President's Pen

To my fellow social workers,
Here I am again with a monthly message. This time, I do have something to say. As the year is coming to end, there are a number of people that I would like to recognize. Their role will become even more important as we face a new legislature session with many committee chair changes.

First of all, I want to thank all of you who voted and those of you who participated in the campaigns of our endorsed candidates. To these candidates, we were visible as a profession and appreciated our help. I know that Congresswoman-elect was very appreciative of NASW’s generous contribution to her campaign. It is an interesting experience to observe “politics in action.”

Secondly, I want to thank those members who sit on the Board of Directors, committee chairs and committee members. Their participation is invaluable to our organization and profession. It is their commitment and support that propels our chapter to promote our issues and profession. I appreciate your willingness to volunteer your time.

Thirdly, our retirees have provided a distinct service to our chapter. Once a month, they come together to fold, staple and address the newsletter. I have had the opportunity to sit with them a few times and realized that collectively, they have over 100 years of social work service! More importantly, here is the history of social work in Hawaii as they discuss social work practice in the past. Here is an untapped resource. It is quite an eye opener to hear their stories and their contributions to the social work profession in Hawaii.

Fourth, I want to thank all of you members for continuing to support our profession and chapter by renewing your membership every year. I know that it isn’t always easy to pay the dues and licensing fees, but without it, our chapter wouldn’t be able to function as well as it does.

And last but not least, a big mahalo to Debbie, our one-person office. She does everything – manage the office, handle all inquiries and correspondence, budget the accounts, lobby for our social justice issues, etc. The mega and medium chapters have staffs to do all that Debbie does. Our chapter is understaffed and underpaid. Debbie is truly our unsung hero!

I bring all of this up because many of you may not realize what it takes to keep our chapter functioning. Whatever accomplishments there may be, it was through the collective effort of members and staff. If you know of any of these people, thank them when you see them.

As President, I thank each and every one of you for your contribution to our chapter and profession. And as you enjoy the holidays, I hope that it will renew your energy, and that we can tap this energy (and maybe your pocket books!) next year when the need arises.

Happy Holidays to you all and may the New Year bring you good health and peace.

Jeanette Matsumoto, LSW
President

P.S. 18 more to go!