When discussing anti-racism it’s often told of non-BIPOC social workers to "Do the work", what does that actually mean? We also talk about the new Anti-Racism Initiative spearheaded by NASW-NYS which are free & open to everyone (Sept 29 – next townhall!) Samantha Fletcher, Ph.D., MSW, shares the top reasons on why social workers should be part of something bigger than themselves and join NASW. If you’re not feeling like your local chapter is doing enough, she also shares the inside scoop on how can Social Workers approach their own local chapters to start this work where they are.

Show links:
Revolutionizing the Social Work profession: https://naswnys.org/blm-get-involved/
Clinical Essentials for the Future Therapist: https://www.socialworkersrise.com/essentials
Connect with Catherine, LCSW!
Instagram @SocialWorkersRise
Email: SocialWorkersRise@gmail.com
https://www.socialworkersrise.com/

Learn More about Sara; keep reading below…
Samantha Fletcher earned a B.A. in Sociology at the University of Tulsa in 2000. Before returning to school to earn a master’s and Ph.D. in Social Work at the University at Albany, she worked for over a decade in human services including at a family law firm, crisis pregnancy center, Islamic school and running an independent business.
While Samantha was pursing her Ph.D., she also served as the project coordinator and senior research assistant for the PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Statewide Veteran Peer Support Program evaluation.  She supervised program development and implementation for 16 non-profit county programs focused on peer delivered services including individual mentoring, engagement in social activities, support groups, volunteerism, community education and partnership, and referral to existing veteran services.
Samantha also served as the Assistant Dean of Academic Programs and the Director of Admissions in the School of Social Welfare at the University at Albany. In this position, she worked on a diverse team of administrators and faculty to provide a quality education for bachelor, master, and doctoral social work students. Samantha also partnered with the Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to create a social justice group for students, faculty, and staff. The purpose of this group is to bring a deeper consciousness to social injustice (with an emphasis on critically examining inequality at multiple levels) and promote a safe, reflective environment where members can explore personal assumptions, biases, values and beliefs. By promoting a sense of responsibility for all participants to become change agents, participation in the group can help those entering the social work profession make inclusiveness a habit in their practice and everyday life.
Samantha became the Executive Director of the National Association of Social Workers, New York State Chapter in September 2019. Click here for more on Revolutionizing the Social Work profession: https://naswnys.org/blm-get-involved/

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