Video Message from NASW Executive Director Betsy Clark

[AlbertSchafer]

I take comfort in knowing that my peers are concerned for the welfare of our own. I don't get paid for a large percentage of the work I do to help others. I do this work because I'm group minded. I have a $20,000 dollar debt and with interest it will run to about double that amount. Sure I have a reasonable monthly payment, but I'll never get it paid off. I struggle with not going back to repairing people furnices and plumbing.

Thanks for the support.

Albert

[LadiEnyce]

Thank you for this very inportant message. It really resonates with me personally at this time when I am looking to relocate to Florida from New York. I am shocked and appauled that as a seasoned veteran social worker of more that 20 years experience, I will be lucky if I get social work employment that pays more than $40,000 a year. I am also very concered about the hoops in which I must go through in terms of the social work credentialing process as it is cumbersome and complicated.

[mailnme]

I have been in Fl for 2 yrs now. Due to low paying - I've been quoted offers as low as 24K - I'm determined to get back north to NJ/NY as soon as possible. I have founds that the mindset in Fl is totally different, especially in this area of human service. Real solid programming is scarce or non-existent. I have begun looking into other professions for better pay.

Thank you NASW for recognizing and stating the need for better pay and respect for SW.

[pegnick]

Thank you NASW. Bravo! Real wages have gone down over the course of my career. This video is a great message.

Nick Fleisher, LICSW

Northampton, MA

[patrickkumi]

Great news from NASW. I will definitely pass this message on to my cohorts who will face these issues upon graduation in 09'.

Thanks,

Rachel Mickel, future LMSW

Gulfport, Mississippi

[downwarddogsnotbombs]

Thank you NASW for all of your advocacy efforts on behalf of the profession. Social workers who view this, please pass it on - this is a grassroots initiative that needs our involvement!

[HarveySpears26]

On behalf of graduating seniors everywhere, we thank you for your concern and dedication to the cause: advocating for the social work profession!

Anna "Dusty" Cordle, BSW

Orlando, FL

[DarlaRot]

Hi Dr. Clarke,

Great message! Thank you for your dedication and hard work. As a current social work student I hear comments constantly about the price of education and low salary when I am done.

[crenuart]

Bravo! I am sending this to every sociala worker I know. Thank you for all you do!

Christine Renuart-Rapa, LMSW

Rogers, Arkansas