Letter from the President:

Happy 2011-2012 school year! First of all I’d like to introduce myself as a School Social Worker in Kearney as this is my first year as President of the School Social Work Association of Nebraska (SSWAN). I realize I have some big shoes to fill as Laurie Cooley did a tremendous job as President and really helped move our organization forward. This is my 4^th year as a School Social Worker and member of SSWAN. My passion is working with children and families. I have been working in this field for the last 16 years. Being a School Social worker has allowed me to do something I truly enjoy and work toward change on an individual, family and community basis—being the needed link between them.

I continue to be encouraged by the increase in School Social Workers across the state. This is no longer a position held only by the eastern ‘metropolitan areas’ as many districts in the western part of the state are also now employing School Social Workers—Grand Island, Kearney, Lexington, Gering and Scottsbluff all have School Social Workers, which is great and a needed addition to all districts. A few years ago we began the Leadership Academy, which is an additional opportunity for School Social Workers across the state to come together for education, collaboration and networking. The Leadership Academy has been held in Kearney as a more Central location for those to attend across the state with the hopes of it being hosted by other areas as well. This year’s Leadership Academy will focus on Critical Stress Management, Legislature and Dating Violence as well as Immigration and Citizenship. In the past we have had information on Truancy, engagement with children, behavior modification strategies as well as a variety of other topics that apply to School Social Work. The Leadership Academy and the Conference in the Spring are great opportunities and I would encourage all to attend.

Shelley Boyd, President Elect, and myself will be attending Midwest Council this year. This fall the meeting will be held in Indianapolis, where Laurie Cooley will be honored from Nebraska as School Social Worker of the year. She is past President of our organization and has worked many years as a School Social Worker. She is an amazing person and advocate for the profession. Congratulation Laurie you are very deserving of this award! The spring board meeting will be held in Chicago. Being part of the Midwest Council really provides our organization with an opportunity to learn from the 11 states that are part of the Council. There are states that are similar in size to us such as Iowa and Kansas as well as much larger states such as Michigan and Minnesota. We are able to bring back many ideas and strategies that we can use for our organization in Nebraska. It’s truly amazing to sit around a table of colleagues who have like struggles and successes and learn from each other. This is something that is truly a benefit to our organization and I enjoy being part of.

I think education of our positions needs to continue to be something we all make a priority. I continually encounter people who have no idea of the vast array of knowledge and expertise that we have and what the benefits of having a School Social Worker can do. We need to continue to advocate for children and families and ensure that we are part of discussions and decision making. Understanding systems, family dynamics and mental health are some of the needed pieces to the puzzle that we are able to bring to the table and educate others about to increase the overall success of those we work with.

I am so pleased to be involved in such a great organization. I truly believe that if you are dedicated to the profession you should be involved in your professional organization—SSWAN is ours. There are four different committee’s that you can participate in—membership, conference, legislative and publicity. Whatever area is your strength or passion I encourage you to join a committee and get active. Active participation is how we build our organization and ultimately our profession. This organization specifically advocates and is a voice for School Social Workers in Nebraska. I challenge all to work towards change and get involved!

Have a wonderful school year!

Sincerely,

 

Melissa Craig LCSW, LMHP

 

President –School Social Work Association of Nebraska