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 gtyson@5sqc.com

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.