Annual L&A Workshop focused on the Social Work Compact (our Society’s first in-person event since Covid!)

At the beginning of September, the Legislation and Advocacy Branch hosted our 9th annual L&A workshop, where we heard about the current political climate in the nation and in each jurisdiction, with a focus on the Interstate Social Work Compact. Happily, over 50 people attended the brunch at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Chevy Chase, DC.

Judy Gallant gave an overview of the event, and also filled in for Laura Groshong, CSWA Director of Policy and Practice, who was unable to come to the event. Judy presented information about the current status of the Interstate Compact, explained its development by the Council of State Governments, with input from CSWA, NASW, ASWB and others, and discussed the need for 7 state legislatures to pass the Compact into law before an administrative body would be formed by representatives from those states to create a functioning Compact. Judy answered many of the questions our engaged membership asked.

Wayne Martin, our VA L&A Committee chair, introduced Mark Smith, our new Virginia lobbyist. Mark informed us about how the 2023 November election would potentially change the make-up of the legislature, as all legislators are up for election this year. He brings enthusiasm to his new relationship with our Society and let us know he would love to introduce members interested in coming to Richmond to legislators and legislators to us.

Adele Natter discussed the importance of our attendance at the DC Board of Social Work’s monthly meeting and the issues recently discussed, including efforts our members have made to support including group supervision hours to count towards licensing requirements for LICSWs. However, the Board does not appear inclined to support the Interstate Social Work Compact, largely due to the financial impact this would potentially have on DC and the SW Board. A letter writing campaign to DC City Council members was discussed as a potential way to bring more support to passing the Compact in DC.

Our Maryland lobbyist, Christine Krone, discussed the likelihood that Maryland lawmakers will support adoption of the Social Work Compact, but that involvement of our membership during the legislative session will be crucial to getting the bill passed.

Please see individual committee reports and watch your email for ways and the most effective timing for you to become involved in advocating for the Interstate Social Work Compact in your jurisdiction. Here are links to find your state or DC representatives contact information, as well as talking points when appropriate for discussing the Compact with lawmakers, etc.:

• You can find your Maryland State representatives here.
• DC Council Members are listed at this link.
• Here’s how to contact your Virginia State representatives.
• Useful information developed by Laura Groshong is on the CSWA website

Please let your jurisdiction’s committee chair know when you’ve been in touch with a legislator and if there is a response from them. Thank you!

• DC, Adele Natter, anatter@verizon.net
• Maryland, Judy Gallant, judy.gallant@verizon.net
• Virginia, Wayne Martin, wamnoles@aol.com

Your help needed in our Legislation & Advocacy Branch!

1. Branch Co-Director: works on operational aspects of Branch, including yearly L&A programming; works with Branch Co-Director and Committee Chairs on identifying priorities, reviewing issues and bills relevant to each jurisdiction, as needed; in collaboration with Committee chairs and lobbyists, develops strategies to achieve L&A goals; informs membership of issues and bills through newsletter articles and listserv postings; collaborates with members, EC and Board to address concerns; attends Exec Committee and Board meetings.
2. DC Committee Co-Chair: Confers with Branch Director and Committee Co-Chair around strategies and priorities of committee; coordinates with committee members in addressing issues in DC; tracks and attends DC Board of SW meetings and relevant work of DC Council, as able; keeps society membership informed through newsletter articles and listserv postings; collaborates with Branch Director, Board and members to address concerns; attends quarterly Board meetings.
3. MD Committee Co-Chair: Confers with Branch Director and Committee Co-Chair around strategies and priorities of committee; coordinates with lobbyists and committee members in addressing issues in MD; along with committee members, tracks MD Board of SW meetings as able and relevant work of MD General Assembly; keeps society membership informed through newsletter articles and listserv postings; collaborates with Branch Director, Board and members to address concerns; attends quarterly Board meetings.
4. VA Committee Co-Chair: Confers with Branch Director and Committee Co-Chair around strategies and priorities of committee; coordinates with lobbyist, legislative committee of VA Society and GWS committee members in addressing issues in VA; along with committee members, tracks VA Board of SW meetings as able and relevant work of VA General Assembly; keeps society membership informed through newsletter articles and listserv postings; collaborates with Branch Director, Board and members to address concerns; attends quarterly Board meetings.

Useful information

Parts of meetings of the Board of Social Work in each jurisdiction are open to the public. We encourage members to attend meetings as you are able. Generally, the Boards appreciate feedback from members. Links to information about each jurisdiction’s meetings can be found below.

1. https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/social/social_calendar.htm In Virginia, meetings are held quarterly in Henrico, VA. The next meeting is scheduled at 10 am on March 29, 2024. Please check on-line or call to confirm that a meeting will take place, as the schedule can change.
2. https://dchealth.dc.gov/service/social-work-licensing In DC, meetings are held on the fourth Monday of the month at 10 am, except in December. Consult the Board’s website or call to confirm scheduling.
3. https://health.maryland.gov/bswe/Pages/default.aspx In Maryland, meetings are held on the second Friday of each month at 10:30 am in Baltimore. Consult the Board’s website or call to confirm scheduling information.

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!