Welcome to the Fall of 2023, I hope you had a great Summer!

I want to thank everyone for their continued support of the Society. The second of many Membership Town Halls was held on August 5, at which time the Society’s Needs Assessment was presented and discussed. The second half of the Town Hall provided an opportunity for participants to discuss and process thoughts and emotions surrounding the events leading to the resignation of the then President as well as any resulting fall out. I want to extend another thank you to Melanie Hood, our DEI consultant, for her skillful facilitation of our Town Hall which enabled and maintained a safe space for an open and honest conversation. As the Society moves forward from the events of last Fall, I encourage anyone still having thoughts and concerns to feel free to contact me. I will be happy to talk about any and all concerns.

There are many member events planned for the Fall. I look forward to seeing everyone at the Membership Cocktail Party to be held on September 10, at Pinstripes in Bethesda. Be sure to register and attend. The 2023 Legislation & Advocacy Brunch will be held on September 9, at Maggiano"s Little Italy. Come and learn about how each of us can help to facilitate the passage of the Interstate Social Work Licensing Compact. The Education Committee has planned several interesting workshops for the upcoming Fall, including Healing Racial Trauma, A Buddhist Approach to Psychotherapy, and The Ethics of Intimacy: The Cost of Care Without Caring. Please check our website for upcoming educational programming. Members are encouraged to contact the Education Committee with any suggestions, or if they are interested in presenting a workshop. .

As always, the Society continues our mission to advance the field of social work, including:

• Furthering the cause of Social Justice and Anti-Racism
• Access to our vibrant listserv
• Sponsoring continuing education events
• Continuing our legislation and advocacy work
• Offering our mentorship program
• Providing low-cost therapy for MSW students.

I continue to welcome and encourage your feedback. What would make the Society more inviting and appealing to you? Of course, not every suggestion can be enacted, but I believe helpful information will emerge from your feedback. What would be helpful? What would be enjoyable?

As I end this note, I would like us all to remember our mission as social workers, and the benefits we provide to our clients and others with our knowledge and humanity. I would also ask that we remember this in responding to our colleagues and their inquiries and comments.

As always, I want to continue to foster a feeling of connection and the sense that this is a Society for everyone.

Thank you for your support of me and the Society!
Karla Abney, GWSCSW President