News

Opportunity Conference educates policy makers and practitioners on latest LGBTQ health initiatives. 

Health care professionals and government leaders are encouraged to attend the 2018 Opportunity Conference, March 26-27, in Brooklyn Center, Minn. Organized by Minnesota-based Rainbow Health Initiative, this is the largest LGBTQ health conference in the Midwest. It allows policy makers and practitioners to learn how to advance LGBTQ health from industry leaders through two full days of workshops and breakout discussions. This activity has been approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ and participants will receive 13 credits upon completion of the conference. Registration closes Friday, March 16. For more information, visit opportunityconference.org

Given the feedback and the recent fall conference, attendees voiced a desire for a place to share and exchange resources that would be beneficial to school social workers.  We decided to create that space through the addition of a Facebook group.  All people who have 'liked' our page have been invited to join.  If you would like to join, search Facebook for 'Wisconsin School Social Workers Association group.'  Request to be added, and one our board members will approve you.  This is a closed group, which means the contents are only visible to those who have been approved to join.  Here's the link: Wisconsin School Social Workers Association group.  We also encourage you to 'like' and follow our page, Wisconsin School Social Workers Association.

Here's the latest information, thanks to WSSWA lobbyist Jack O'Meara, on what was passed in the budget regarding funding for school social workers, and other mental health supports.  Read the details here.

Event update: The workshop Q with Patricia Gumz on Friday, Nov. 10th will be replaced by 'Pupil Records 2.0' with Julie Incitti.  Description: "You know the basics of pupil records law, but there's so much more to know! Together we will consider your current practices, engage in conversation around scenarios, and investigate complex issues. You will leave with an action plan for improving your building and district processes and procedures." 

Beth Herman will also be repeating her workshop "SEL and School Mental Health" in place of workshop E/I with Pam Black' on Nov. 9th during the workshop 2 time slot.  If the workshop you signed up for was cancelled, please make another choice as you see fit.

This is just a reminder that the deadline to register for WSSWA's fall conference is this Wednesday, November 1st!  Register here: http://www.wsswa.org/event-2379269

Members of WSSA have been invited to attend the Wisconsin Juvenile Officers Association conference on Oct. 16-17 at the Kalahari in Wisconsin Dells.  A word from their president: 

"This year, we are focusing on Mental Health First Aid, Connecting with Challenging Students, Child Advocacy Centers and Schools, T.I.C, and Implicit Bias/Diversity, amongst other topics. 

Our attendees are primarily Law Enforcement officers who work in a school-based setting, School Administrators, and Social Workers working in various capacities.  We would love for anyone that works with juveniles to be a part of our organization and conference!"

To learn more, read the conference brochure.

• ·         Receive professional liability insurance with membership!
• ·         Benefit from discounts on professional learning events and products.
• ·         Have access to resources via a bi-monthly newsletter and online resources.
• ·         Membership t-shirt available for $10!  (Price later will be $20)
• ·         Get in on the NEW Member Benefit – SSWAA’s Member Engagement App!
• ·         Share our SSWAA Membership post on Facebook and be entered in a drawing for a free annual membership!
• ·         Other great member benefits are listed on the SSWAA website: www.sswa.org

JOIN TODAY by visiting www.sswaa.org and be a part of a national voice for School Social Work!

Important information if you are a member of SSWAA:

• "For the first time in over 8 years, SSWAA will be raising membership dues.  We have kept the increase minimal, but it is necessary due to inflation, increased costs, and to maintain useful member benefits.  The increase will be $5 across all membership categories.  This means regular dues are $125 and state affiliate dues will be $100.  This change is effective September 1^st."

The Ohio School Social Work Association will be hosting this year's Midwest Council Conference, being held on October 12th in Cleveland, Ohio.  View the Facebook event page here.  Click here to register.  Early bird discount ends August 14th!
Letter to states inviting to 50th Anniversary (1).pdf

American Council for School Social Work is having a fall conference on the the UW-Milwaukee campus in October.  Click here to register.  Brochure: 2017 ACSSW Mental Health in Schools Institute 7-6-17 (1).pdf