A Message from our President
Michigan Association of School Social Workers
From Jessica Buchheister, LMSW, SSW, President
Dear Valued MASSW Member:
Over the past three years MASSW has undergone exciting growth, including additional services and member benefits. As an organization we have always tried to be conscientious about keeping the cost of membership low. Over the past 7 years there has only been one increase in membership cost (from $45.00 to $50.00). This fall, Michigan Association of School Social Workers will be increasing the cost of membership to continue to offer a higher level of services for our membership. As a board of directors we have engaged in many conversations about this transition in fee structure. We hope you find the increase to be reasonable.
As of September 1, 2015 membership dues will be $70 for Full (SSW – currently or formerly) and Associate (non-SSW) membership and $35 for Affiliate (retired or laid-off SSW) and Student (BSW or MSW Student) membership. MSW graduates with school social work certification will continue to receive a free membership within one year of graduation.
We appreciate your involvement with MASSW. Because of the commitment and participation of its members, MASSW has done and will do even more for the field of school social work. Here are some of the initiatives that your continued membership dues will support:
Recently MASSW has increased its services/benefits to include—
1. New Communications Liaison position
- Increased visibility of MASSW at state/local government levels and in communities.
- Special projects/Advocacy for causes important to school social work and education
- Improved website usability
- Expanded SSW resources
- Increased member communication/networking (e.g., community forums)
- Electronic CE record for MASSW State Conference
- Promotion of SSW profession
As in the past, MASSW will continue to offer the following—
- Access to SSW resources and research through our E-News, The Exchange journal of research-based interventions, and our website (includes past State Conference handouts)
- Legislative and administrative representation and advocacy on local, regional and national levels; along with providing members legislative updates
- Recognition of SSW excellence through regional and state awards
- Reduced-rate continuing education opportunities through regions and our annual state conference
- State and regional collaboration/networking opportunities
- Career postings
- Presence at university level to offer input on SSW certification programs, etc.
Special initiatives of MASSW have also recently included—
- Promotion and development of best practice model for mental health services within schools in collaborative effort with school psychologists and counselors.
- Position paper on writing measureable goals and objectives.
- SSW evaluation tool – available on website
- Pilot student program – to explore ways to engage future SSWs with MASSW
MASSW has a long-standing history of putting kids first and supporting SSWs to effectively respond to the ever-changing needs of students and families. In the present political climate regarding expanding mental health services in the schools, increased efforts of MASSW may be especially impactful at this time for the students and families we serve. The change in our dues structure will allow us to continue this tradition and become an even stronger organization.
Respectfully,
Jessica Buchheister
__________
For more information on your membership...
Once you have logged in, your may change your district, username, password and/or other information by going to Manage Profile and EDIT Bio.
Michigan Association of School Social Workers
Email: websupport@masswmi.org
Website: www.masswmi.org
Phone: (248) 298-9921
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MASSWMI
Twitter: @masswmi