FASSW President’s Message

September 2010

 “…and he who has hope has everything”   (Arabian proverb)
 

As School Social Workers, HOPE should be embedded in our vocabulary as we look back on the previous year, and see how we have survived our roles as School Social Workers.
 

It is with great pride and honor that I have accepted the role of President of FASSW for the years 2010-2012 and I look forward to serving this organization that has been established since1942.  I am indeed humbled to be representing such a professional and dedicated group of people.  I want to take this opportunity to thank both the past and current Board members for volunteering many hours to a cause that we all believe in. 
 

As many of you are aware, FASSW was instrumental in getting everyone on the Teacher Based Salary Scale (Professional Service Contract) across all districts many years ago. Our pioneer school social workers, in what was then an emerging organization, made sure that we had the same labor protections afforded all classroom teachers. In the same spirit, about a dozen or so years ago, an ever evolving and professional FASSW was instrumental in changing the SSW teacher certification rules so that only those with a degree in social work could apply for the certification. A new generation of our SSW colleagues has no idea that these, as well as many other initiatives and actions taken on behalf of our profession, were made possible by a strong member base willing to financially support through membership, an unpaid and volunteer Board of leaders willing to work on behalf of our SSW profession.
 

As our sluggish economy plods on, FASSW is now at a crossroads in its 68^th year of existence. Rumors abound that some of our partner coalitions may soon fold due to a lack of financial support from current and potential members. We are determined that FASSW will not be one of them. However, as we see it, the only way our current FASSW Board can continue to plan and strongly advocate for school social workers at the state and national level is through volume; volume means members. Therefore, the primary initiative for the 2010-2011 year for the FASSW Board (and for all of you) must be to increase our membership.
 

We have listened to those of you who responded to the survey that was emailed last school year to all members and non-members regarding your suggestions and concerns. As a result we have an incredible year planned ahead.  As we move forward through these uncertain times with our jobs, we need to stay focused and strive to represent and meet the needs of each school social worker throughout the State of Florida.
 

In keeping with this premise, my FASSW goals are:

      1. To select region representatives to reflect the state regions, so each region

    will have an active voice on the FASSW Board through the FASSW president and 

     and the Region Board representative     

2. To select a Board representative for retired social workers

3.  To select a Children’s Fund representative
 

In order to achieve these goals, we need the support of All School Social Workers. If you are not a member, I urge you to join today at http://www.fassw.org.  Showing your financial support through membership is still a bargain at less than a dollar a week! 
 

If you are member, I sincerely thank you for understanding the importance of joining forces so together we can continue to have the HOPE that we will add to our past history of achievements. FASSW is, after all, the oldest school social work state organization in the country! 
 

For your information, the following Board seats are vacant: treasurer (elected post), and member-at large, children’s fund rep., region representatives, region board rep., retired social work rep. (all non-elected). Please consider being a part of our prestigious organization so that we can continue to be active and visible to legislators, school administrators and our fellow colleagues.
 

In closing, I look forward to seeing you at the 64^th Annual FASSW State Conference on October 14^th and 15^th 2010, at the Tradewinds Resort on St Pete Beach.  Please feel free to approach me or any Board member at the conference with any questions or concerns. I am looking forward to earning your support!
 

Sincerely,

Beverley Wilks, MSW

President 2010-12
Florida Association of School Social Workers
 

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