Introduction
Social work is an essential aspect to individuals as well as community at large. In addition small and organized groups can also immensely benefit from social work services. Studies reveal that it improves human life through education, direct practice, better organization of society, policy formulation and integrated research. It focuses on the well being and development of communities. It is composed of many disciplines namely politics, philosophy, education and economics as depicted by McClam and Woodside (2011). This paper takes a critical look at the National association of Social Workers (NASW) and highlights Burger’s thoughts on the roles of this association. The paper then concludes by providing personal opinion and recommendations on the issue.
Background
National association of social workers is an organization that was formed in 2001 by a group of social workers based in the United States (National Association of Social Workers, 2012). The organization was formed at a time when the practice of social work was not being conducted effectively and in an efficient manner. Indeed, the formation of this association came at a time when it was needed most.
Purpose and mission: NASW was formed to ensure adequate and competent professional development which would later enhance better social policies towards establishing expected standards of professionalism among its members.
Role in bringing change
To ensure that the association succeeds in its mission, there are several ways it needs to act. Some of the points of actions that must be put in place include championing the use of new technology through proper application especially when being used in social work, setting up standard that may revitalize social work to be more visible to improve public esteem, increasing responsiveness to crisis management as well as creating more sound social work polices as pointed out by McClam and Woodside (2011).
Change management: Change has been regarded as one of the most necessary ingredients of improvement and promoting development programs. McClam and Woodside (2011) are quite categorical that without change, positive growth of an organization may not be experienced within a short period of time. The national association of social workers needs to embrace change by enhancing the well-being of communities, families and individuals through ensuring quality practice of social work.
Burger’s thoughts and opinions
One of the most important thoughts of burger in relation to NASW is the need to recognize and fully utilize individuals’ special skills and abilities. As matter of fact, utilization of skills tapped from individuals is the best way to make use of available talent. This will play a crucial role in promoting a community of workers that embraces accountability, transparency as well as collaboration towards the making of a better nation. Her thoughts are reflected by McClam and Woodside (2011) who observe that the recognition of all members in any given workforce is equal to social justice and a basic part of social, economic and professional empowerment. In terms of Burger’s opinions and thoughts, the latter felt that as much as the association of social workers is very important, each worker needs to be appreciated and allowed to understand the crucial role they play in the functioning of the whole work system. Each human service provider needs enough space to achieve full development to exploit all their potential.
Comparison
There are myriad of similarities that can be drawn from the burger’s thoughts and those of a typical organization like NASW. For instance, both of them believe in the power of team work and recognition of talent as part and parcel of professional growth. Indeed, Burger would not hesitate to give additional ideas.
Personal thoughts, opinions and recommendations
My opinion on the key issue is that the National Association of Social Workers was basically formed with a basic and very important aim of ensuring the welfare of all social workers across the United States of America. Its strategies and laid down plans of action need to be revised from time to time to ensure that its role remains clear and practical. This will ensure that the initial good plan which was appealing to all does not become mere paper work. The organization’s efforts have triggered improvement which is being felt widely across this vast nation and a positive change of significant magnitude has appeared in the quality of social work. The workforce has truly become more professional with high sensitivity and responsiveness to the needs of the nation. McClam and Woodside (2011) reveal that this is always an expected result of cooperation and the use of joint effort in fighting for human rights.
I agree with what the Burger feels when recommending that the National Association of Social Workers needs to stimulate more public support to social workers by cultivating the societies’ interest in social work. It is a progressive step if Burger’s idea of making the activities of national association of social workers more pronounced by using the media. It is more commendable if media coverage is attracted and more publicity is enhanced. More vigorous training during seminars and conferences by social workers needs to be carried out to boost the efforts of creating a better and healthy practice of social work. The human resource in social work needs to create a greater and more inclusive capacity in improving capacity for human growth and transition from the current level of development to a more stable one.
References
McClam, T. & Woodside, R. M. (2011). An Introduction to Human Services. New York: Cengage Learning.
National Association of Social Workers (2012). About NASW. Web.