The President’s Pen

On July 1, 2006, I assumed the honored position of president of NASW, Hawaii Chapter.  I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to you for your expressions of support and commitment.  I believe that members desire to have our organization achieve greater prominence, to be proud to identify ourselves as social workers.  I look forward to working you to build a united, inclusive and effective organization.

Darrin Sato, outgoing president, exhibited exemplary leadership during the past four years.  Please join me in acknowledging his accomplishments and thanking him for his significant contributions to our Association during his term of office.  In addition, I would like to extend a congratulations on the addition to his family of a little girl.  Happy sleepless nights, Darrin!

Also at this time, I would like to commend those outgoing officers and board members who served our organization with passion and dedication to our profession: Warren Aoki (Treasurer), Pi`i Kai (Secretary), Elaine Wilson, Toni Hathaway, Bernadette Cabilao, Katie Bennett, and Sharon Aulani Kai. I would also like to thank the outgoing members on the Nominations and Leadership Identification Committee for their hard work over the last two years putting a slate of candidates together and selecting our Social Workers of the Year. They are Jamie Mendoza and Yvonne Yim.

As I begin my term as president, I believe that we must work together to improve the image of social workers, its leadership and members, and to achieve a more cohesive organization.  My belief system also includes accountability, member sensitivity, and visibility.  The challenge is in the implementation of these beliefs. To achieve this, I need your support and involvement.  I cannot do it alone.  Someone gave me a magnet which reads: `A`ohe hana nui ke alu`ia, which means “no task is too big when done together by all.”

Please join me in making this vision a reality.  Your suggestions and comments are welcomed.  I can be reached through email at [email protected]

I am extremely honored to be entrusted with the presidency of NASW, Hawaii Chapter.  And I look forward to working with committed officers and board members as well as all of you.  

Ippei nihei debiru!  (Thank you very much in Okinawan.)

Jeanette Matsumoto

Jeanette Matsumoto, LSW
President

July 2006

Aloha all!  

First I would like to congratulate all of our new social workers who have graduated from UH, HPU and BYUH.  You will be much needed to help the most vulnerable in our community.  On behalf of NASW, Hawaii Chapter I welcome you to an exciting and fulfilling profession.

I would also like to take the time to thank the outgoing Board members- Warren Aoki,, Pi’I Kai, Elaine Wilson, Toni Hathaway, Bernadette Cabilao, Katie Bennett, Sharon Aulani Kai, and Tali McCall. It has been a wonderful 2 years.  I appreciate the dedication, hard work and support all of you have given as Board members.

Welcome to our President-elect, Jeanette Matsumoto. I know you will be an excellent President.  I believe you will take the Chapter and the profession to new heights.  As President you will have many opportunities to meet and talk with many of our colleagues.  You will be amazed, as I have been, with the skill, commitment and fortitude many of our members posses.  You will see and feel their pride when being introduced and hearing them say , “Hi, I am a Social Worker” .  I hope you will continue to strive for our professions just recognition, unity and commitment to our ethics. 

I would like to thank our membership.  As previously mentioned our organization is only as strong as its members.  It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you all.  I want to thank the neighbor islands for hosting me and allowing me to meet with all of you.

I would like to add the exciting news of the University of Hawaii receiving money from the Legislature to implement a long distance learning program. We now need the Governor to release the money.  This is a huge step in taking care of our neighbor island social workers!!!

Lastly, I would like to thank Debbie Shimizu and Renee Furuyama.  Renee was the past Vice President of the Board and the current Chair of PACE.  It was Renee who got me actively involved with NASW as the Treasurer.  Thank you Renee for the opportunity this has given me.  It has been an interesting and challenging journey.

A big thank you to Debbie Shimizu our Executive Director.  Her patience and commitment are second to none. 

In closing, I encourage all of you to get involved with NASW.  You will have many wonderful memories and opportunities.  Your career will be richer as mine has been.

Although I will step down as President, I will continue to remain active because it is only when we act together that we truly show the POWER of Social Work!

Darrin Sato, LSW,
President

June 2006