I’d like to recognize and thank some of the members (including new or new-ish ones*) who have stepped up to join one of our committees to work on legislation and advocacy issues. In DC, these folks include: Carolina Duarte*, Gina Sangster, Tony Hain*, and Deborah Newmark. In Maryland, our committee includes: Alex Wood, Arthur Flax*, Becky Deku, Betsy Amy, Dan Buccino, Eileen Ivey, Erica Werfel, Jasmine Genus, and Rob Zelikoff. If you, too, would like to think together about the next steps we will need to take to convince lawmakers to support the Interstate Compact, or help us determine the position the Society takes on issues such as whether or not to support efforts to do away with all licensing testing by our Social Work Boards (see the MD report in this newsletter), please let one of us know. All voices are welcome and important and help us determine what to include in our testimony about bills or in what issues may be brought to one of the Boards of Social Work.

As always, please contact us with any questions, comments or to join one of the committees. Chair of DC L&A Committee: Adele Natter, telladelelicsw@gmail.com. Chair of VA L&A Committee: Wayne Martin, wamnoles@aol.com. Chair of MD L&A Committee and Branch Director, Judy Gallant, judy.gallant@verizon.net. We look forward to hearing from you!