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March marks the entry into spring, which is especially welcomed this year with all the snow we’ve had. I think it is important, however, to learn about what the month can represent.
Many people may not be aware, but March is actually National Social Work Month. The social work profession tends to be one that is highly over-looked, yet greatly important to any functioning society. I think it’s time for everyone to become informed about the social work profession and take some time this month to truly appreciate its impact.
Each year a different theme is set for National Social Work Month by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). This year, the theme is “Social Workers Inspire Community Action.”
The campaign strives to teach that social workers are “integral parts of a vibrant community” and that they “advocate for inclusion, fairness and non-discriminatory access to services that help people reach their full potential” (NASW, 2010).
These two examples show how much social workers are taken for granted by the communities in which they work and inspire change.
Along with teaching the public about the importance of social workers, the National Social Work Month campaign also serves other functions.
For example, the NASW is supporting what they call “Consumer Education” where the community can learn about all of the various psychosocial concerns of everyday life in a community. They have even created a Web site, helpstartshere.org, that is a great resource for this purpose.
In the month of March, let’s take some time to think about your community and the integral part that social workers play within it. You can also visit socialworkers.org to learn more information.
Catherine Deal
Frostburg State University, Class of 2013
Opinion
Social work profession one of most valuable, but overlooked
- Opinion
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Other reports say to beware of fracking
Scott Cline writes that fears being voiced in the Times-News about hydraulic fracturing are long on fiction and short on facts, then proceeds to explain why fracking is so safe (“Unfounded fears about shale gas obscure facts,” Jan. 25 Times-News.
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You’ll have to be rich to breathe Md. air if they begin taxing it
Let me see Marylanders, can you think of any more ways our elected officials can raise taxes in Maryland?First there was the flush tax to save the Chesapeake. Then there was sales tax raised from 5 cents to 6 cents on the dollar. Then we had toll fees at the Bay Bridge go up. Then we had car registration fees increase, along with vehicle tag prices increase.
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Spending on non-academic projects causing the problem
Mr. Long’s poignant comments regarding school closings were good (“Is not a school more than just a school?,” Feb. 1 Times-News), however, he missed the sole reason for the closings — that the Garrett county Commissioners and their leader are too committed to adventure sports and relative extravagant non-academic ventures.
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No to repeal
Just as he did last year, Gov. Martin O’Malley is attempting to end a tax credit that benefits the local coal industry. If he succeeds, the incentive to purchase Maryland coal will be substantially diminished.
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Garrett has better uses for taxpayers’ money
At a time when Garrett County schools are threatened with closure, the Adventure Sports Center International’s (ASCI) executive director mounts a public relations campaign requesting $3 million more from the commissioners. (“On eliminating ASCI’s $3M debt: Exec. speaks out,” Jan. 20 times-News, Page 1A)
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Here’s what befell those who could have solved the problems
Something to consider:
Why are schools being closed?
Why has the housing market become so volatile?
Who is the person destined to cure cancer?
Why is Social Security on the brink of disaster?
Where is your doctor from? Don’t we have enough doctors graduating stateside?
And where is the cure for the common cold? Not enough tax revenue for fed and state and local governments is a real problem.
One very good answer is that these students, house buyers, medical researchers and inventors were never born. -
These ideas might resolve smoke detectors’ shortcomings
From what I have read/heard about the recent fires in the area, in at least a couple of cases smoke detectors were found in the ruins but were disconnected or had no battery.
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Your votes can help raise funds for a new county animal shelter
Please help the Allegany County Animal Shelter by voting for it at the Shelter Challenge being sponsored by The Animal Rescue Site.
Several months ago we were able to win $1,000 (towards a new shelter) by being the No. 1 vote-getter in the state of Maryland. With your help we can do this again and possibly win more. -
Keeping streams, waterways clean will help bay
The Times-News reported in December on Maryland’s efforts to reduce pollution in the Chesapeake Bay and how Allegany County did its part by submitting a local plan to the Maryland Department of the Environment (“State’s bay cleanup plan to EPA concerns clean water advocates,” Dec. 20, Page 1A).
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$3 million would be better spent on schools, not ASCI
I am a local Garrett County resident, pay taxes and am a voter. I am very concerned about the finances of Garrett County Commissioners budget and the Garrett County Board of Education’s budget.
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Other reports say to beware of fracking
