ANNUAL REPORT - BCASW … · Kootenays Branch Deborah Wandler ... • Our Annual Report was...
Transcript of ANNUAL REPORT - BCASW … · Kootenays Branch Deborah Wandler ... • Our Annual Report was...
annual report 2013/201402
BCASW BOARD MEMBERS 2013-2014
EXECUTIVE
President BarbKeith
PastPresident PamMiller
VicePresident LeyaEguchi
Treasurer CayceLaviolette
Secretary ConnieKaweesi
CASWRepresentative PhyllisNash
REPRESENTATIVES TO THE BOARD
StudentRepresentative BenjaminKearney
VancouverSeatoSkyBranch LeanneHarder
FraserRiverBranch PaulJenkinson
KootenaysBranch DeborahWandler
NorthernBranch KathrynEns/VincentSherry
NorthwestBranch MariaKoerner
Thompson/NicolaBranch MichaelCrawford
Delta/Richmond/BurnabyBranch JoaniMortenson/KristaGermyn
OkanaganBranch CherylAsh
VancouverIslandBranch NancyBaker
MEMBERS AT LARGE
MaxineGibson
KundoqkJacquieGreen
CarolRoss
BCASW STAFFExecutiveDirector DianneHeath
Manager,MemberServicesandAdministrationJocelynChee
ABOUT BCASW
BCASWisavoluntary,not-for-profitmembershipassociationthat
supportsandpromotestheprofessionofsocialworkandadvocates
forsocialjustice.BCASWisoneoftheprovincial/territorialsocial
work associations in partnership with the Canadian Association
ofSocialWorkers(CASW).ThroughCASW,wesupportthework
of the International Federation of Social Workers. Incorporated
in 1956, BCASW has branches and members throughout BC.
Membership in BCASW creates a synergy that strengthens your
voice, supports your practice, and builds a solid foundation for
advocacyandsocialaction.Weprovideinformationandsupport
tosocialworkers, leadershipinprofessionalandsocialadvocacy,
and professional development opportunities. Ours is a strong
collective voice that advances the interests of social work,
communicates the vital contribution of social workers to their
communities, and enhances the contribution of social work to
socialjustice.
Our Mission“We are the professional association of social workers in British Columbia
and promote the profession of Social Work. We advance Social Work
practice and values to create a just and compassionate society.”
The BCASW Logo
Our logo incorporates two
symbols: the dove, which
expresses freedom, peace and
hope; and the hand, which
expresses help, humanity and
caring, the qualitiesembedded
inBCASW’smission.
BC ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORkERS402-1755WestBroadway
Vancouver,BCV6J4S5
T604730.9111/F604730.9112
TollfreeinBC1800665.4747
www.bcasw.org
GLOBAL DEFINITION OF SOCIAL WORk
Afteranextensiveconsultationprocessspanningfouryears,thereview of the Global Definition of the Social Work Professionculminatedinanewdefinitionasfollows:
Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline
that promotes social change and development, social cohesion,
and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social
justice, human rights, collective responsibility, and respect for
diversities are central to social work. Underpinned by theories of
social work, social sciences, humanities and indigenous knowledge,
social work engages people and structures to address life challenges
and enhance wellbeing.
This definition was approved by the IFSW General Meeting andtheIASSWGeneralAssembly,July2014.ReadmoreaboutIFSWatifsw.org.
annual report 2013/2014 03
submitted by Barb Keith
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
continued on next page
ThisismyfinalreportasPresidentofBCASWasIcompletemythird
year.Ithasbeenatimeofgrowthformeandfortheorganization.
Asasocialworker,Iamveryproudofourprofessionandhaveadeep
senseofbelonging.BeingactiveinBCASWwasanaturaloutflowof
commitmentandopportunity.
Lookingbackoverthepastthreeyears,wehaveseen:
• The Pacific Social Work Foundation was activated,
distributing student scholarships and supporting
educationalopportunities.
• The establishment of the Health Practice Enhancement
Committee where the former Social Workers in Health
groupjoinedBCASWandtransferredfundsintoourPacific
Social Work Foundation to continue their important work
formutualbenefit.
• OurmonthlyE-bulletinisenhanced.
• Our Annual Report was introduced and published each
year.
• We adopted a policy governance model and now have a
singlesourceofinformation,incorporatingtheConstitution
andupdatedBylaws.
• OurExecutiveDirectorwashiredinDecember2011.
• Media releases about Recovery Day, the proposed Quebec
Charter,BoardVoice,ChildWelfare,responsestoreportsby
theRepresentativeforChildrenandYouthweresentout.
• EvaluationoftheMentorshipProgramwasbegun.
• The first BCASW Annual General Meeting by video
conferencewasheldlastyear.
• Theestablishmentofvariousworkinggroups,communities
of practice (including the new seniors issues and child
welfare CoPs), and practice committees with more formal
terms of reference for a stronger identity and purpose,
includingBoardrepresentation.
• We have established solid working relationships with the
office of the Representative for Children and Youth, the
Ministry of Children and Families, unions, the Alliance for
Mental Health/Illness and Addiction, First Call, and Board
Voice.
• WesignedourpartnershipagreementwithCASW,aligning
ourselves with other provinces to strengthen the national
voiceofsocialworkersinCanada.
• WeworkedwithBCCSWandtheRegistrartoraiseawareness
of Continuing Professional Development requirements for
socialworkers.
• We highlighted the Schools of Social Work in Perspectives
to raise awareness about social work programs and our
educators.
• WetransferredourbankaccountstoVanCity,whosepractices
aremorealignedwithourcommonsocialvalues.
• SocialworkersarenowincludedbyICBCasserviceproviders.
• Social workers were given the opportunity for training
in provincial Disaster Social Services at our last BCASW
Conference and are active in the planning and volunteer
network.
• BrochuresforHealthCareSocialWorkershavebeenpublished
anddistributed,withsometranslationsinplaceandmoreto
followtomeettheneedsofourdiversepopulations.
• Five Perspectives articles have been picked up for reprint by
otherorganizations.
• The summary grid explaining differences between the
AssociationandtheCollegeisinuse.
• Wecreatedavirtualboardroom,tolocateourmaterialinone
placeandstoreworkingdocumentselectronically,foreaseof
access.
• Board meetings minutes and financials are posted and
viewabletomembership.
• Wehave increasedvalueon insuranceandtangiblesupport
forourlargestgroupofmembers—privatepractitioners.
• Wecreatedasocial justicequiltandexploredotherwaysto
expresssocialworkconcepts.
To come:• We are looking at developing a more extensive webinar
program,whichbeganwithourEthicscourses.
• We are set to enhance video conferencing capacity for
professionaldevelopmentopportunities.
• The new database has been designed and is ready for
implementationearlynextyear.
• The website will be updated for easier access to key
information.
annual report 2013/2014 annual report 2013/2014 0504
President’s Report...continued from previous page
PUBLICATIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS
PERsPEcTivEs NEWSLETTEREditor:DianneHeath
EditorialCommittee:GlenSchmidt/DawnHemingway,LindaKorbin
LayoutandDesign:HeatherMacNeil
Aswellasmailedtoallmembersandavailableonline,subscriptionsforPerspectives arepurchasedbyuniversities,librariesandindividuals.Thesaleofinsertsandadssubsidizethepublication.• January presented observations on the current status and
futureofsocialwork.• Mayemphasizedtheimportanceofprofessionalassociation.• Septemberaddressedsomeoftheissuesattachedtogrowing
older.
E-BULLETINS• Monthlymembershipemails listedevents,providingupdates
andinformation.
MEDIA INTERVIEWS, RELEASES, POSTINGS, LETTERS• IssuesincludedtheproposedQuebeccharterofrights,support
forBoardVoiceandthecallforasocialpolicyframework,thedeductionofchildsupportpaymentsfromincomeassistance,acomprehensivepovertystrategyforBC
WEBSITEwww.bcasw.org• Branchevents,committeeupdates,news/eventsformembers• Membershipinformationandbenefits• Jobadvertisementspostedandemailed• Financialreportsinnon-memberarea• ContinuingProfessionalDevelopment• Onlineandprintablesocialworkweekposterandconference
brochures
PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL• ThreepostersdesignedforSocialWorkWeek• OrdersforbrochuresonSocial Work Skills and Knowledge in Health
Care andethicsposterscontinue• Social Work Services in Health Care Settings patient/clientbrochure
translatedandavailableinPunjabiandChinese• CoastSalishspindlewhorlpostcardonWhyBelongtoBCASW
nowavailable• Conferencepromotionalmaterialmailedout
COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT• Seewebsiteforcopiesoflettersandcommunications• MeetingsandconversationswithMLAs
ANNUAL REPORT • 2013/2014inreview
I am very excited to know that Michael Crawford is our next
President. I anticipate new developments with his own unique style
ofleadership.BCASWisinverygoodhands.TheBoardmembershave
alwayssteppeduptotheplatewhenworkwasneededandIhavebeen
veryfortunatetohaveworkedwithsuchacommittedgroupofpeople.
Ourmembershavemaderequestsandgivenfeedback,andwesought
tobemoreresponsiveovertheseyears.Iencouragethosewhowant
tobeinvolvedtocomeforward;itisanexcitingridetobeonthefront
linesofourAssociation!
AsIstepdown,thisisatimeofreflectionformeasIprepareto
retire from full time employment. Instead of reaching out for more
tools and techniques, I pass along what I know and share what I
have already learned. I buy fewer books, and write more, drawing
onmyprofessionalexperience. I focusonensuringthatpoliciesand
proceduresarecurrent,andlookforpotentialcandidateswhocouldbe
groomedasasuccessor.
But it isnot justabout lettinggo; it isalsotimetoembracethe
newchapterinmylife.MygranddaughterwasbornonJune26,2014.
Ilookforwardtolearninghowbesttobeagrandmotherandtospend
moretimewithherandherfamily.Theloveisunimaginable.
LastlyIwanttothankyouallforyoursupportandencouragement,
your vision and optimism. Thank you especially to our Executive
Director, Dianne Heath, who lightened the load for me when I was
overwhelmedandforourlongdiscussionsaboutmyriadthings.Also
thankyoutoJocelyn,ManagerofAdministrationandMemberSupport
Servicesforallyourworkinourorganization.Iwishyouallthebestas
you,too,moveforwardinyournewchapter.
Adieu,
Barb Keith
SOME OF OUR COALITIONS AND CONNECTIONS
BCAllianceonMentalHealth/IllnessandAddiction
BCCollegeofSocialWork
BCCouncilforFamilies
BCPovertyReductionCoalition
BCSchoolsofSocialWork
BoardVoice
CanadianCentreforPolicyAlternatives
CommunityActionInitiative
DisasterPsychosocialVolunteerNetwork
FirstCall:BCChildandYouthCoalition
PacificSocialWorkFoundation
HealthSciencesAssociation
BCGovernmentandServiceEmployees’Union
RaisetheRates
RepresentativeforChildrenandYouth
annual report 2013/2014 annual report 2013/2014 0504
submitted by Dianne Heath
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
This year brought a focus on Continuing Professional Development anda first for the provincial office—a student practicum. Priorities included
maintainingservices;supportingactivitiesoftheBoard,Committees,Branches,CommunitiesofPractice,andMembers;andworkingwithPartnersandAllies.
promotion of the professionBCASWcelebratedSocialWorkWeekinMarchwiththetheme,Social Workers Promoting Greater Social Equity, reflected inbranchactivitiesand illustratedonposters.ThewinneroftheDistinguishedServiceAwardwasCharlesFraser.
Vice President Leya Eguchi and the ED attended the CASW annualmeeting,affirmingsupportofournationalpartnership.
EngagementwiththeeducationsectorincludedorientationsforuniversitystudentsandscholarshipsfundedbythePacificSocialWorkFoundation.ThePSWFnowreceivesonlinedonationsatCanadaHelps.
BCASW advocates for greater inclusion on insurance plans. ICBC nowincludes RCSWs on their roster of service providers. Conversations withHSA and BCGEU continue on topics such as benefits plan inclusion, neededresources,andscopeofpractice.
BCASW publications were widely requested by members. Chinese andPunjabitranslationsoftheSocial Work Services in Health Care Settings brochuresarenowavailable.
support for membersBCASWhostedawinterclinicalexampreparationcourse,threewebinarsandafallconference.Learningopportunitiesweresharedbyemail,E-Bulletin,andasPerspectivesinserts.Vettedresourcesareavailableonthemembers’site.
Webinars on ethics provide a general lens from which to view ethicalpracticeandaimtolayafoundationtoenhancethecapacityofsocialworkerstoengageinconversationsaboutethicalissues.BCASWwebinarsarecollegialpresentationsofusefulframeworkstosupportdiscussionandreflection,andare priced to encourage sharing. The delightful concept of hosting ethicspartiesrecentlyemerged.
Liabilityinsurancecontinuestobeofferedatexcellentrates.Petinsurancewas launchedasthelatestmemberbenefit; joiningtravel,home,andhealthplans.
Five CASW/AON scholarships were awarded to members to attend theBCASWconferenceandonetopresentataCongressinArgentina.
Requestsforconsultationincludedenquiriesonpracticeethics,businessstart-ups, child protection, healthcare needs, and CPD planning. Memberservicesincluded13mentorshiprequests.
advocacy for social JusticeActivitywithpartnersincludedmeetingswithFirstCall,BCAllianceonMentalHealth/IllnessandAddiction,andcollaborationwithBoardVoice.
Copies of letters to government are on the website. Media responsesfollowed reports from the Office of the Representative for Children andFamilies.TheLeadforChildrenandFamilies,CarolRoss,andtheEDattendedmeetingswithoppositionspokespeopleandreviewedgovernmentupdatesonmeasures taken to address integrated case management system difficulties.WeparticipatedintheDisability White Paper Consultation 2014–Ensuring mental health and addictions are part of the conversation.
operationsTheBCASWofficeisintransition.JocelynChee,ManagerofMemberServices,resigned and Greg Sturk joined us in August. In line with our accountant’srecommendation, we engaged a bookkeeper. Cathy Larkin is setting upstreamlined processes to interface with our new database which is nowpostponeduntilearlynextyear.
Avoteonnewbylaws(accepted)andanelectionforTreasurerwererunelectronically.
OurthanksgotoJocelynCheeforsixyearsofdiligentserviceandtoMarshandMarshInc.forassistancewithadministrativeprocesses.
challenges and opportunities CPDofferedbytheAssociationmustbegearedtotheneedsofpractitionersand from the practitioners’ viewpoint. We plan to build on the success ofour collegial webinars. Over 180 participants viewed the webinars in liveand recorded forms. Thank you to Shannon Torhjelm, Pam Miller, MichaelCrawford,BenjaminKearney,andallparticipants.
Anoffice intransitionpresentsuniquechallenges.Beingpartofatwo-person office, then one-person, brought awareness front and centre of thetimerequiredtoimplementoperationalchange.
Ourmembershipremainsstable. It remainsdifficult todeterminehowmanysocialworkersareinBCduetoexemptionsfromregistration.AssociationmembersnumberlessthanathirdofCollegeregistrants.WewillcontinuetoaddthevaluetomembershipessentialforattractionandretentioninordertostrengthenourmandateasavoiceforBCSocialWorkers.
future directions: strategic planning 2015
BCASWiscommittedtotheabovethreeendgoals.Allthreeareheldtobeofequalpriority.Welookforwardtostrategicplanningin2015aswerealignourgoals,objectives,activities,andpriorities.
Membership Services
Social Advocacy
Professional Advocacy
annual report 2013/201406
submitted by Cayce Laviolette
TREASURER’S REPORT
Iwouldliketotakethisopportunitytowelcomeourrecentlyelected
Treasurer,SusanPeck,totheBoard.She isawonderfuladditionto
ourteam! SusantakesoverataverythrillingcrossroadsforBCASW.
Weareembarkingonsomenewdirectionsin2015thatwilllikelysee
gradualimprovementsinservicesandamorerobustfinancialposition
forthisAssociation.
As this report occurs between annual budgets, I will review key
featuresfrom2013beforeproceedingtohighlightsof2014todate.
2013 summaryLast year at this time we were celebrating the enlivenment of the
PacificSocialWorkFoundationandhadbeguntoseeaslowtrickleof
donationstothePSWFscholarshipfund.Amoderatebudgetdeficitfor
2013wasapprovedinordertoaccommodatedonationstothePSWF
fromtheBCASW,thepurchaseofanewdatabase,andconsultantfees
forresearch.Weheldaone-dayvideoconferenceinsteadofatwo-day
fall conference which generated some income. Amounts for the fall
conferencehadbeenincludedpendingthedecisionofwhetherornot
toholditandweresetatrevenueneutralfigures.Althoughincomewas
downfromthepreviousyearfrommembershipduesandadvertising
revenue,thedeficitwaslessthanexpectedduetoholdingoverfunds
forthenewdatabaseandconsultantstothe2014budget.
2014 update BCASW continues to face what I referred to in last year’s report as
“shorttermpain”whilewedevelopmembershipservices.Thedatabase
remainsamajorexpensethathasbeenpostponedwhileweresolve
staffing issues followingthe resignationofourManagerofMember
ServicesandAdministrationandreplaceagingcomputerequipment.
Our commitment to fund a research project by Dr. Dow is now in
process,claimingadditionalfundsfromthecurrentbudget.
Membersshouldnotethatourinvestmentsandtermdepositare
steadfastat$78,000and$50,000respectively,alongwith$110,000
in operating funds. To date we are on track with incoming monies;
membershipduesareupfromlastyear,asisadvertisingrevenue.Most
excitingisourriseinreturnsfromworkshopsandwebinarsofferedto
date in 2014. Our burgeoning professional development activities
have drawn in $4,400 during the first half of this year. We expect
growthinthisareaaswefurtherexpandouronlinepresenceforsocial
workerslookingtofulfillCPDrequirements.
Expensesthisyearshowageneral trendupwards inmostareas
includingofficeadministrationexpendituresandcreditcardtransaction
fees.AsmallriseinthetravelbudgetofourExecutiveDirectorenabled
travel to the national CASW meetings. While the Board agreed to a
budgeted amount of $17,000 to develop a new database, some of
thisamountwillbedeferredtonextyear.
As we wind up 2014, the Board looks forward to a revitalized
strategicvisionfor2015,offering increasinglydynamicandrelevant
professionaldevelopmentchoicestoourmembership,andanefficient
database system. We aspire to streamline services and expand our
capacity in education and other services to our membership. I look
forwardtotheenthusiasmandskillsofournewTreasurer,SusanPeck,
inbringingourdreamstolight.
Income DistributionAmountMembership Fees211130Advertising32144Continuing Professional Development5264Membership Materials4359Investments2405
Expenses DistributionAmountStaffing 135845Professional Activities52938Office Administration44789Communications Membership Materials27498Board Activities19486Continuing Professional Development4304
Membership Fees 83%
Advertising 12%
Continuing Professional
Development 2%
Membership Materials
2%
Investments 1%
Income Distribution
Staffing 48%
Professional Activities 18%
Office Administration
16%
Communications Membership
Materials 10%
Board Activities 7%
Continuing Professional
Development 1%
Expenses Distribution
Income DistributionAmountMembership Fees211130Advertising32144Continuing Professional Development5264Membership Materials4359Investments2405
Expenses DistributionAmountStaffing 135845Professional Activities52938Office Administration44789Communications Membership Materials27498Board Activities19486Continuing Professional Development4304
Membership Fees 83%
Advertising 12%
Continuing Professional
Development 2%
Membership Materials
2%
Investments 1%
Income Distribution
Staffing 48%
Professional Activities 18%
Office Administration
16%
Communications Membership
Materials 10%
Board Activities 7%
Continuing Professional
Development 1%
Expenses Distribution
annual report 2013/2014 07
For the complete financial statement, please refer to the Review Engagement Report at
www.bcasw.org.
REVIEW ENGAGEMENT REPORT
annual report 2013/201408
BCASW Membership Data Report
Why this data summary?Toinformfutureplanning.
When? AsnapshotofdatatakenApril2014
Who are we?Weare1163SocialWorkersandAssociates
Member Category Number Full Time 501 Part Time 283 Student 168 Retired 70 Unemployed 54 30 Year Retired 31 New Graduate 31 Recent Graduate 14 Associate 11 Total 1163
Full Time 43%
Part Time 24%
Student 14%
Retired 6%
Unemployed 5%
30 Year Retired 3%
New Graduate
3%
Recent Graduate
1% Associate
1%
Membership by Category
Member Category Number Full Time 501 Part Time 283 Student 168 Retired 70 Unemployed 54 30 Year Retired 31 New Graduate 31 Recent Graduate 14 Associate 11 Total 1163
Full Time 43%
Part Time 24%
Student 14%
Retired 6%
Unemployed 5%
30 Year Retired 3%
New Graduate
3%
Recent Graduate
1% Associate
1%
Membership by Category
Branch Count Vancouver Sea to Sky 288 Vancouver Island 243 Fraser River 141 Richmond/ Delta/Burnaby 117 Okanagan 124 Northern 91 Thompson/ Nicola 80 Kootenay 41 Northwest 28 Out of Province 10 1163
Vancouver Sea to Sky 25%
Vancouver Island 21%
Fraser River 12%
Richmond/ Delta/Burnaby
10%
Okanagan 11%
Northern 8%
Thompson/ Nicola
7%
Kootenay 3%
Northwest 2% Out of Province
1%
Membership by Branch
Branch Count Vancouver Sea to Sky 288 Vancouver Island 243 Fraser River 141 Richmond/ Delta/Burnaby 117 Okanagan 124 Northern 91 Thompson/ Nicola 80 Kootenay 41 Northwest 28 Out of Province 10 1163
Vancouver Sea to Sky 25%
Vancouver Island 21%
Fraser River 12%
Richmond/ Delta/Burnaby
10%
Okanagan 11%
Northern 8%
Thompson/ Nicola
7%
Kootenay 3%
Northwest 2% Out of Province
1%
Membership by Branch
annual report 2013/2014 09
Sector Count Self Employed 329 Health 269 Non Profit 236 Provincial 117 Education 91 Private Profit 71 Aboriginal Services 52 Federal 19 Municipal 5
Self Employed 28%
Health 23% Non Profit
20%
Provincial 10%
Education 8%
Private Profit 6%
Aboriginal Services
4%
Federal 1%
Municipal 0% Sector
Self Employed
Health
Non Profit
Provincial
Education
Private Profit
Aboriginal Services
Federal
Municipal
Sector Count Self Employed 329 Health 269 Non Profit 236 Provincial 117 Education 91 Private Profit 71 Aboriginal Services 52 Federal 19 Municipal 5
Self Employed 28%
Health 23% Non Profit
20%
Provincial 10%
Education 8%
Private Profit 6%
Aboriginal Services
4%
Federal 1%
Municipal 0% Sector
Self Employed
Health
Non Profit
Provincial
Education
Private Profit
Aboriginal Services
Federal
Municipal
Primary Activity Count Direct Practice 706 Management/ Admin 180 Community Development 152 Teaching/ Research 146 Planning/ Policy 68
Direct Practice 56%
Management/ Admin
14%
Community Development
12%
Teaching/ Research
12%
Planning/ Policy 6%
Primary Activity
Primary Activity Count Direct Practice 706 Management/ Admin 180 Community Development 152 Teaching/ Research 146 Planning/ Policy 68
Direct Practice 56%
Management/ Admin
14%
Community Development
12%
Teaching/ Research
12%
Planning/ Policy 6%
Primary Activity
Area of Practice Count Adult Mental Health 394 Health Medical 264 Family Services 260 Alcohol /Substance Abuse 208 Child Mental Health 205 EAP 164 Child Welfare 146 Community Development 131 Disability 130 Education 127 Aging 120 Multicultural Services 71 Community Living 55 Occupational/ Industrial 51 Corrections 48
Adult Mental Health
17%
Health Medical 11%
Family Services 11%
Alcohol /Substance
Abuse 9% Child Mental
Health 9%
EAP 7%
Child Welfare 6%
Community Development
6%
Disability 5%
Education 5%
Aging 5%
Multicultural Services
3%
Community Living
2%
Occupational/ Industrial
2% Corrections
2%
Area of Practice
Area of Practice Count Adult Mental Health 394 Health Medical 264 Family Services 260 Alcohol /Substance Abuse 208 Child Mental Health 205 EAP 164 Child Welfare 146 Community Development 131 Disability 130 Education 127 Aging 120 Multicultural Services 71 Community Living 55 Occupational/ Industrial 51 Corrections 48
Adult Mental Health
17%
Health Medical 11%
Family Services 11%
Alcohol /Substance
Abuse 9% Child Mental
Health 9%
EAP 7%
Child Welfare 6%
Community Development
6%
Disability 5%
Education 5%
Aging 5%
Multicultural Services
3%
Community Living
2%
Occupational/ Industrial
2% Corrections
2%
Area of Practice
10 annual report 2013/2014
BRANCH HIGHLIGHTS 2014
thompson nicola
Thispastyearourbranchactivitiespromotedcontinuingprofessional
development,honouredourwork,andincludedadvocacy.
Thebranchexecutive,comprisedofpracticingsocialworkersand
students,arrangedforbranchmembersandcommunitysocialservice
providers to meet regularly throughout the year. Meetings provided
opportunitiestosocializeandtodiscusspracticeandpolicyissueswith
theaimofmakingourcommunitymoreresponsivetothoseinneed.
Branchmeetingsfeaturedguestspeakersandpanelistsaddressing
alcohol and drug addiction treatment, services to immigrants, and
poverty.Communityactivistsspokeatafilmnightourbranchhosted
whichaddressedhomelessness.
Several letterstotheeditorof localnewspaperswerewrittenby
branch members addressing social issues and our branch wrote to
BCgovernmentministriesabouttheneedforaformalandlegislated
povertyreductionplan.Wealsosupportedthemovementforincome
assistancerecipientstonothavetheirchildsupportpaymentsclawed
back.
Our work to engage social work students at Thompson Rivers
University continued this year with a pizza party, a workshop on
managingstress,andprovidinganintroductiontotheAssociationat
theirschoolorientation.
With the BCCSW requirement for professional development
coming into force, our branch is actively promoting workshops,
conferences, and other learning opportunities to our members. Our
spring workshop featured Frances Jasiura of Change Talk Associates
deliveringaday-longworkshoponmotivationalinterviewing.
Ourbranchactivelypromotesthesocialworkprofessionandwe
honourthosewhohavedemonstratedexcellenceinpractice.Thisyear
MaryWidmerreceivedthe2014HeartoftheGrasslandsAwardforher
distinguishedservicetothecommunity.MarycompletedtheBSWat
ThompsonRiversUniversityin2002andworksattheGriefResource
CentreinpartnershipwiththeCentreforSeniorsInformation.
Michael Crawford
richmond/ delta/burnaby
We have struggled greatly to attract member participation and
continue to do so. Krista Germyn has agreed to assume the interim
Branch Rep Position. Two meetings have been held since spring
with small but enthusiastic attendance. We discussed strategies for
increasingparticipationwithapotluckgettogetherandaprofessional
developmenteveningastwoareasofinterest.BarbKeithismakinga
quiltasafundraiserforthePSWFtoberaffledoffattheconference.
JoanFisheragreedtotakeovermanagingthebranchFacebookpage.
ThereisatentativeplantohostaneducationaleveningonEthicsusing
theBCASWwebinar.
Carol Ross/Krista Germyn
oKanagan
Thebranchexecutivedissolvedoverthepastyear.CherylAshagreed
tobecometheinterimBranchrepresentativetotheprovincialboardin
June,2014.TherewerenoBranchmeetingsthispastyearandBranch
activitywasminimal.
OurworktoengagesocialworkstudentsatUniversityofBritish
Columbia,OkanaganCampus(UBCO)continuedthisyearbyproviding
anintroductiontotheAssociationattheirschoolorientation,andthe
2ndAnnualSocialWorkSpeakerSeries.
Thespeakerserieswasinitiatedin2011/2012inconjunctionwith
UBCO field education staff. In 2013/2014, building on the success
of this joint venture, the Okanagan Branch collaborated with UBCO.
The speaker series was again a great success. BSW students had an
opportunity to meet professionals providing diverse social work
services. MSW students provided leadership by providing questions
for the guest speakers. Attendees benefited by being introduced to
cuttingedgeknowledgedevelopment intheareasofpolicy,practice
andresearch.Theseriesincludedthefollowingpresentations:
• MentalHealth,BillHoner,MD,FRCPC,FCAHS,Director,UBC
InstituteofMentalHealth;ProfessorandHead,Department
ofPsychiatry;JackBellChairinSchizophrenia
• Disability, Norman Kunc, MSc, Family Therapy, Critical
DisabilitiesActivist&EmmaVanderKliftMA,Mediatorand
Counsellor;Co-DirectorsoftheBroadReachCentre:Training,
Counselling&MediationonDisabilityIssues
• Global Perspectives, Janice Wood Wentzel, MSW, PhD,
Representative for International Association of Schools
of Social Work at United Nations; Chair of International
CommissiononHumanRights
• CommunityDevelopment,MichelleColussi,Managerofthe
Technical Assistance Division with the Canadian Centre for
CommunityRenewal
• CulturalInterventions,CindyBlackstock,MSW,PhD,Executive
Director, First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of
Canada;AssociateProfessor,UniversityofAlberta
Cheryl Ash
annual report 2013/2014 11continued on next page
vancouver island
• October 2013, we held our AGM at the James Bay New
Horizons Centre in Victoria. Our guest speakers were four
graduateanddoctoralstudentsfromAddisAbaba,Ethiopia.
Welearnedaboutthedevelopmentoftheirschoolofsocial
workandthechallengesthattheyface.
• JunePrestonhostedtheannualholidayparty.
• In January we hosted Makhan Shergill from BCCSW. He
providedourbranchwithaveryinformativepresentationon
ContinuingProfessionalDevelopment.Allbranchmembers
were asked to share the invitation with colleagues and
friends. We also sent the invitation to the UVic School of
SocialWork.Fortysocialworkersattendedthepresentation.
Feedbackwasverypositive.Severalsocialworkerssaidthey
appreciatetheself-directedlearningmodelthattheCollege
selected.
• SocialWorkWeekwascelebratedinMarch.
• AllBCASWmemberswereinvitedtoattendthepresentation
ofTheAlayneHamiltonCommunitySocialWorkAwardat
theUniversityofVictoria.
• Our branch put together a workshop "Anti-Oppression
Practices-Challengingprivilegeandpower".Thefacilitators
were Renee McBeth and Moussa Magassa who challenged
those present to consider how power and privilege impact
practicesandrelationships,andtothinkaboutourcodeof
ethicsandAOP.Thefacilitatorswerefromoutsidethesocial
work profession intentionally, so that they would pose
challengingquestionsfortheparticipants.
• MCFD social workers in Victoria requested the support of
BCASWatarallyJuly9infrontofCaroleJames'constituency
office. This Hour of Action brought attention to workload
issuesMCFDworkersarefacing.DavidTurnerwasinterviewed
byCHEKNews.
• A panel of guest speakers, including Barbara Whittington
recognized the United Nations 20th Anniversary “Year of
TheFamily”withthetheme“ConfrontingChildandFamily
PovertyinBC”.
Nancy Baker
fraser river branch
The Fraser River Branch continues to pursue an active agenda with
regular branch meetings that combine a business meeting with an
educational presentation to support the professional development
needs of our members. The Branch supported students by working
withtheUniversityoftheFraserValleytoawardthefirstPacificSocial
Work Foundation MSW Award to LarrisaSandve and co-sponsored
“MeettheProfessionals”where4thyearBSWstudentsmet15social
workersfromdifferentareasofpracticeandkeyrepresentativesfrom
theBCASWandtheBCCSW.
TheBranchworkedwithlocalcommunitypartnersinadvocating
for the Abbotsford Community Services Homeless Initiative. Branch
members will continue to be canvassed regarding areas of advocacy
thatrequireattention.
Branch President Paul Jenkinson continues to be an active
participantinBCASWBoardmeetingsandasamemberoftheAdvocacy
andPacificSocialWorkFoundationCommittees.Thebranchmembers
chosetheirExecutiverecentlywithPaulJenkinson(President)Shahbar
Dadvand (Vice President), Dr. Elizabeth Dow (Treasurer) and Tanya
Wilson(Secretary).
vancouver sea to sKy
Over the last year, Vancouver Sea to Sky had over 70 people attend
monthlyprofessionaldevelopmentevents.Presentersspokeonfamily
law, collaborative divorce, end-of-life care, addictions, post-partum
depression, ethics and trauma-informed practice with First Nations
peoples.
We continue to look for presenters within our membership to
support the professional development of members. The monthly
eventswillcontinuefor2014-2015.
Leanne Harder
Kootenay branch
Inthefallof2013ourBranchcametogetherforaneventinTrailon
Dec.5—BeMoreThanaBystanderwithAngusReidfromtheBCLions
andTracyPorteousExecutivedirectorofEVABC.Twoattended,myself
andLucindaTaylor,alongwithfiveSSWstudentsand instructorKay
ArmstrongfromSelkirkCollege.
Oursmallbranchexecutivewithanewmemberonboardworked
viateleconferencingtoplaneventsforSocialWorkWeek(DebWandler,
Geri-LynnRempel,LucindaTaylor,ShaneLoukianoffandRaNaeNichol).
We held a Panel Discussion on March 12 on the Castlegar campus
of Selkirk College. Shane Loukianoff facilitated the “collaborative
conversation”withsixsocialworkersfromdiverseworkenvironments
using the following questions: What is social work? What services or
disservicesdowedoourselvesbyusingtheterm“socialworker”?How
is social work valued? What is the purpose of social work? How can
socialworkersresistthestereotypesthatshapepublicopinionandthus
themeaningoftheprofession?
Ofcoursewedidn’tgetpastthefirstthreequestionsbecausethere
wassomuchtosayandlotsofconversationoverthededicatedlunch
hour.InMarchwemetfordinneratalocalrestaurantandcontinued
discussion of the questions from the panel event. Door prizes of SW
week posters and lanyards were given out. A lively discussion, good
food,andgoodcompany–allinall,agreateveningincelebrationof
SocialWorkWeek!
InJune,agroupmettowatchtheEthicspodcastsandengagein
discussion.ThiswasinresponsetotheCPDrequirementwhichincludes
1212 annual report 2013/2014
Branch Highlights...continued from previous page
3hoursofethics.Wehadapotluckdinner,watchedthepodcasts,and
endedwithalivelydiscussion.
Plans are to bring together Kootenay Branch members for a fall
dinnermeetingandbeginthediscussionforconnectionthroughthe
winterandforSocialWorkWeek2015.
Deb Wandler
northern branch report
MembershipintheNorthernBranchreflectsafarreachinganddiverse
population. Current membership is 107. Most members are in the
PrinceGeorgearea,butwehavemembersinQuesnel,DawsonCreek
/Peace River area, and Ft. St. John as well as other communities. We
havenumeroussocialworkersandstudentsinthePrinceGeorgearea
whoarenotmembersoftheBCASWbutcontinuetosupportNorthern
Branchactivitiesandevents.
The branch executive elected at our Annual General Meeting in
Mayof2014consistsof:
Chair-VincentSherry
ViceChair-HeatherLamb
Treasurer-CarolRomanko
Secretary-MarcellaRojas
Communicationandemailcirculation-ElleAmbrosi
Newsletter-DawnHemingway
MediaandPromotion-DawnHemingway
StudentRep-Wewilladdressthisissueinthefall.
ProvincialRep-VincentSherry
WeholdregularbranchmeetingsatarestaurantinPrinceGeorge
onthe3rdThursdayofeverymonth.AttheAGMinMayitwasdecided
we would try a different restaurant with WiFi so we can Skype with
members outside Prince George. We hope to continue the tradition
of having a guest speaker to support BCASW members who are
registeredwiththeCollegeofSocialWorkersinmeetingprofessional
developmentrequirements.
Currently,majoractionitemsonour“todo”listinclude:
• CPDopportunitiesanddevelopment
• Expanding branch meetings and activities across the entire
NorthernBranchregion
• OrganizingforSocialWorkWeek2015inconjunctionwiththe
UNBCSchoolofSocialWorkandUNBC25yearscelebration
• SeekingnominationsfortheBridgetMoranAward
• Arranging a Northern Branch table at the International
Women’sDaybreakfastinPrinceGeorge(March2015)
• Planningforparticipationinongoingcommunityevents
Activitiesandguestspeakersincluded:
• InternationalWomen’sDayBreakfast
• TakeBacktheNight
• AnnualAIDSWalk
• ChiliBlanketAnti-PovertyEvent
• UNBCStudentorientationandPizzanight
• JohnMayr,Registrar&CEO,BCCollegeofSocialWorkers
• Educationalevents(e.g.,IntegratedCareforYouth)
We have extensive partnerships built over many years. These
include:
• University of Northern BC – especially the School of Social
Work
• College of New Caledonia – especially the social service
workerprogram
• BC Government Employees Union, Hospital Employees
Unionandotherunionorganizationstowhichmanyofour
membersbelong
• NorthernHealthAuthority–especiallysocialworkerswithin
thatorganization
• MinistryofChildrenandFamilyDevelopment
• GarthWalmsleyandAssociateswhocontributeagifttothe
BridgetMoranAwardrecipient
• Northern Women’s Forum – with whom we work for the
ChiliBlanketAnti-povertyevent
• UNBC Community Care Centre – where we hold our
educationalworkshopsapproximately2timesperyear
• Localagenciesandorganizations
SinceourAGMwehavenotheldanymeetings.Individualmembers
continue to be active in community meetings and events. Members
areworkingtomeettheirprofessionaldevelopmentcommitment.In
June,UNBChostedaninformationwebinaraboutthenewBCCollege
ProfessionalDevelopmentRequirementsandviatechnologywewere
abletointeractwithJohnMayr,CollegeRegistrarandMakhanShergill,
DirectorofProfessionalPractice.Wehadabout25peopleintheroom
andanumberwhojoinedonline.
Here’slookingforwardtoanotheryearofcommunityengagement
and remaining involved in our respective communities. We have an
excitingyearahead;ourcolleaguesinQuesnelarehopingtoestablish
alocalgrouptohelporganizeeventsintheirarea.
Vincent Sherry
northWest branch 2014wasanactiveyear for theNWbranch.Wecametogetherasa
newexecutiveandmeteveryothermonth.WecoordinatedaSocial
WorkWeekworkshopforcommunityprofessionalsandstudents,held
two fundraising tea parties, a dessert fund-raiserand wine auction,
supportedcollegesocialworkstudentsingoingbeforeCityCouncilfor
financialsupport,andpresentedtheNorthWestCommunityCollege
Studentrepwitha$500socialworkcollegebursary.Weareseeking
a new team to lead the NW branch for 2015. We invite interested
memberstocontactuswiththeirinterestinthisexcitingopportunity.
Maria Koerner
continued on next page
annual report 2013/2014 13
BCASWnowhaseightpractice interestgroupsandcommittees,two
of which are new as of 2013. They are Child Welfare and Family,
MARC, Health Advocacy, Health Practice Enhancement, Community
of Practice on Seniors Issues, Mental Health and Addiction Practice,
IndigenousSocialWork(inactive),Advocacy.
health practice enhancement committee
Chair: Janet Coghlan
Activity Summary
• Evaluationofthesuccessfuleducation/networkingeventin
September2013on“TheSocialDeterminantsofHealth”with
Karen Nelson, and particularly how the video conferencing
workedinanumberofsitesthroughouttheprovince.
• CollaborationandjointmeetingswiththeHealthAdvocacy
Committee leading to the planning of two advocacy
workshopspresentedattheFallConference.HPECfocussed
on the “Advocacy with Individuals” workshop and HAC on
the“SystemicAdvocacy”workshop.
• A sub-committee has been formed to look at innovative
waystosupportHealthCareSocialWorkersinplanningand
completingCPDrequirements.
• Attendanceofonememberata“RoundTableDiscussion”at
theBCHospicePalliativeCareAssociationinMayonbehalfof
BCASW,tohelpprovideaSocialWorkperspective.Theremay
befurtherfuturedevelopmentsarisingfromthediscussions.
• Two of our members participated in a book review for the
currentissueofPerspectives.
• SupportedfundingofaCommunityForumDayinPemberton
for multi-agency community service providers in which
variousagenciescametogetherforcollaboration,education
andnetworking.
health advocacy committee
Chair: Fiona Lewis
Activity Summary
• WorkedwiththeHPECommitteetoco-sponsortwoadvocacy
workshopsattheBCASWfallconference.
• Developed a case for raising income assistance rates
and presented this information to the Minister of Social
DevelopmentandSocialInnovation.
• Providedinformationtohealthauthoritydecision-makerson
theuniqueroleofsocialworkersinhealthcare.
Inaddition,ourmembers:
• ConnectedwiththeBCChapteroftheCanadianAssociation
ofOccupationalTherapiststoexplorecommonissues.
• Attended the Disability White Paper Consultations and
resultingforum.
• ParticipatedinmeetingsoftheIntegratedCaseManagement
Group.
Wearealwayslookingfornewmemberstoourcommittee.Ifyou
areinterested,[email protected].
advocacy committee
Chair: Robert Hart
TheAdvocacyCommitteemeetsbyteleconferenceseveraltimes
ayear.
Ourlastactionwasontheneedforaprovincialpovertyreduction
strategy. A Board position was developed as well as background
information and model letters to use in advocacy with government.
BrancheswereinvitedtomeetwithMLA’sandlocalmedia.Northwest,
Thompson/Nicola,FraserRiverandVancouver IslandBrancheswrote
to the Premier and Minister directly. We are delighted by this level
of support and will continue to work with the Branches. We vetted
resources for advocacy which are now posted on the Association’s
website.
As poverty is a long term priority for the Committee, we are
workingontworelatedpieces.RobertHartisresearchingLivingWage
andCarolRossisfocusingontheneedtoofferfinancialsupportfrom
governmenttoextendedfamilieswithcustodyofminors.
Wewouldbehappytospeaktoanyquestionsorissues.
multicultural & antiracism committee
Co-Chairs: Dave Sangha & Marisa Tuzi
Activity Summary:
• ReviewedMARC’sTermsofReferenceandsubmittedrevised
versiontoBCASW
• SubmittedarticlestoPerspectivesnewsletter
• Monitored proposed legislative changes to Immigration
Law,CitizenshipBill,RefugeeHealthCuts,MigrantWorkers,
QuebecCharterofValues
• Wrote letters to Federal Government agencies against the
cutstoRefugeeHealthcoverage
COMMITTEES AND COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE 2014
committee Activities...continued from previous page
14 annual report 2013/2014
• Releasedacross-countryPressReleasewiththesuppportof
BCASWagainsttheproposedQuebecCharterofValues
• Organized and held a workshop on “The Rights of Migrant
Workers” for Social Workers and Settlement Workers on
September18th,2014atMOSAIC
mental health and addictions practice committee
Chair: Barb Keith
Activitystalledthisyear,butwehopetodevelopanopensource
for key documents that can be accessed online. Although there are
severalmembers,therehasnotbeenmanysubmissionsforpostingon
thesite.Wearelookingforwardtomoremeaningfulengagementin
thenextyear.WealsoneedtoidentifyaBoardliaisonforourgroup.
community of practice on seniors issues
Chair: Alison Leaney
Activity Summary
This community of practice is comprised of social workers who are
currentlyworkingwithorareconductingresearchaboutseniors.Wewill
bemeetingquarterlyviateleconferenceforthedualpurposeofsharing
ourknowledgeandresourcesaswellasadvocatingforthesocialwork
roleinworkingwithseniors.Someofthetopicsthatwediscussinclude:
adultabuseandneglect,livinginresidentialcarefacilities,advancecare
planning,aswellaspovertyandmentalhealthproblems.
WerecentlysentaletterwelcomingthenewlyappointedSeniors’
Advocatetoherrole.Weareexcitedtosaythatwereceivedaresponse
fromherandplantomeetwithherinthenearfuture.
Newmembersarewelcome.
child protection community of practice
Chair: Carol Ross
Activity Summary
OverthepastsummerIreachedouttomemberstoexploreinterestin
forminganewapproachtosharingworkandideasonchildwelfareand
child protection. Six people responded and the initial conference call
was held September 11 to begin considering terms of reference and
specificgoalsandactivitiesforthegroup.Ididcontactseveralmembers
withthehopeofpullingtogetheraresponsetotheGovernment’scall
forsubmissionsonyouthmentalhealth.ThedeadlineisSeptember19
andIhopetohavesomethingtosubmit.Thequestionsare:
• What are the main challenges around youth mental health
inBC?
• Aretherecurrentgapsinservicedelivery?
casW groups
AsapartnerinCASW,BCASWhasrepresentativesinthefollowing
nationalgroups:
HealthInterestGroup NancyBaker
SocialPolicyInterestGroup MichaelCrawford
Children’sIssuesInterestGroup CarolRoss
PrivatePracticeInterestGroup SusanHogman/
MaryLeslie
Canadian Social Work JournalEditorialBoard GlenSchmidt
• What are best practices for treating and preventing youth
mentalhealthissues?
• Howshouldresourcesbetargetedinthefuture?
Four social workers joined the CoP call and the time was spent
with introductions and an exploration of the possibilities for the
“community”.Therewasagreementthatthisgroupcouldevolvebased
ontheneedsandinterestsoftheparticipants.Wereachedagreement
foraninitialmeetingplanofmonthlycallsalternatingbetweenTuesday
andThursdayeveningswhileremainingflexibletoaccommodatenew
members.Skillandknowledgesharingplusdiscussion,seemedtobeof
primaryimmediateinterest.Initialtopicsuggestionsincluded:
• Servicesforallfamilymemberswhererelationshipviolenceis
thekeyissue
• Frontlineworkerworkloadsandlonepractitioners
• Achildprotectionadvocacybestpracticemodel
• Emergingresearch
• Share “a day in my life as a social worker”… as it relates to
childprotection.
As it was our first meeting no decisions were set in stone. The
temporary meeting plan is monthly calls during the 2nd week of the
month.NextmeetingwillbeOctober14,2014at6:00PM.Isuggested
thatfacilitationandcoordinationrotateamongstparticipants.
annual report 2013/2014 15
CASW REPORT FOR BCASW
submitted by Phyllis Nash
Our major focus this year has been the planning and delivery of
a joint National Conference with the Canadian Association of
SocialWorkEducators inSt.Catharines,Ontario,May26-30. Itwasa
huge undertaking for an organization with the limited resources of
CASW. The conference took place within the annual Congress of the
HumanitiesandSocialSciences.Wewereabletoassistfinanciallyand
played a significant role in broadening what has traditionally been a
conference for and by Social Work Educators. The conference was a
greatsuccesswithalmost400participants.
SeveralpublicationswerewrittenwiththesupportofCASWthis
year.ThemajoronewasapaperentitledEquity and the Future of Canadian
Social Policy(2014).Thispaperrecommendstheadoptionofanequity
frameworkforsocialpolicythatwouldrequiremoreaccountabilityon
thepartofprovincesformeetingnationalstandardsinreturnforthe
transferpayments.Giventhatweareenteringanelectionyear,thisisan
importantpaperforallSocialWorkerstoread.Papersproducedbythe
Children’s Interest Committee include Social Media Use and Social Work
Practice and No Child Left Behind.CASWcontractedwithanMSWstudent
research team from the Carleton University School of Social Work to
consider inclusionofsocialworkwithintheservicescoveredthrough
extendedhealthbenefitprograms.Theprojectformedtheoutlinefor
contentdevelopmentofonlineresourcesthatCASWwilldeliverinthe
nearfuture.
On a personal note, I continue to enjoy my term as the BCASW
representative to CASW. This year I was one of two CASW Board
MemberswhosatontheplanningcommitteefortheConference.We
mettwiceamonthbyteleconferenceforeightmonths.Theenormous
amount of quality work carried out by the EDs of both CASW and
CASWE made regular participation on the committee a pleasure. I
wasalsoabletoworkwithLisaCrockwell,EDandRegistrarfromthe
NewfoundlandandLabradorAssociationofSocialWorkerstofacilitate
astrategicplanningsessionforthejointmeetingoftheCASWBoard,
provincialPresidents,andEDs.
CASWcontinuestoreachouttotheQuebec,Ontario,andAlberta
AssociationsofSocialWorkers.Reunificationremainsapriorityinour
strategicplan.Ourhopeisthatoursisterprovincialorganizationswill
sharethisobjective.
submitted by Benjamin Kearney
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT
Asalmosttwoyearsastheprovincialstudentrepresentativecomestoanend,Iwanttothankallstudentmembers,theBCASWBoard,and
DianneHeathforyourongoingsupportforstudentsofsocialworkinBC.Iwouldliketocongratulatethosestudentswhohavegraduated
overthelasttwoyears,andwelcomeallnewstudentmembers.IcallontheBCASW,schoolsofsocialwork,andtheirstudentstobecomeaware,
getinspired,andinthewordsofCindyBlackstock,“don’tstoptalking”.