annual report - bcasw … · kootenays branch deborah wandler ... • our annual report was...

ANNUAL REPORT2013/2014

BC Association of Social Workers

Promoting Greater Social Equity

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

[email protected]

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


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%


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%


Development 2%

Membership Materials

2%

Investments 1%

Income Distribution

Staffing 48%

Professional Activities 18%

Office Administration

16%

Communications Membership

Materials 10%

Board Activities 7%


Development 1%

Expenses Distribution


For the complete financial statement, please refer to the Review Engagement Report at

www.bcasw.org.

REVIEW ENGAGEMENT REPORT


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


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%


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%


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%


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


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


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


• 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.


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”.

annual report - bcasw … · kootenays branch deborah wandler ... • our annual report was...

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