KASSW PRESIDENT’S PEN - January, 2008

Sharon Stuewe, LSCSW

  It is difficult to believe we’re almost half way through this school year.  When I was a child, and would wish for an upcoming event to “hurry up” and arrive, my Mother use to tell me, “Don’t wish your life away, time passes all too quickly”.  I never understood what she meant until the past few years. 

     Since the last President’s message, I had the pleasure of attending the Midwest School Social Work Conference in Cincinnati, OH.  Also attending from Kansas was KASSW Vice-President, Cheri Blanchatt, and KASSW School Social Worker of the Year, Bonnie Robles.  We had the pleasure of meeting Anne Schumacher, school social worker for Leoti, KS.   It was a great opportunity to network with school social workers from across the Midwest.  

     One of the benefits of attending the conference, and serving on the board of the Midwest School Social Work Council is the opportunity to learn from the state chapters of the eleven other member states.  It is apparent that KASSW is doing many things well!  Kansas is one of the largest state associations.  The struggles we experience, such as increasing public awareness and increasing the number of school social work positions across the state is a common concern shared by all member states.  It is isn’t too early to begin thinking about making plans to attend the conference in Fall 2008, which will be in the neighboring state of Missouri (St. Louis).

     SSWAA reported to the Midwest Executive Board regarding the recent decision to terminate partnership agreements with state associations.  It was obvious the decision was not made without extensive consideration.  They reported a current membership of approximately 2600 paying members.  One of the changes will be aligning all SSWAA members to an annual calendar beginning in October.  SSWAA has recently moved their offices to Indianapolis, IN, following the hiring a new executive director, Susan Ellis.  The new SSWAA annual membership will be $120, with student and retired memberships at a reduced rate of $60.  I believe the membership rate continues to be a bargain for the level of representation provided for the profession at the national level.

     Congratulations to Bonnie Robles, the 2007 School Social Worker of the Year.  Bonnie has represented the profession of school social work for 33 years.  I have personally had the pleasure of serving as a member of Bonnie’s social work staff for the past eight years.  Her professionalism and dedication to school social work continues to serve as an example for all school social workers.  Congratulations Bonnie!

     As 2008 quickly approaches, I leave you with the following words from The Backdoor to Enlightenment.   “For every nine people who denounce innovation, only one will encourage it...For every nine people who do things the way they have always been done, only one will ever wonder if there is a better way.  For every nine people who stand in line in front of a locked building, only one will ever come around and check the back door..…..our progress rests squarely on the shoulders on that tenth person”.  I challenge each of you to be the “tenth” person in the upcoming year. 

     Best Wishes for a Happy New Year!