Social Workers Needed

RESEARCH STUDY ENTITLED:
Developing Resilience in Families Post Parental Incarceration: Identification of Social Workers’ Practices with Family Group Conferencing

YOUR ASSISTANCE IS NEEDED & GREATLY APPRECIATED

The Desired Outcome: Develop Best Practices for Social Workers Using Family Group Conferencing, especially if you have worked with families who have experienced a parental incarceration

The exploration of social worker’s experiences will aid in determining whether or not social work practices with Family Group Conference post parental incarceration is effective. The findings will influence the development of best practices for this specific population, families experiencing a parental incarceration. These outcomes will influence social change via policy, legislation, and services provided.

I need you to help me make a difference. Take a giant step and be heard by participating in this research study.

Please contact me to receive your participant packet with additional information:
Renata A.Hedrington Jones, MSW
renata.hedringtonjones@waldenu.edu
804-507-0408

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DevelopingResilienceinFamiliesRAHJones

Nelson Mandela

 

NABSW has had a long and storied history with South Africa, Nelson Mandela, and the African National Congress.  As I spent moments in my daily ritual of meditation and reflection, I could not get Nelson Mandela out of my mind.  When I get tired and discouraged, I call upon our ancestors, Tubman, Malcolm, Garvey and Martin to get me back on track.  My struggles are nothing compared with theirs. I will now add Mandela to my inspirational list.

 

When I think of South Africa, in addition to Mandela, I also think of my predecessors Cenie Williams and Lenny Dunston who led us to that country when it suffered under apartheid and when it threw off the chains of oppression.  Through their perseverance, NABSW connected with the people and the cause of liberation and in our small way we assisted in the freeing of Mandela.  For those unaware, NABSW’s entire delegation in 2012 was invited to a State Dinner by the South African Parliament leaders and NABSW was conferred the status of being a full member of the ANC, an honor rarely given to non-South Africans.

Mandela, a Xhosa, was affectionately called Madiba, the name of the Thembu clan to which he belonged.  But more importantly, to many of us and the children of the world, Mandela is the embodiment of Tata, which means “esteemed Father,” also in his native tongue.  Tata Mandela was the glowing example of how you put Ma’at into action.

 

Ma’at is the African Centered understanding of how the universe functions and is best described as a clear understanding of truth, justice, righteousness, balance, order, harmony, propriety and reciprocity.  In the South African Constitution, Mandela made sure that those principles were made part of that important document.  Our Constitution in the United States, for example, never mentions the words, justice or truth.  Can it be because we have no concepts of truth or justice in the United States worthy of the written words?
 

Mandela demonstrated through his life that African people are the hope and the salvation for the world.  No other philosophies, principles, religion and ways of living could have resulted in the progress seen in South Africa in 20 years, that have not been accomplished in over 200 years in the United States.  Such changes as voter participation, equitable political representation, over two million homes built for the poor, salaries increased over 300% for the lowest paid workers, universal electricity and universal healthcare are but to name a few of the steps forward.  Humanity began not too far from where Mandela will have his final rest, but his work to restore humanity in all of us shall always be a challenge that we should accept and accomplish.  The transition back to humanity is our continual job in the future and in our present time.  Mandela through his life’s example has laid the foundation for our work.

 

Let us not cry for Mandela but celebrate his life through song, dance and remembrances.  Let us stand strong against the oppression and inhumanity that still plagues our world.  Let us work to build on the legacy of President Nelson Mandela, focusing all of our efforts to eliminate illness, hunger, homelessness, pain, suffering, injustice and inequality. 

 

Tata Mandela did much, and let us thank the Creator that he, Tata, left challenges for us to complete using and acting in our Way, the Way of Ma’at. Ase! Ase! Ase!

Joe E. Benton
President

Call for Submissions: Newsletter

Please submit entries, photos, poetry, articles etc for the Winter edition of the OSA Newsletter to osa.secretary1@gmail.com.

Thank you

Ti Dandy
OSA Secretary

2014-2015 Scholarship Application

2014-2015 Scholarship Application(FINAL)

NABSW 2013 Holiday Greetings

In the spirit of the season, I wish you peace, love and plenty. 

The next five weeks is always a special time of renewal and festivities. We embrace family and friends; we remember our ancestors and we nourish ourselves physically, emotionally and spiritually. It is a time to reflect and to hope for better and more fruitful times. It is a time of prayer to our Creator and meditation, so in our silence, we may hear and understand the answer which the Creator has given.

This is a powerful time, a Holy time and I sincerely wish you all the best during this time and hope that each day produces happiness and health for my family and equally important, my extended family of NABSW. I also wish, that the world would come to embrace and respect humanity in all its forms. Toward those ends, I would want all of us to continue our work of making this world a better place to live, work, love and play.

On a personal note, I thank the Creator, daily, for giving me the opportunity to be a part of each of you. Our lives are richer because of what we do with and for our people in the true spirit of Harambee. 

Please enjoy the holiday season, and know that you make a difference in this world. In gratitude, thanks for all that you do.

With warmest regards,

Joe Benton
President

1st Annual Symposium on African-Centered Social Work: Introduction to African-Centered Social Work

      

  SAVE THE DATE:

January 11, 2014

1pm to 3pm

Bryn Mawr College GSSWSR

Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

Facilitator: Dr. Thaddeus P. Mathis

Contact: Sharon Kimber

skiimber@brynmawr.edu

Black Family Development celebrates 35th Anniversary

Black Family Development, Inc is excited about the approaching gala on December 5, 2013, celebrating its 35^th Anniversary.  The article above (photo) appeared in the Michigan Chronicle newspaper.  This is the largest African American publication in Detroit. 

This is a great time for not only Black Family Development, Inc. to celebrate, but NABSW as well.  For the last 35 years, in all of our publications, including the attached news article, we salute the genesis of our existence, which was borne out of the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Black Social Workers.  

MEMBERSHIP

Introducing: the Fall 2013 OSA Newsletter

Fall Newsletter_2013.docx by NABSWOSA

MEMBERSHIP:

Hotep Family!

The Chapter Renewal documents have been sent out, if you are a President or Advisor and did not receive them please contact the National Office.

MEMBERSHIP DEADLINE IS OCT 31st!!!

Only paid members can apply for scholarships and get the student rate for Conference registration.

If you need help with Chapter Renewal or your chapter is having challenges please contact
Eric Thornton, 2nd Vice President at osa.vicepres2@gmail.com

FYI: In order to participate in the Sankofa mentoring project you MUST be a paid member!

Treasurer Quarterly Conference Call

Tonight: TREASURERS Quarterly Conference Call                                                                        Time: 7:30 pm Eastern Standard Time
Dial In Number: (1) 626-677-3000
Access Code: 550109

2013-2014 OSA Officer Conference Call Schedule

President	·      Monday, September 30, 2013  8pm EST ·      Monday, January 27, 2014        8pm EST ·      Monday, March 30, 2014           8pm EST ·      Monday, June 30, 2014               8pm EST	Dial-In # 626-677-3000     Access Code: 74341 Dial-In # 626-677-3000     Access Code: 74341 Dial-In # 626-677-3000     Access Code: 74341 Dial-In # 626-677-3000     Access Code: TBA
Vice President’s	·      Sunday, August 18, 2013            7pm CT - 8pm EST ·      Sunday, November 10, 2013      7pm CT -8pm EST ·      Sunday, February 9, 2013           7pm CT- 8pm EST ·      Sunday, June 15 2014                   7pm CT -8pm EST	Dial-In # 626-677-3000     Access Code: 550109 Dial-In # 626-677-3000     Access Code: 550109 Dial-In # 626-677-3000     Access Code: 550109 Dial-In # 626-677-3000     Access Code: 550109
Secretary	·      Thursday, September 12, 2013 7pm EST ·      Thursday, December 12, 2013  7pm EST ·      Thursday, March 13, 2014         7pm EST ·      Thursday, June 12, 2014             7pm EST	Dial-In # 626-677-3000     Access Code: 550109 Dial-In # 626-677-3000     Access Code: 550109 Dial-In # 626-677-3000     Access Code: 550109 Dial-In # 626-677-3000     Access Code: 550109
Parliamentarian	·      Sunday, September 15, 2013   6pm EST ·      Sunday, December 15, 2013    6pm EST ·      Sunday, March 16, 2014            6pm EST ·      Sunday, June 15, 2014                6pm EST	Dial-In # 626-677-3000     Access Code: 550109 Dial-In # 626-677-3000     Access Code: 550109 Dial-In # 626-677-3000     Access Code: 550109 Dial-In # 626-677-3000     Access Code: 550109
Treasurer	·      Sunday, September 29, 2013    7:30 pm EST ·      Sunday, December 8, 2013        7:30 pm EST ·      Sunday, January 12, 2014          7:30 pm EST ·      Sunday June 8, 2014                    7:30 pm EST	Dial-In # 626-677-3000     Access Code: 550109 Dial-In # 626-677-3000     Access Code: 550109 Dial-In # 626-677-3000     Access Code: 550109 Dial-In # 626-677-3000     Access Code: 550109

THE TIME IS NOW!

                                      Office of Governor Rick Scott
                                       State of Florida
                                       The Capitol

Joe E. Benton President Columbia, SC J. Toni Oliver Vice President Atlanta, GA TracyL. Golliday-Champagne Recording Secretary Detroit, MI Sondera Malry Corresponding Secretary Houston, TX Constance Watson Treasurer Los Angeles, CA Dayvid H. Brown Member-at -Large Indianapolis, IN Dr. Yvonette Powell Member-at -Large San Diego, CA Lea Andrews OSA President Univ.ofSouthern California Los Angeles, CA Dr. Gloria Batiste-Roberts ImmediatePast President Missouri City, TX Terrence A. Bradford National Office Manager Washington, DC

400 S. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001

Dear Governor Scott;

On behalf of the National Association of Black Social Workers, we ask that Ms. Marissa Alexander’s sentence be commuted with time served.

Victims of domestic violence, in stressful situations, with their abusive partners tend to act erratically.  However, in the closed confines of a home, where it is nearly impossible to miss a target, Ms. Alexander did just that.  Her intent by any reasonable person could be interpreted as protecting self from a known violent abuser, rather seeking to do bodily harm.  She has been confined for over two years.   It is now time that some sense of justice is carried out and for her to be released.

The punishment did not fit the crime.  Ms. Alexander has been deprived of her freedom and normal family life for too long.  Ms. Alexander has a very young child to provide care.  Though reasonable minds may differ over the justification for her conviction, few would agree that the crime merited such harsh punishment. 

In the context of fundamental fairness, it is time that justice is done for Ms. Marissa Alexander.  Justice demands that she be released and as quickly as possible.  She has been punished for far too long.

Thank you for investigating this petition on behalf of commutation for her.  Make our system fair and just by expediting her release.

Sincerely,

Joe E. Benton, President

National Association of Black Social Workers

50th Anniversary March of Washington

Attention: We need YOU!
When: Saturday, August 24, 2013 (8:00 a.m.)
Where: Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall in  
                 Washington, DC.
Important: ABSW members in attendance can 
                    meet up with the DC metro chapter 
                    at approximately 7:00am at the      
                    corner of 23rd Street NW and H 
                    Street (one block south of the 
                    Foggy Bottom Metro Station)

NABSW: MOBILIZING AS A GROUP!

“We recognize that the “Dream” has not been fulfilled and the battle for justice is ongoing.”

OSA Summer 2013 Newsletter

Take a look at the 44th Conference Recap and the re-introduction of the Sankofa Project!

OSA Summer Newsletter Final by NABSWOSA

**DO YOU HAVE STUDENT LOANS???**** Elizabeth Warren wants to talk to you!

The fight over student loans is coming to a head. More than 434,000 (!) MoveOn members have signed on in support of Sen. Elizabeth Warren's bill for students to get the same low rates on their loans as the big banks do.

But with student loan rates set to double on July 1 if Congress does nothing, Republican members of Congress took a massive step backward. Last week the Republican-controlled House voted to get rid of fixed-interest loans for students entirely—a devastating move which could result in "ballooning financing costs" for new graduates struggling to get by.1


If thousands of people like us don't get involved in this fight now, student loan rates could double—or worse—in just over a month. So we're holding an emergency online briefing on Monday, June 3 at 9 p.m. ET with Sen. Elizabeth Warren to talk about the student loan fight, understand some potential solutions, and make sure we're all ready for the monthlong fight ahead.


All you need to join is a computer with an internet connection. Can you join us?




Here are the details:

What: Special Student Loan Briefing with Sen. Elizabeth Warren

When: Monday, June 3, 9 p.m. ET (8 CT/ 7 MT/ 6 PT)

Please click here to RSVP

https://civic.moveon.org/c4/warrenbriefing/index.html?id=68513-21087396-ESNqxzx&t=4

NABSW Conference Photos (Jacksonville, FL)

Hotep Family!

Please enjoy photos from our NABSW Conference in Jacksonville, FL. (If you have more photos to add please email them to osa.secretary1@gmail.com

OSA Spring Newsletter

Just in time for the NABSW National Conference, the OSA Spring Newsletter is HERE!!!!!

OSA Newsletter Spring2013

Unborn Creationz

The Office of student affairs would like to give a special THANK YOU to Unborn Creationz for their support in all of OSA's fundraising efforts and their very hard work on our YOUR VOTE! OUR VOICE T-shirts. Please visit their website www.unborncreationz.com for more information and support this growing business!




Or visit their website at www.unborncreationz.com

OSA Spring Newsletter Submissions!!!

Are you doing great things in your chapter? Have any students who should be recognized? Did you have any Winter Graduates??? Please submit all info to OSA Secretary at osa.secretary1@gmail.com The deadline is March 15, 2013

Reminder for Call for Poster Presentations!

Hotep Brothers and Sisters

The National Association of Black Social Workers, Office of Student Affairs would like to all students (Undergraduate, Graduate, and PHD) to submit requests to display Posters and Demonstrations at the 45th Annual NABSW National Conference, "Building Coalitions For Community Empowerment: Ujima - A Model For Collective Work And Responsibility," in Jacksonville, FL. Posters and Demonstrations offer students an opportunity to present late-breaking research results, ongoing research projects, and speculative or innovative work in progress. The formal setting of the Posters and Demonstrations encourage presenters and participants to engage in discussions about the presented work. Such discussions can be invaluable for the future work of presenters, while offering participants an effective way to broaden their knowledge of emerging research trends and to network with other researchers.

Instructions

We invite submissions relevant to the area of Social Work, Social Justice, and Civil Rights issues affecting African American Communities.

Authors must submit an email including their name, address, and phone number along with a one-page extended abstract for evaluation. All submissions will undergo a common review process and will be contacted directly if approved. All authors must be a registered participant at the conference and present their work.

Decisions about acceptance will be based on relevance to Social Work and Social Justice, and Civil Rights issues: originality, potential significance, topicality and clarity. For demonstrations, authors are strongly encouraged to include in their submission a link to where the demo (live or recorded video) can be found. Presenters please make clear what exactly will be demonstrated to participants.

The abstracts of accepted posters and demonstrations will be given to all conference attendees. Submissions should include the title of your poster and a one page description of your research.

All posters should be prepared on a large 25x 25 or 28x 30 display boards .All Submissions are due to Secretary Lia Andrews at osa.secretary1@gmail.com by Sunday March 17, 2012 no later than 5pm.

OSA's Winter Newsletter

OSA Winter Newsletter 2013 by NABSWOSA

White House Public Service Leadership Internship

Hotep family! Please see the link below for a possible internship opportunity:

White House Public Service Leadership Internship

http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships/apply

Scholarship Deadline Extended!!!!

ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS: The OSA Scholarship application deadline has been extended to January 31, 2013. ALL materials must be received to the National Office no later than this date. For more detailed information, please visit the "Forms" link on the NABSW website!