Letters to the Editor
George Will picks and chooses
West Virginia’s professional social workers do a world of good for people from all walks of life every day. Social workers routinely help keep troubled young people from committing suicide, keep children safe in their homes and schools, help the chronically ill and their families make the best of the time that’s left to them, provide most of the mental health services, and more. It takes a good education and a profound personal commitment to make this happen.
Columnist George F. Will takes exception to the National Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics provision that professional social workers advocate for fairness and justice in society. In accepting the National Association of Scholars’ report on social work education, he in effect complains that social work students are expected to learn how laws and policies are made, and how they might be improved. How silly of us to think that government should be responsive to the needs and plight of its citizens, and that we all have an obligation to address societal ills!
In taking sections of the code out of context at his choosing, Mr. Will conveniently overlooks the fundamental principle of our profession; the right to self-determination. Social workers help people, couples, families, and organizations recover their core strengths, adapt to and overcome problems, and get on the road to self-sufficiency, health, success. Social workers know that people do better when they find the solutions that work best for them.
Social workers are also committed to improving the social support and health networks that protect all citizens. We believe in a fair society in which everyone may participate. It should go without saying that social work students need to practice the skills our profession uses to achieve these laudable goals.
Social workers are often called on to use their skills to help the most vulnerable citizens in our society; children at risk of abuse and neglect, the elderly, disabled persons, and people experiencing severe health crises. We provide essential social and behavioral health services to such people, as well as to veterans, working families, organizations, couples, and others. We provide uniquely human services that should be valued by society at large. In the midst of providing our skillful, professional human caring, we also keep an eye on the larger picture, working to positively change systems, policies and institutions for the better.
Members of NASW in West Virginia are diverse in our opinions about many social issues, but we are in agreement in our desire for fairness in society, and a fair shake for all citizens.
Samuel A. Hickman, executive director
National Association of Social Workers
West Virginia Chapter
Columnist George F. Will takes exception to the National Association of Social Workers’ Code of Ethics provision that professional social workers advocate for fairness and justice in society. In accepting the National Association of Scholars’ report on social work education, he in effect complains that social work students are expected to learn how laws and policies are made, and how they might be improved. How silly of us to think that government should be responsive to the needs and plight of its citizens, and that we all have an obligation to address societal ills!
In taking sections of the code out of context at his choosing, Mr. Will conveniently overlooks the fundamental principle of our profession; the right to self-determination. Social workers help people, couples, families, and organizations recover their core strengths, adapt to and overcome problems, and get on the road to self-sufficiency, health, success. Social workers know that people do better when they find the solutions that work best for them.
Social workers are also committed to improving the social support and health networks that protect all citizens. We believe in a fair society in which everyone may participate. It should go without saying that social work students need to practice the skills our profession uses to achieve these laudable goals.
Social workers are often called on to use their skills to help the most vulnerable citizens in our society; children at risk of abuse and neglect, the elderly, disabled persons, and people experiencing severe health crises. We provide essential social and behavioral health services to such people, as well as to veterans, working families, organizations, couples, and others. We provide uniquely human services that should be valued by society at large. In the midst of providing our skillful, professional human caring, we also keep an eye on the larger picture, working to positively change systems, policies and institutions for the better.
Members of NASW in West Virginia are diverse in our opinions about many social issues, but we are in agreement in our desire for fairness in society, and a fair shake for all citizens.
Samuel A. Hickman, executive director
National Association of Social Workers
West Virginia Chapter
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