Social Workers, as do our nations' citizens, have a range of values and politics.  We can unite, though, around supporting students in learning how to listen and respond to others in a constructive way. Part of that is through modeling support and tolerance in our own interactions.  Check out these resources from SSWAA on supporting students post election and Committee for Children on helping students navigate difficult conversations.  

WASSW is excited to announce our Fall Conference Keynote Speaker, Mirko Chardin of Novak Education!

Equity by Design: The Power and Promise of UDL
We as school social workers are leaders in our districts. Gain tools to advocate for your students in the moment, in their individual plans, and by shifting school culture and systems for the better.
Every student, without exception, holds the potential for success. Regardless of their background or personal identity, each learner deserves an equitable chance to thrive. We're on a mission to create inclusive learning environments where every student's unique attributes are recognized as assets, not barriers. In this session, we will challenge the status quo by urging you to further confront your implicit biases, explore the dynamics of power and privilege, and see diversity as the cornerstone of progress. As we dive into Universal Design for Learning (UDL), you'll discover the power of this revolutionary approach to education. UDL is not just a strategy; it's a catalyst for change. It's about unlocking the potential within each student and creating a future where equity and inclusivity reign supreme.

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Check out the NASW Website for more details.  The conference is September 19-21 near Spokane.

 The Mental Health Technology Transfer Center has many training scheduled, Check it out!

The 2024 NASW-WA Policy Conference is scheduled for Monday, February 19, 2024, in Olympia. The live, in-person event will be at United Churches of Olympia located at 110 11th Ave SE, Olympia, WA 98501

This year, we will offer an in-person opportunity to learn about the policy process in Washington and discuss NASW-WA's policy priorities for 2024. The Legislative Action Committee continues to work to create an educational and rewarding experience for social work professionals and students. Updated materials will be posted as they are available - so check our Action Center for updates!

Registration is now open for the in-person event! We need to know if you plan to join us for the event as space is limited. Register to save your spot today! More at https://www.votervoice.net/NASWWA/home ​

Good News!  Nikki York, MSW of OSPI will be sharing with WASSW the quarterly listing of school social work jobs that OSPI is compiling.  While it will still be essential for you to continue sharing with us jobs postings as they come up so we can share them out, this will be a great way to see what districts are hiring SSWs.  Thank you, Nikki!  

Keynote: Dr. Kurt Hatch 
​Education Must be Centered on a Love Ethic: Aligning Values and Action to Create Community
What if we gifted ourselves the time, space and grace needed to critically examine the systems, leadership strategies and classroom practices currently being used to promote behavioral and mental health?  Would we find them to be racially literate, evidence-based, interconnected and rooted in compassion? What about the predominant system for providing differentiated support for student learning?  Is it inclusive and centered on a love ethic?
Dr. Hatch will use story as data and invite conferees to collectively and courageously shift systems and practices so all students experience a better love.

Thank you to our 2023 WASSW Conference Sponsor, Newport Healthcare