DSU Social Work Students Visit Leg Hall

The students from the University’s Department of Social Work visited Delaware’s Legislative Hall on March 6, where they met with Rep. Nnamdi Chukwuocha and witnessed the House of Representatives’ passage of a resolution relating to social work.

The students first met with Rep. Chukwuocha, who earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a Master of Social Work, both from Delaware State University. The recently elected state representative is a social work practitioner; he co-sponsored House Concurrent Resolution No. 8 – which recognizes March 2019 as Social Work Month in the State of Delaware.

Rep. Chukwuocha encouraged the students in their social work pursuits.

“You voice and your passion are so needed,” he said. “Social workers are the back bone of this nation. Every day, in every way, social workers make a difference.”

Accompanying the students were Dr. Marsha Horton, dean of the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, Dr. Kelly Ward, chair of the Department of Social Work, and Dr. Fran Franklin, assistant professor of Social Work and BSW program director. Dr. Horton spoke before the House elected officials, sharing information about the University’s social work programs.

The resolution – also co-sponsored by Rep. Stephanie Bolden (also a Delaware State University alumna, Class of 1969), Sens. Darius Brown and Trey Paradee) – passed the Delaware Senate later that day. It reads as follows:

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

150th GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 8

RECOGNIZING MARCH 2019 AS SOCIAL WORK MONTH IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, social workers follow the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics, which calls on members of the profession to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty; and

WHEREAS, social work is one of the fastest growing careers in the United States, with almost 650,000 members of the profession; and

WHEREAS, social workers work in all areas of society to improve quality of life, health, and prosperity, including in government, schools, universities, social service agencies, communities, the military, and mental health, health care and correctional facilities; and

WHEREAS, social workers are the largest group of mental health care providers in the United States and work daily to help people overcome substance use disorders and mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, substance abuse, and other disorders so they can lead more fulfilling lives; and

WHEREAS, social workers help our nation’s veterans recover from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) and other effects of their military service, and it is also members of this profession that are on the frontlines dealing with the perpetrators, victims, and survivors of gun violence with services to address health care and mental health care, stress and anxiety; and

WHEREAS, social workers embody this year’s Social Work Month Theme “Social Workers: Elevate Social Work” by leading, advocating for, and championing their vital role in the empowerment process for millions of Americans each day; and

WHEREAS, social workers have helped this nation live up to its ideals by successfully pushing for decades to ensure equal rights for all, including women, African Americans, Latinos, people who are disabled, people who are LGBTQ+, and various ethnic, cultural and religious groups; and

WHEREAS, social workers have been behind and advocated for legislation and policies that reduce racial discord, including renewal of the Voting Rights Act, the Violence Against Women Act, the Civil Rights Act, the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, unemployment insurance, workplace safety, and social security benefits; and

WHEREAS, thousands of child, family, and school social workers across the country provide assistance to protect children and improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families. Social workers help them find loving homes and create new families through foster care and adoption; and

WHEREAS, social workers in academic settings work with families and schools to foster future generations by ensuring students reach their full academic, social, and personal potential; and

WHEREAS, social workers work with older adults and their families to improve their quality of life and ability to live independently as long as possible and get access to quality mental health and health care; and

32 WHEREAS, higher learning institutions are critical in preparing students with the skills they require before entering the workforce; and

34 WHEREAS, Delaware State University offers the only Social Work program in the State of Delaware with a Bachelors since 1982 and a Masters since 1986 in Social Work.

NOW, THEREFORE: BE IT RESOLVED that the Delaware General Assembly officially recognizes March 2019 as Social Work Month and encourages the creation and expansion of Social Work programs. This legislative body thanks social workers throughout our state, county, and nation for the numerous contributions they make each day and join in this celebration and

40 support of the social work profession.

SYNOPSIS

This Resolution recognizes the important work of social workers throughout Delaware and the rest of the country, encourages the creation and expansion of Social Work programs, and recognizes March 2019 as Social Work Month in the State of Delaware.