TAMPA BAY UNIT
(Updated 1/13/21)
Recently I received a “Construction Notice” in the mail from the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA). There would be some “short term construction …. that could impact travel in your neighborhood” read the notice. It ended with an invitation for the residents affected to be “patient” as the result would be improved, modern, and faster transportation service to the beach where I live.
No construction site is pretty to look at; and it can get loud and noisy outside my front door. Big equipment moves in and out of the area, carrying large pipes that go underground that no one will ever see once the pavement that was dug up to replace the old, worn out pipes have been repaved. The good news is that during construction, there are times of quiet and rest, from the work and from the chaos. And we will get better at what we do. We are essential.
The Tampa Bay Unit newsletter this month is sort of a construction notice, but for the social work profession, obviously. You and I cannot, must not, let this moment pass by without our active involvement. I assure you that the outcome is good -- Social Work will continue to be recognized by more and more individuals, governmental agencies, organizations, and others as the essential profession it is. Moreover, today’s social workers will have advanced the profession by creating substantial and meaningful change to match the pioneering work of prior social workers.
What can you do? What is in your hand? I suggest you start where you are, a theme we are familiar with because we “meet the client where they are.” Creativity and cultural sensitivity are enormous traits to have and build upon.
I am looking forward to meeting you at an event this year. Please check back here regularly for the monthly events being planned. However, a virtual Social Work Networking event is scheduled for the first Friday of each month at 10:00 AM. Encourage a social worker today. We are absolutely going to get better. Best wishes for 2021.
#socialworkmonth2021 #socialworkersareessential
Sharon Barber, LCSW, MCAP
Tampa Bay Unit Chair
tampabay.naswfl@socialworkers.org
Follow us on FB: https://www.facebook.com/naswtampabay
As always, feel free to submit your ideas to make our Tampa Bay Unit better. If you have ideas or wish to volunteer, please contact Sharon Barber at tampabay.naswfl@socialworkers.org.
Tampa Bay Unit Steering Committee members presenting the NASW Tampa Bay Unit Elected Official of the Year 2020 Award to St. Petersburg, Florida Mayor Rick Kriseman in his office on August 25, 2020.
Thank you Mayor Kriseman for all you do for the residents of St. Petersburg and your example of inclusive, compassionate leadership.
UPCOMING EVENTS
January 21, 2021 • Virtual
*NASW-FL Tampa Bay Unit presents "Human Trafficking: How to Identify and Serve Victims" with Michael A. Smith, PhD, LCSW, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Registration $10.00 for NASW members, $25 for non-members and $5 for students. You will receive the Zoom link prior to the workshop.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE!
UNIT LEADERSHIP
Sharon Barber, LCSW, MCAP - Unit Chair
tampabay.naswfl@socialworkers.org
Unit Vice-chair
Brittany Peters
Chapter Committee on Nominations and Leadership Identification (CCNLI)
Stacy Kratz
Social Media
Alexandra Pellot
Legislative
Haydee Davis
Membership
Mary Martinez-Drovie
Ethics
Stacy Kratz
491 Board Liaison
Susan Infanzon
Chapter Supervisory Task Force
Nancy Gordon
Susan Infanzon