted to raise mon-
ey for the chapter in a fun, innovative way. “We
hope to not only raise money but have fun. Put Octo-
ber 20th on your calendar. Trust me, you won’t want
to miss this one!” says planning committee member
Mary Winstead. According to Brenda, she and Mary
had this brain storm for a fund raising cruise during
the Spring Symposium a couple of years ago and
think this is a great opportunity for social workers to
relax and spend time together in a beautiful setting.
The committee decided the funds raised will be used
to support the chapter’s advocacy efforts: monitoring
and advocating around key legislative issues that af-
fect our profession and the vulnerable populations
we serve. This will include the Chapter’s education
efforts around the newly passed Human Trafficking
bill.
The fundraising committee has worked hard to find
sponsors for the event, which will begin with a social
hour at Brenda Hyleman’s house, 1215 Forrest Shea-
ly Rd. Chapin, SC 29036. The cruise vessel will
pick us up from Brenda’s dock and take us out for
our sunset venture. “This is a great time of the year
to be on the lake and we are thrilled to host the
social hour.
We promise an afternoon/evening of delicious
hors d’oeuvres, relaxation, and fun. Dress is Lake
Murray casual.”
For the cruise to be a success, we need you!
Please complete the registration form on page 12
in this newsletter and send it to the chapter office
to reserve your slot as soon as possible.
Chapter Update Editorial Committee
Sandra Grimble, Chair
Carla Damron, staff
Juliana Palyok, staff Sally Hayes, Proof Reader
Page 2
Chapter Update
It wouldn’t happen here. This was my first thought
when someone mentioned “human trafficking” and
pending legislation in our state. Why did we need a
law for something that didn’t occur in SC? We’d abol-
ished slavery, albeit reluctantly, over a hundred years
ago. Human Trafficking was something that happened
in Russia, Africa, maybe even Europe. Not in the
United States, and certainly not in South Carolina.
Then someone told me about A.R., a fourteen-year-
old girl who had been smuggled out of Mexico by a
crime syndicate and coerced to work as a child prosti-
tute. Housed in a ratty trailer, she was forced to ser-
vice up to twenty men a day. Where was this trailer?
In Columbia, where I live.
Thanks to her sister in Mexico and a quick-acting im-
migration agent, A.R. was rescued from her three traf-
fickers. Jesus Perez-Laguna, Ciro Bustos-Rosales, and
Guatelupe Reyes-Rivera were convicted of traffick-
ing; thus far, these are the only convictions for this
offense in our state.
A.R.’s story resonated with me, and when I researched
more about human trafficking, I learned she was actu-
ally one of the lucky ones. Many victims do not es-
cape. Smuggled into this country illegally, victims can
be forced to work in sweat shops, in restaurants or nail
salons, on farms or in brothels. They can be men,
women, or children, forced to work long, long hours
under inhuman conditions. They are afraid to go to
the police. They are threatened with violence—against
them or their families—should they choose not to
obey the trafficker. The National Trafficking Hotline
received 170 reports of trafficking in South Carolina
last year, which was a 630% increase from two years
before.
H 3757, a comprehensive anti-trafficking law, was
introduced in the SC legislature on February 24, 2012.
Our newly-revived NASW-SC Government Affairs
committee, composed of veteran social workers and
students (George Mavroftas, Chair, Matthew Wilkie,
Katherine Kovich, Antwan Aiken, and Latoya Jeeter),
identified this bill as one to champion. We tracked it
on our computers. We attended hearings and commit-
tee meetings. It became a key focus during our March
Legislative Day and our symposium reception. We
networked with the University of South Carolina Col-
lege of Social Work and with other advocates, includ-
ing Appleseed Legal Justice and the League of Wom-
en Voters, and joined forces when numbers were
needed to make our point.
The first serious opposition the bill faced related to an
important provision in the proposed legislation: Asset
Forfeiture. Advocates stressed this element was criti-
cal: seizing the assets earned by traffickers (a 32 bil-
lion dollar industry), were to be used for training law
enforcement, educating the public, and providing
treatment and rehabilitation to victims. Some legisla-
tors opposed this, citing difficulties asset forfeiture
has caused in drug cases. The advocates stood our
ground. NASW-SC sent blast emails to its member-
ship, detailing the rationale for this provision and ask-
ing interested social workers to contact their legisla-
tors. We sent letters and called key legislators to ex-
press NASW-SC’s endorsement of this bill. When the
House failed to pass the bill and sent it to a joint con-
ference committee scheduled for June 5th, NASW-SC
issued a blast email to social workers and advocates
all across the state and contacted every legislator.
H3757: Progressive Law in South Carolina
Page 3
August-Sept-October 2012
When it was time for the conference
committee to convene, a crowd of
concerned social workers and advo-
cates swarmed the corridor, ready to
fill the hearing room. A message came
to the crowd that said the meeting had
been canceled. It also said, essentially,
never mind. We get it now. It’s going
to pass.
And pass it did. Governor Nikki Ha-
ley offered no opposition, signing it
into law on June 18, 2012. The Pola-
ris Project, and international anti-
trafficking non-profit, has identified
our law as one of the most progressive
in the country, and SC as one of five
“most improved” states in its handling
of the human traffic issue.
But our journey doesn’t end here. As
social workers, we have to see this
through to the next step: educating
social workers and other human ser-
vice providers about human traffick-
ing. A workshop will be held on Fri-
day, October 19th, entitled: “Break the
Chains: Helping Victims of Human
Trafficking” here in Columbia. Pre-
senters include Dr. Pippin Whitaker,
an expert on human trafficking and
professor at the USC College of So-
cial Work, and Dr. Michael A. de
Arellano, Ph.D., Professor & Licensed
Clinical Psychologist, an expert on
trauma-informed care for victims.
We’ll also have survivors of human
trafficking who will tell us their pow-
erful stories of recovery. Registration
info went out last week.
When H3757 becomes law this Janu-
ary, we plan to be ready; educating
social workers and other professionals
is a critical first step.
Retirement? Oh, No!
By Sandra Grimble, LISW-CP, Chair, Editorial Committee
Have you heard the old story about a thirty-five year-old person
going to bed one night and waking up the next morning sixty-
five years old? I used to laugh about that. Now, I know it's true
and wonder how someone can live through those wonderful
years of life so quickly. Sixty-five suddenly and shockingly ar-
rives; our mailbox is now full of brochures to guide us in picking
out the perfect insurance supplement, the perfect retirement
home and even the perfect
resting place.
But retire? Sure, I could sleep a few hours later, but stop work-
ing? No. Turning sixty-five became a crossroads for me as I
joined the ranks of people making a major life decision. I looked
for that "last" interesting avenue that would keep me active and
involved. This was a time of reflection, of serious contrasts and
comparisons. Retire and travel the world with my
husband? Hmm, sounded nice. Retire and enjoy life with my
grandchildren and future great-grandchildren? Sounded great!
Retire and become the consummate volunteer? Or stay on the
front line and, of all things, continue working? Each option had
its appeal, but finding a new work experience and environment
sounded vastly more interesting.
That's when the VA "help wanted ad" seemed to jump off the
internet site. It sounded very interesting. A week later, my re-
sume was submitted and patient waiting became a big part of my
life. Then, the grand day arrived and I was notified the position
was mine.
Now, I work with veterans as a Behavioral Health PACT Social
Worker at the VA Greenville Outpatient Clinic. It's truly a privi-
lege to work with men and women who gave so much for our
country. Just how much our veterans sacrificed and gave for our
freedom is an ever enlarging arena of awareness. I’ll write more
about this in next month’s column.
Retirement? Not for me. Not yet, anyway. I have more social
work to do.
From Where I Sit … Carla Damron, Executive Director
Page 4
Chapter Update
After thirty+ years in the profession, it’s an interest-
ing role-reversal to be on the receiving end of social
work services. But when my husband’s elderly par-
ents began to struggle—and we all had a strong inter-
est in their living independently for as long as possi-
ble—I knew it was time to bring in a specialist. So
after identifying which service provider covered their
home in rural Maine, I contacted the Seniors Plus
Aging Council.
The intake worker asked multiple questions, ending
with, “what services are you interested in?” My re-
ply: “I’m not sure. Could I talk to a social worker?”
Not that the intake worker wasn’t helpful. I just knew
I needed help problem-solving exactly what would
benefit my in-laws. And yes, maybe I’m biased: I
knew a social worker would speak my language. The
next day, Valerie, a licensed social worker, called
me. She had a pleasant, easygoing approach. She
asked me about my in-laws’ living situation and
about our specific concerns re: their managing during
harsh New England winters. “We’ll be there in two
weeks. Could you maybe come over to the house?” I
asked, knowing it would be a bit of a drive for her,
but also knowing she’d need to see them in their
home to get a sense of their situation. She readily
agreed.
We talked to Jim’s parents several times about the
visit. “We just want to make sure y’all have what you
need,” I said, though I worried they’d think we were
being intrusive. They are proud people who value
their independence. So as we awaited our “friendly
visitor,” I felt a little anxious that things might not go
well.
Valerie arrived exactly on time. She dressed casually,
khakis and sandals, like every other Mainer in July.
She extended a warm hand and smiled as she intro-
duced herself, commenting on their lovely home.
Our interview with Valerie lasted ninety minutes. I ad-
mired her conversational tone; her assessment was quite
thorough, but flowed comfortably—just folks gathered
around the kitchen table to talk. Soon my in-laws let
down their guard and brought up their own concerns:
the harsh winters (perhaps Jim’s dad, at 91, should let
someone else use the snow blower?), tackling more
physically demanding household chores, and the need
for social outlets, especially for Jim’s mom, my out-
going mother-in-law. We all agreed their present situa-
tion wasn’t emergent—they’ve managed pretty well on
their own—but what about later, when one or both of
them need more help?
Valerie reiterated that staying in their own home was
the goal for ALL of us. But maybe there were some
supports she could offer that would make this easier?
Perhaps a referral to someone trustworthy to help with
snow blowing and other outside chores? Perhaps
housekeeping services? She even tossed out the idea of
a volunteer to come and visit my mother-in-law, even
take her shopping or out to lunch?
No, they weren’t ready for a volunteer, both quickly
said. But the idea of other help was definitely worth
exploring. Valerie than completed a service plan:
“you tell me what you want to write here.” She helped
them come up with phrasing that fit where they were:
“we’ll start thinking about how having help with the
house and the yard might make our lives easier,” or
something like that. After the plan was signed, and
copies given to my in-laws, Valerie handed them her
contact information and gave us a warm goodbye.
It’s been six weeks since Valerie met my in-laws. I
wish I could say that snow-blowing and housekeep-
ing services are firmly in place. They aren’t yet, but
not because of Valerie-- my in-laws are still mull-
ing. (Mainers don’t like to rush into things.) What
has happened: Valerie calls them to check on them.
She’s called us to give us an update. And should
more services be needed, we know exactly who to
call.
There’s a social worker ready to step in and help.
The President’s Letter by Mike Ottone, MSW, LISW-CP, CPM
Page 5 August-Sept-October 2012
Mike Ottone
Hello SC Social Workers & Friends,
As the summer ends and fall begins, I find myself doing
a little bit of reflecting and a whole lot of anticipating
about the coming year.
This past week, we had our new Board member orienta-
tion and it is exciting to see some new faces on the
board, as well as on committees, in support of NASW.
Over the last several years our chapter has undergone
significant change --with more than a little stress and
challenge involved. Yet we are currently on stable
ground and growing, thanks to small gains and smart
decisions, new ideas and new energy. Our future as a
chapter is bright!
Last year’s symposium was a wonderful success –
thank you to everyone who worked on it and everyone
who attended. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet
with the committee planning next year’s event – wow!
They have really grabbed this task with enthusiasm. I
am looking forward to another exciting event with ex-
cellent speakers and current--but new—topics.
If you have not had the chance, please go check out our
chapter website. We have made improvements to the
design and begun to add more substantive content about
what’s going on in the office and nationally. Offered
trainings and CEUs are being placed on our calendar,
and there are always several job postings up for your
consideration. The site is really taking shape nicely. If
this is new information to you…well, please take a mi-
nute and look at what we have to offer – after all it is
for you!
Finally, I’d be a poor social worker if I did not
acknowledge a rather important event coming up in our
country. Voting is a privilege and a power. We do not
need to share the same choice, but we all need to exer-
cise our influence. Get out and vote and bring a friend
with you.
Get Involved!
Michael Ottone, LISW-CP
Social Work Exam Prep Classes
Inspired Consulting Group will host another two
day social work exam prep class on October 26-
27, 2012 in the Multipurpose Room
of the Benedict College Business Development
Center (2601 Read St, Columbia, SC - the cor-
ner of Read St and Two Notch Rd). The class
will be held from 9:00am - 5:00pm each day;
registration will start at 8:45am on the first day
of the class.
The class is taught by Wendy Alias, LCSW-C,
LICSW and Corey Beauford, LICSW. Mrs. Ali-
as and Mr. Beauford both have years of experi-
ence in various social work practice settings and
clinical supervision.
The fee for our two day class is $250.00 for non
NASW-SC members, $200.00 for current
NASW-SC members and $150.00 for current
MSW students and recent graduates of an MSW
program (within the last 12 months).
To register, go here:
http://www.inspiredconsultinggroup.net/SW-
Exam-Prep---S--Carolina.html
Page 6
Chapter Update
Every time a pregnant woman has a drink, her un-
born child has one too. Alcohol, like carbon mon-
oxide from cigarettes, passes easily through the
placenta from the mother’s bloodstream into her
baby’s blood and puts her fetus at risk of having an
FASD. Resulting impairments may include, but
are not limited to, intellectual disability; learning
disabilities; attention deficits; hyperactivity; and
problems with impulse control, language, memory,
and social skills. Although skilled intervention
services can help individuals with an FASD im-
prove their quality of life, there is no effective
treatment or cure.
The prevalence of FASD in the United States is
estimated to be at least 10 per 1,000, or 1% of all
births. Based on estimated rates of FASD per live
births, FASD affects nearly 40,000 newborns each
year. The cost to the nation of FASD alone may
be up to $6 billion each year, and for one individu-
al with FASD, the lifetime cost is at least $2 mil-
lion.
Individuals (especially youth) with FASD are at
high risk of engaging in criminal activity. They
face many challenges that make them vulnerable,
such as being easily influenced by peer pressure;
lacking impulse control; not understanding cause
and effect; not learning from mistakes; making
poor decisions; having memory problems; and
having difficulty understanding future consequenc-
es. Researchers at the University of Washington
estimate that 35% of individuals with an FASD
have been in jail or prison, and more than half of
the individuals diagnosed with an FASD have
been in trouble with the law.
However, early identification of alcohol problems
among women of childbearing age offers a target-
ed strategy to prevent FASD. Research indicates
that something as simple as reading a self-help
pamphlet may encourage women who are not al-
ready abusing alcohol to cut down on their drink-
ing. If we are able to arrest the disease of alcohol-
ism sooner rather than later among women of
childbearing age, we may have more success in
getting this group to abstain from drinking entirely
during their pregnancies.
To combat this threat to South Carolina’s infants, the
FASD Collaborative is committed to increasing
awareness and resources for addressing alcohol use
during pregnancy. As an example of its wide-
ranging support, the Collaborative’s members repre-
sent the S.C. Department of Alcohol and Other Drug
Abuse Services (DAODAS); S.C. Department of Dis-
abilities and Special Needs; S.C. Department of Edu-
cation; S.C. Department of Health and Environmental
Control; S.C. Department of Juvenile Justice; S.C.
Department of Mental Health; S.C. Department of
Public Safety; S.C. Department of Social Services;
S.C. Vocational Rehabilitation Department; South
Carolina First Steps; Behavioral Health Services As-
sociation of South Carolina Inc.; and Greenwood Ge-
netics Center
For more information on the dangers of alcohol and
other drug use during pregnancy, a copy of a
DAODAS brochure titled “A Special Delivery
Should Be Handled With Care” can be downloaded
at www.daodas.state.sc.us/brochure_baby.asp.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
Need to update
your member-
ship infor-
mation? Go to
the national
site:
www.socialworkers.org and log-in. We down-
load the list every month, so if your info is cur-
rent with national, it’s current with us!
Page 7
August-Sept-October 2012
The Bridge to Rediscovery: Understanding Dementia
by Kiesha Webb
The Haven in the Summit, an assisted living facility for
individuals with early, middle and late stages of Alzhei-
mer’s and dementia, will host a free seven-part educa-
tional seminar series titled “Understanding Dementia.”
The goal of the educational series is to help professional
social workers, counselors, nursing home administra-
tors, and geriatric health staff increase their knowledge
about dementia, as well as to address and alleviate mis-
conceptions and misdiagnosis related to dementia. The
series will cover topics on:
How to differentiate the different types of dementia
Resident care and management strategies for care
givers
Effective interventions and communication skills
Identification of community resources for both pro-
fessional and family care givers
The educational seminar series will be held in the con-
ference room of the Haven. Gary Tyson, Executive Di-
rector of the Haven and the Chair of the NASW Aging
Committee, stated with their Bridge to Rediscovery Pro-
gram, “Residents are not defined by their disease; they
are celebrated for who they are.” The Haven uses this
innovative program developed to help individuals with
Alzheimer's and other memory impartment rediscover
the joy in life to enhance their dignity and foster the in-
dependence. Mr. Tyson is hopeful that through this sem-
inar series, professionals will come to better understand
the best practices for individuals with Alzheimer’s and
dementia as a way to help ensure that they receive the
best treatment and resources available.
The series will be held on the first Thursday of every
month from 11:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M starting in October
and continuing until April.
Two continuing education credits are available for at
each session.
For more information about the “Understanding De-
mentia” educational seminar series contact Gary Tyson
Phone: 803-788-4633 [email protected]
Training Opportunity
Spanish-Speaking Provider?
The College of Social Work at USC, SC NASW,
and PASOs Programs are conducting a survey to
determine where Spanish-speaking mental health
providers are working in our state and whether
there exists a need in South Carolina for additional
Spanish-speaking mental health providers. The
findings will be used to get a picture of the current
situation in SC, and to develop advocacy efforts for
expansion of Spanish-speaking providers in SC if
needed.
Please take this survey if you are a Spanish-
speaking mental health service provider. It should
take about 5-10 minutes to complete. Responses
will be kept confidential—no response will be
linked to any specific person, though you will be
asked if you would like to join a listserv for Spanish
-speaking mental health providers.
If you know of other Spanish-speaking mental
health providers, please forward this survey to
them. Surveys due October 9th.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QNC5HKM
Page 8
Chapter Update
Dear NASW Member,
I'm pleased to tell you that NASW Assurance Ser-
vices (NASW ASI) has unveiled an enhanced Profes-
sional Liability Insurance Program that's better than
ever. This is the only program endorsed by NASW,
and it offers you many new and attractive benefits:
Significant new discounts: 5% for applying online
or by phone and 10% for attending a CEU risk man-
agement training that is sponsored by NASW ASI and
NASW.
Access to insurance licensed customer services
representatives at CPH and Associates, our new
NASW-endorsed program administrator. CPH offers
expanded hours of operation, including convenient
evening and Saturday hours.
State-of-the-art website services equipped to han-
dle individual quotes, online enrollment, and real-time
certificate of insurance downloads.
The "A" rated financial stability and backing from
Lloyd's, London. With more than 300 years of experi-
ence, Lloyd's, London has grown to become the
world's specialist insurance market in 200 nations,
with an unparalleled reputation in the industry.
Access to knowledgeable legal counsel on a Risk
Management Helpline.
Expanded policy limits, benefits, and coverage for
you, at very competitive group rates.
Coverage features that are uniquely appropriate
for social work practitioners, such as subpoena cover-
age and student practicum coverage.
$35,000 Licensing Board Defense Coverage auto-
matically included, increased from $5,000. Free, retroactive coverage dating back to the initiation
of your current NASW claims-made policy upon ac-
ceptance - all of the above program benefits and en-
hancements are included, and more.
Perhaps most importantly, only members enrolled in
our NASW-endorsed Professional Liability Pro-
gram are protected by a dedicated advocacy team
working on your behalf. No other liability insurance
program has the oversight provided by NASW ASI,
NASW's wholly-owned subsidiary. NASW ASI
serves as your program manager, working with expe-
rienced partners like CPH and Associates and Lloyd's,
London to provide you with the best product and ser-
vice offerings possible. For more than 40 years, we
have managed professional liability insurance for
NASW members.
Our efforts serve you by:
Controlling the administrative costs to keep your
premium costs low.
Customizing benefits to stay current with the
needs of our profession.
Advocating on your behalf if you're unfairly de-
nied access to coverage or renewal.
Managing the insurance partnership and making sure
your voice is represented.
This is insurance by and for social workers. Instead
of working on behalf of corporate shareholders,
NASW ASI works to serve you and the social work
community.
CPH and Associates is now NASW's new Profes-
sional Liability Program administrator. They'll pro-
vide NASW members with excellent customer service
and will handle your policy application, coverage
continuation, and administrative services. With over
25 years of experience, CPH specializes in providing
liability insurance customer service for social workers
and mental health professionals.
American Professional Agency (APA) is no longer
authorized or endorsed to administer the NASW-
endorsed Member Professional Liability Program. APA may try to contact you about renewing with
their program. Please be advised that their program is
not supported by NASW, nor is any other profession-
al liability insurance company program. If you renew
through APA, we will no longer be able to advocate
on your behalf and keep your premium costs low. Ad-
ditionally, the enhanced benefits described above are
only available through our NASW-endorsed program
with Lloyd's, London backing, and administered by
CPH and Associates.
A Letter from NASW Executive Director, Betsy Clark
August-Sept-October 2012
Letter continued:
Insurance by and for So-
cial Workers… and the
only program endorsed by
NASW.
Whether you are ready to continue your liability cover-
age with NASW's improved and enhanced Program or
you're interested in enrolling in this outstanding liabil-
ity coverage for the first time, you can take advantage
of the new discounts and have confidence that NASW
ASI and its capable Program partners will make the
process incredibly easy.
For up-to-the moment information about the enhanced
NASW members-only Professional Liability Program,
to apply or continue NASW-endorsed coverage, or to
obtain answers to frequently asked questions, please
visit www.naswassurance.org or call NASW Member
Services at 800-742-4089 (M - F, 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
ET).
We look forward to continuing to provide you with the
best possible professional liability insurance at very
competitive group rates - you can have peace of mind
knowing that your coverage is provided by the organi-
zation that you trust and that cares about you.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH
Executive Director
P. S. I want to personally thank you for being our
member and adding strength to our efforts to advocate
on your behalf and that of all social workers in our
country. I appreciate you and all the good you do for
others.
A Student’s Prospective
on Cultural Competence
By Kiesha Webb
“A little boy wearing pink
is just fruity, weird, and
gay,” a fellow student in
my Human Behavior class
said. “I mean boys don’t
normally like pink so it’s kind of strange.” The im-
pact of statement was immediate, but the shock took a
few moments to set in. The classroom grew silent and
uncomfortable as I waited for the professor or another
student to challenge this judgmental comment. I spent
a few moments trying to collect my thoughts so that I
could respond without it coming off as angry or con-
descending. After a few moments, I worked up the
courage to say something. Nobody else held a hand
up, so I raised mine, only to discover that the moment
had passed, the subject had changed and we were dis-
cussing a new topic. I sat in my seat frustrated yet
again. Why didn’t anybody say anything? Why could-
n’t I respond faster?
These conversations are inherently difficult for all of
us.
USC recognizes the need to comprehensively address
the issue. Dr. Kirk Foster, an Assistant Professor at
USC stated, “Social Workers operate in complex envi-
ronments filled with significant diversity. As a profes-
sion, we believe each worker should be culturally
competent… and understand those complexities and
implication for social work practice. This includes be-
ing aware of one’s own biases and knowledge limita-
tions, reflections that begin in the classroom.”
We believe each student should be culturally compe-
tent in their practice and understand those complexi-
ties and the implications for social work practice. This
includes being aware of one’s own biases and
knowledge and limitations, reflections and that begin
in the classroom.” My MSW program isn’t alone in its
efforts. Colleges and universities across the nation are
dealing with the same complexities, as is the entire
profession of social work.
I realized that for myself, the processes required to be
culturally competent are not intuitive. They take prac-
tice, and require that I critically examine my thoughts
Cultural Competency, cont’d
and actions to achieve greater self awareness. Recogniz-
ing this deficiency in myself and in my program, I re-
searched resources and best practices for cultural com-
petence education. I reviewed the literature and spoke
with professors who teach diversity and social justice
both at my school and other universities. I found that
they all address the need for participants to engage in
self-discovery and self-reflection through experiential
learning activities. These activities provide participants
with the opportunity to discuss, reflect, and process
their experiences.
I found a program that used experiential learning activi-
ties to teach diversity and social justice. It was an eye-
opening experience that allowed me to tap into myself
in a way that I did not realize was possible.
I shared my concerns and experience with other stu-
dents who were just as passionate as I was about cultur-
al competence, and together we worked to create an or-
ganization called Coalition of Diverse Social Workers
(CDSW). Our mission is to provide a safe environment
that encourages open and honest dialogue on issues of
diversity and social justice. Through experiential learn-
ing activities, we challenge participants to examine their
own social/cultural identities and their responses to cul-
tural difference.
The result and outcomes of the program are still forth
coming, but the process has been an amazing journey.
CDSW has gained support from the students, faculty
and staff at USC and has worked in collaboration with
the College of Social Work to address the need for more
cultural competence education. Dr. Foster stated:
“efforts are in the early stages and we recognize the
need to have open honest dialogue about diversity. The
College is exploring different options to address this
important area in social work practice.” Dr. Anna
Scheyett, who took over as dean at the College last
year, also believes in the importance of infusing cultural
competence throughout the social work curriculum.
If the Coalition of Diverse Social Workers is successful,
perhaps the ideas and strategies could move beyond an
extra-circular student organization and assist
the College in its plan for increased cultural compe-
tence education. I also hope our activities can ex-
pand to other agencies and organizations, and per-
haps even incorporated in continuing education
courses.
To be culturally competent social workers, our edu-
cation must be an on-going process of learning and
self-reflection. It is an essential process for every
social worker, because our clients expect--and de-
serve--the best from us.
August-Sept-October 2012
Request For Abstracts
Our Spring Symposium will be held March 18-
20, 2013 at the DoubleTree Hotel, in Columbia
SC. We’re now accepting abstracts, so if you’d
like to present, now’s the time to let us know.
Sessions will be 90 minutes, but two-part sessions
(3 hours) are acceptable.
If you wish submit a proposal, fill out the Ab-
stract Request form which can be found under the
“Continuing Education” tab on our website:
www.scnasw.org
Our conference will be a success thanks to people
like you!
We love your stories!
Primary Business Address
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NASW’s New Online CEU Pro-
vider
CEUSchool’s goal is to provide you with quality on-line course content in a format that is conven-ient to use, affordable, and relevant for today's social worker. Their site offers fully accredited
NASW classes that meet all of your CEU needs. You will receive the same academic benefits that you would enjoy at an onsite facility, along with the flexibility and self-paced learning that comes
with an online education.
Register with CEUSchool through NASW South Carolina and you will automatically receive 3
FREE credits !!
The PACE online fundraising tool has been officially
launched! It can be found at :
http://socialworkers.org/pace/default.asp
There’s also a link to it from www. socialworkers. org.
Please remember that all online contributions will be shared
with the chapters, just like contributions we receive
through membership renewals. So it’s in our interest to
promote the new online fundraising capability.
NASW SC encourages everyone to contribute noteworthy information for Chapter Update. All material should be typed
and emailed to the Chapter Office. Chapter Update is published by the National Association of Social Workers South
Carolina Chapter.
Advertisement space and fees: 1/4 page, 1/2 page, full page: $125. Members seeking employment may advertise at no
cost. Rental of membership labels is available for a one-time user fee of $95 plus S&H. Position vacancies may be adver-
tised at a flat rate of $25 (not to exceed 15 lines). Members may run camera ready business card ads for $20. SC NASW
reserves the right to accept, reject or edit advertisements and notices of events based on publication schedule, space limi-
tations and appropriateness. The views expressed in Chapter Update do not necessarily represent positions of NASW.
Because of the commitment of NASW to nondiscriminatory personnel practices, advertisers in NASW publications, by
action of the NASW Board of Directors, must affirm that they are equal opportunity employers. For violations of profes-
sional ethics or personnel practices, a person may file a complaint with the NASW SC Chapter Committee on Inquiry.
For information, write the Chapter Office at 2537 Gervais Street, Columbia SC 29204 or call 803-256-8406. For infor-
mation regarding: Social work licensure, call or write the Board of Social Work Examiners, PO Box 11329, Columbia,
SC 29211-1329, 803-896-4665, www.llr.state.sc.us
Join the fun! National Association of Social Workers-
SC Chapter
Lake Murray Sunset
Cruise Fundraiser to Support Advocacy
October 20, 2012
4 PM until 7:30 PM
Why should you join us?
To support our chapter’s advocacy to protect vulnerable populations
To network with social work colleagues and friends
And, most importantly, to have fun!
We’ll meet at Brenda Hyleman’s house, (1215 Forrest Shealy Rd. Chapin, SC 29036) for drinks and so-
cializing, then we’ll board the cruise yacht for our lake excursion. Enjoy the lake breeze, the fall foliage, the
beautiful sunset, and the company of some of South Carolina’s finest folks—your fellow social workers.
Heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served. Bring family/friends/guests!
Please return this form along with your check by October 4th, 2012 to NASW-SC Chapter, 2537 Gervais
Street, Columbia, SC 29204. Questions? Contact Mary Winstead at 803-434-1238 or Brenda at 803-240-
6078 .
Prices:
1 Person $ 45.00 3 People $100.00
2 People $ 75.00 4 People $120.00
Name: ___________________________________ Address:_____________________________________
Email: _________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________
Cell phone: _______________No. of attendees:_______ Amount of check: ___________________
Special Requests_______________________________________________________________________
(Credit cards accepted. Call the office at 803-256-8406.)
DETACH THIS FORM AND SEND WITH YOUR CHECK TO ADDRESS ABOVE.