volume 33, issue 1, advocate the · volume 33, issue 1, spring 2008 this issue of the advocate is...
TRANSCRIPT
ADVOCATEA L B E R T A C O L L E G E O F S O C I A L W O R K E R S
THE
Volume 33, Issue 1, spring 2008
www.acsw.ab.ca
This issue of the Advocate is dedicated to
Dr. William John (Bill) Kirwin
October 3, 1937 - December 11, 2007
Close-up: “Goodbye, Bill” - A tribute to Bill Kirwin page 22 People Power: Gayle James page 20 Finding joy at work page 28 Ethics in action: How you can respond to social justice every day page 14
Letters to the editor pages 15 & 19 Book review: Economics with a social work perspective page 18
The Advocate • Spring 20082
COVER STORY
“Goodbye, Bill” — a tribute to Bill Kirwin ......................Joan Marie Galat ..................................... 22
FEATURES
People Power: Gayle James ...........................................Don Milne .............................................. 20
Finding joy at work .....................................................Marina Giacomin ..................................... 28
NEWS
From our desk to yours ................................................Lori Sigurdson ..........................................3
The Faculty Beat .........................................................Lynne Dulaney-MacNicol ............................6
2008 Conference update ..............................................Tammy Kwan-Hough & Margaret Proudlove ...8
REGULAR FEATURES
Diploma Dialogue ........................................................Carol McArthur..........................................9
Aboriginal Committee .................................................Brenda Gladue ........................................ 10
Disparity Campaign .....................................................Timothy Wild .......................................... 11
Communications Committee: Where do
my ACSW membership fees go? ................................Bonita Decaire ....................................... 12
Ethics in action: How you can respond
to social justice every day ......................................Alison MacDonald ................................... 14
Letter to the editor .....................................................Nancy Byway .......................................... 15
New RSWs ..................................................................Membership as of Nov. 9, 2008 ................. 16
The Private Practice Committee needs YOU! ....................Laurie Fisher .......................................... 17
Book review: Economics with
a social work perspective........................................Butch Nutter .......................................... 18
Letter to the editor .....................................................Allison MacDonald................................... 19
For Your Information ...................................................Announcements ...................................... 30
All material with bylines is ©2008 by author. ACSW retains copyright when no author is listed.
THE ADVOCATE EDITORIAL POLICY: The Advocate seeks to serve as a “meeting place” for Alberta social workers by publishing information about social work research, theory, practice, and education; professional affairs; social issues; the work of the College; books, journals, and other media of inter-est to social workers; continuing education and job opportunities; and the comings and goings of Alberta social workers. Members and the public are welcome to submit articles, stories, anecdotes, poems, thoughts and ideas. Letters to the editor, announcements, cartoons, artwork, and pictures are also welcome. The Editorial Board reserves the right to edit submitted material. Please call the ACSW office for a copy of “Writing for the Advocate” before submitting any material. Publication does not imply endorsement by the College.
The Advocate is published quarterly. Deadlines are JANUARY 15 for the SPRING issue (March publication), APRIL 15 for SUMMER (June publication), JULY 15 for FALL (September publication), and OCTOBER 15 for WINTER (December publication).
ALL SUBMISSIONS: The Advocate, ACSW, #550, 10707 - 100 Avenue, Edmonton AB T5J 3M1
ATTN: Lori Sigurdson • E-MAIL: [email protected] • PHONE: (780) 421-1167 • FAX: 421-1168.
in t
his is
sue
The AdvocateVolume 33, Issue 1, Spring 2008
Published by:The Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW)
550 10707 100 AVE NWEdmonton AB T5J 3M1Phone: (780) 421-1167
Toll-free in Alberta: 1-800-661-3089Fax: (780) 421-1168 or toll-free 1-866-874-8931
E-Mail: [email protected]: www.acsw.ab.ca
Executive Director & Registrar: Rod Adachi, MSW, [email protected]
Associate Registrar: Alison MacDonald, PhD (Cand), RSW [email protected]
Professional Affairs Coordinator: Lori Sigurdson, MSW, RSW
Coordinator, Finance and Administration: Gladys Smecko
Registration Coordinator: Brenda Gross
Executive Assistant to the Executive Director: Kim Chiles
Registration Secretary: Monica Vasconez
Regulatory Secretary: Desiree Hurst
Administrative Secretary: Nearint Neam
Promotions Coordinator: Ilona Cardinal, BA, BFA
Competency Secretary: Jennifer Catt
ACSW Council:President: Randy Harris, MSW, RSW
Vice President: Bob Johnson, MSSW, RSW Secretary: Erin Gray, PhD, RSW
Treasurer: Mike Dickinson, MSW, RSWMembers: Jake Kuiken, MSW, RSW
Bonita Decaire, MSW, RSWRichard Shelson, MSW, RSWElaine Spencer, MSW, RSWTimothy Wild, MSW, RSW
Aboriginal Committee Representative: Brenda Gladue, BSW, RSW
Public Members: Lynne Davies, BScN, MEd Ralph Westwood, Dip Mental Deficiency Nursing, BEd, MEd
CASW Representative: Jake Kuiken, MSW, RSW
The Advocate is published quarterly for members of ACSW and other interested parties.
Editorial Board: Papiya Das, MSW, RSW (Chair)Duane Burton, BSW, MEd, RSW
Eugene Ip, MSW, RSWLeslie MacKinnon, BSW, RSW
Anne Marie McLaughlin, PhD, RSWPeter Smyth, BSW, RSW
Trudy Wilson, SW Diploma, RSW
Editor: Joan Marie GalatProduction Editor: Jena SnyderDesign: Kyle Loranger Design
Advertising space is available; please call the ACSW office for details or to place an ad. The Editorial Board
reserves the right to reject any advertising.
SUMMER 2008 ISSUE DEADLINE: APRIL 15, 2008
Canadian subscriptions are $24/year (outside Canada: $24 US/year) Please notify ACSW
office immediately of any address changes.
ISSN 0847 - 2890PM NO. 40050109
RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO550 10707 100 AVE NWEDMONTON AB T5J 3M1
in the news
3Volume 33 • Issue 1
From our desk to yoursby Lori Sigurdson, MSW, RSW
Lori Sigurdson
ACSW Professional Affairs Coordinator
As I write this, the provincial election campaign is underway. However, by the time you read
this, we will have a new government. This election, ACSW developed advocacy activities
to put social issues on the political agenda. Our Disparity Campaign provided resources to
social workers to encourage them to contact candidates in their ridings. Please see Timothy
Wild’s Social Action/Social Justice report (page 11) for more information.
Holiday celebrationsThis past holiday season, events were held throughout the province.
At Edmonton’s event, Pam Miller thanked ACSW council, staff, and
members for their support during her time as president. Council
member Lynne Davies presented Pam with a plaque thanking her for
her ACSW contributions. Pam has accepted a position as the Director of
the School of Social Work at the University of Victoria.
In Calgary, ACSW president Randy Harris welcomed more than 100
social workers to the celebration of the season. Social workers reconnected
with colleagues, met new social workers, and enjoyed refreshments.
L to R: Randy Harris, Rod Adachi, and Maureen Wilson at the Calgary
Holiday Event
Edmonton social workers celebrating the season Wayne Carrier (L) and Randy Harris (R) at the Calgary Holiday Event
Calgary social workers enjoying fireside conversation
Pam Miller (L) receiving plaque from Lynne Davies (R)
in t
he n
ews
The Advocate • Spring 20084
From our desk to yoursContinued from page 3
More Holiday EventsLac La Biche Area Coordinators hosted brunches for social
workers during the holiday season.
The University of Calgary, Faculty of Social Work, Southern
Alberta Region, and ACSW co-sponsored a Christmas open
house for Lethbridge and Area social workers. The Galt
Museum provided a festive setting for the 85 social work-
ers and social work students that attended. Everyone enjoyed
food, drink, collegial conversation, and breathtaking views of
the coulees and historic High Level Bridge.
Alberta College of Social WorkersNATIONAL SOCIAL WORK WEEK
IN ALBERTAMARCH 23-29, 2008
The historic High Level train bridge
Values, guts and empathyFirst-year Red Deer College social work student Michelle Moger created an
artistic representation of social work for an assignment in Elaine Spencer’s class.
Michelle specifically chose a tall white doll to represent the social worker. Inside
the doll’s bright pink handbag are three things to keep in your social work purse:
values, guts, and empathy. The ACSW staff in her left hand provides guidance.
Finally, in her right hand, she wields the mighty sword of social justice.
March happeningsMarch is a significant month for social
workers in Alberta. Our annual conference
is March 13 – 15 at the Shaw Conference
Centre in Edmonton. Fifty-seven continuing
competence workshops are being held for a
projected attendance of 1300 social workers.
Please see our co-chairs’ report, page 8.
Another important event for social workers during March is National Social Work
Week. Our theme this year is Social Workers Advocating for Human Rights in a Diverse
Community. Promotional items will be available at the conference or through the office.
Book by social worker Gabriela SheaAngels Along My Path of Thorns: An Autobiography by Gabriela A. Folgar de Shea is an
extraordinary story of a teenage girl in Guatemala—abuse, kidnapping, and captivity in
isolated backcountry; escape and victory over the evils waiting along her path of thorns.
You can order social worker Gabriela de Shea’s book from her publisher, Trafford
Publishing, at www.trafford.com/06-1412.
An artistic representation of social work by
Michelle Moger
in the news
5Volume 33 • Issue 1
From our desk to yoursContinued from page 4
† In Memoriam ¢In Memory of Sabine Joffe
by Naomi Hashman, MSW, RSWReturning to Calgary in the late sixties, Sabine became director
of Jewish Family Services, a position she held for almost twenty
years. The agency conducted regular family service agency func-
tions as well as with the resettlement of Jewish people—an area
where she made a significant contribution in the seventies.
Sabine enjoyed people and was quick in forming relationships,
possessing a rare sense of humour and keen wit which came
through in all levels of communication. She was an open, hon-
est, ethical person who stood firmly for the values of social
work. Sabine was very down to earth; people always knew
where they stood with her.
Upon retirement Sabine continued to speak out on social issues
and advocate for people in need. Her personal interests included
family, gardening, and music. She loved animals, especially cats
and was an avid reader who enjoyed biographies and mystery
stories. Before her passing, she was in the midst of writing
her autobiography including social work experiences. Sabine
enjoyed her life and was a person who made a difference. n
On October 11, 2007, Sabine Joffe passed away suddenly at the
age of 81 years. Born in Drumheller, Sabine lived in Calgary
for a good part of her life.
Sabine graduated from the University of Toronto with a mas-
ter’s degree in social work. She made a substantial contribution
to the field and gained considerable prominence. Her major
contributions were in direct clinical practice, administration,
and social work education—as a practicum instructor for the
University of Calgary and University of Toronto.
Starting her first social work position in Toronto with Jewish
Child and Family Service, Sabine worked with European
youth who survived the Holocaust. This was a harrowing
experience for Sabine, who often spoke of how much she
learned from these clients.
Another area of Sabine’s expertise was with seniors, and she
often advocated on their behalf. While in Toronto, she directed
Social Services for Baycrest Hospital—a Jewish home for the
aged, as well as a daycare and hospital.
Monica Vanderleest and baby girl, Elsie Gwynn Rebecca Huynh and baby girl, Thao My
ApologiesMany apologies to Gaye Warthe for misspelling her name in the byline of “Diploma Dialogue: Become a Super Hero” (Winter
2007 Advocate), which she co-wrote with Yasmin Dean.
Special deliveries!
January was a busy month for two Edmonton Area Coordinators. Monica Vanderleest and Rebecca Huynh both gave birth to
daughters. Congratulations! n
regu
lar
feat
ure
6 The Advocate • Spring 2008
The Faculty BeatLynne Dulaney-MacNicol University of Calgary Faculty of Social Work
Social work chair endowed to research family abuseAlberta has many claims to fame, including electric blue skies, soaring mountains, bustling
cities, and an economic boom. Unfortunately, Wild Rose Country is also noted for an unsettling
Statistics Canada designation—the province with the highest incidence of domestic violence.
In response to this ongoing societal problem, the Faculty of
Social Work has been making domestic violence a priority for
the past five years. Its researchers have been working closely
with the community to understand how to create programs
and services that help families stop cycles of abuse.
“While it is vitally important that we fund community pro-
grams, it is not possible to change attitudes, policies, and pro-
grams without research,” says Dr. Gayla Rogers, Dean, Faculty
of Social Work, University of Calgary.
Fortunately, a fully endowed research chair in the field of
domestic violence has been established to explore solutions.
Funding for the position was made possible thanks to a gen-
erous $1.5 million endowment from the Brenda Strafford
Foundation, which was matched to create a $3 million total
endowment.
In 1975, Dr. Barrie Strafford established the foundation in
memory of his wife, Brenda Strafford. Among other philan-
thropic ventures, the foundation funds the Brenda Strafford
Centre for the Prevention of Domestic Violence. It has pro-
vided post-crisis housing for abused women and their chil-
dren since opening in Calgary in 1996.
“The Brenda Strafford Foundation is very pleased to endow
this important position,” says Strafford, president and chief
executive officer. “The chair will contribute significantly to
the body of research about this devastating social concern. Our
ultimate goal is to prevent domestic violence in all its forms.”
“Prevention is the focus of this initiative,” agrees Rogers.
“Without prevention, society will continue to bandage the
victims of violence rather than helping them avoid and escape
abuse. Without prevention, abuse will continue and costs to
victims and society will continue to escalate. Our Faculty
already has a national reputation for excellence in domestic
violence research. This endowment will help us initiate a sig-
nificant impact in this field, and will really put the Faculty and
Foundation on the map. We are grateful to Dr. Strafford and the
Brenda Strafford Foundation for making this vision a reality.”
The faculty also appreciates the generosity of an anonymous
donor who, over five years, contributed $750,000 in support
of the overall Prevention of Family Violence Initiative.
The search process has been initiated, with the faculty hop-
ing to have the chair appointed by July 2008. Community
response to the announcement has been overwhelmingly
positive.
“The Calgary Police Service is extremely supportive of this
new Chair in the Prevention of Domestic Violence,” says
Chief Rick Hanson. “Family abuse is everyone’s business.” n
PROVINCE OF ALBERTA STATISTICS from Alberta Council
of Women’s Shelters www.acws.ca/news/stats.php
• Nearly 27,000 women and children sought
emergency shelter residency in 2006-07 and were
unable to be accommodated (up from nearly 21,000
in the previous fiscal year). Nearly 15,000 of these
women and children were turned away from shelters
because they were full (up by over 1,500 from the
previous fiscal year).
• Alberta shelters received over 100,000 crisis calls,
marking a 15% increase over the previous fiscal
year.
in the news
7Volume 33 • Issue 1
Professional development opportunities
The Centre for Social Work Research and Professional
Development was established as a faculty-based research cen-
tre in December 2000. Its mission is to promote and support
excellence in social work research and professional develop-
ment throughout Alberta, as well as at national and interna-
tional levels.
For details on the presentations and workshops described
below, contact the Centre for Social Work Research and
Professional Development, Faculty of Social Work, University
of Calgary
PHONE: (403) 220-2160 E-MAIL: [email protected] Website: http://fsw.ucalgary.ca
Presentations• Consent, Capacity & Ethics in Health Care Decision-Making
April 3 – 4, 2008; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Husky Oil Great Hall, Rozsa Centre, U of Calgary
• Responding to Violence in Families: Considerations of Safety,
Gender & Culture
April 28 – 29, 2008; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Husky Oil Great Hall, Rozsa Centre, U of Calgary
• Utilization-Focused Evaluation
June 11, 2008; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
MacEwan Ballroom; MacEwan Student Centre, U of Calgary
• Evaluating Innovative Initiatives & Program: Using Systems
Change and Complexity Science Frameworks & Ways of Thinking
with Michael Quinn Patton, PhD
June 12 – 13; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
MacEwan Ballroom; MacEwan Student Centre, U of Calgary
• Lifting the Veil of Blue: Feminist Practice for Women’s Experiences
of Depression, presented by Judy Chew, MSW, PhD, R Psych
March 19, 2008; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
PFB 3208, Faculty of Social Work, Calgary
On-line Professional Development• Dialogue about Social Justice (15 hours)
March 5 - April 16, 2008; Joan Farkas, RSW, & Erica Welsh,
MSW, RSW
• Management Basics for Human Service Professionals (30 hours)
May - June 2008; Zemeta Chefeke, MSW
• Supervision: Principles and Practices (20 hours)
June 2 - 30, 2008; Lee Sheward, MSW, RSW (Clinical)
• Introduction to Community Economic Development (15 hours)
Date: TBA; Bob Marvin, MSW, RSW, & Jenny Kain, RSW n
Focus on Children & YouthThe Explosive Child: The Collaborative Problem-Solving Approachwith dr. ROSS GREENE, ph.d.Friday May 16, 2008 | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm | CALGARY, AlbertaUniversity of Calgary, MacEwan Centre | 2500 University Drive NW
Dr. Greene provides an alternative conceptualization of the difficulties of explosive/noncompliant children and adolescents; namely, that their difficulties are a byproduct of lacking cognitive skills in the domains of flexibility/adaptability, frustration tolerance, and problem-solving. Based on this conceptualization, he provides an overview of a model of treatment called Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS), first articulated in his acclaimed book, The Explosive Child.
Working with Aggressive and Violent Children & Youthwith dr. GORDON NEUFELD, ph.d.June 3, 4 & 5, 2008 | 9:00 am - 4:00 pm | EDMONTON, AlbertaExecutive Royal Inn West Edmonton | 10010 - 178 Street
In this seminar, aggression’s deep developmental roots will be exposed and the reasons why conventional approaches to the problem are so ineffective will be revealed. Dr. Neufeld will provide guidelines and strategies for addressing the roots of the aggression problem that will be applicable across ages and venues.
Focus on Clinical TherapyFeeling Good Now: Overcoming Depression & Boosting Self-Esteemwith dr. DAVID BURNS, m.d.May 5 & 6, 2008 (Monday & Tuesday) | 8:30 - 4:30 pm | CALGARY, AlbertaUniversity of Calgary, MacEwan Centre | 2500 University Drive
In this exciting new workshop, Dr. Burns will illustrate treatment innovations that focus on five vitally important areas: assessment, empathy, motivation, technique, and the structure of the treatment itself. He will illustrate how to treat patients with unipolar and bipolar mood disorders and will bring these new methods to life with live demonstrations with audience volunteers.
Four Day Intensive Training Program in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)with dr. DAVID BURNS, m.d.July 8, 9, 10 & 11, 2008 (Tuesday to Friday) | VANCOUVER, British ColumbiaVancouver Public Library, Alice McKay Ballroom,350 West Georgia Street8:30 am - 4:30 pm | Day 1 & 3 evening session 6:00 pm - 8:00 pmLunches included all 4 days (Limited to 120 participants)
5th annual Western Canadian Conference on Addictions & Mental HealthNovember 12, 13 & 14, 2008 (Wednesday to Friday)RICHMOND, British ColumbiaSponsored by Jack Hirose & Associates Inc in partnership with Dr. Ray Baker, MD & Healthquest
For complete descriptions of all our upcoming workshops visit our website at: www.jackhirose.com
Mental Health & Education WorkshopsSpring 2008
www.jackhirose.com
8 The Advocate • Spring 2008
Conference CommitteeMargaret Proudlove, SW Dip, RSW
Tammy Kwan-Hough, BA, RSW
Conference Committee Co-chairs
2008 ACSW Conference Inside Out: The Courageous Heart of Social Work
This year’s conference is quickly approaching! Your registration fee
includes uplifting speakers, great workshops, and the annual general
meeting. You also get nearby accommodations at special conference
rates, optional pre-ordered lunches, vendors’ hall, door prizes, pizza,
a cash bar, a free beverage, and your choice of a travel mug or water
bottle. The early registration fee for ACSW members is still only $99
for three days of activities!
Despite the diversity of this year’s offerings, many have limited seating, so register
now for the workshops you want! The fastest way to reserve your place is by tak-
ing advantage of the ACSW online registration system. You get immediate feedback
and confirmation of workshop availability with the convenience of anytime access.
regu
lar
feat
ure
Register online at www.acsw.ab.ca — just enter your user-
name and password and select ACSW Conference. You can
find your username and password on your personalized RSW
renewal form.
The first day of the conference, Thursday, offers many social
opportunities to mingle with peers. Register, starting at
3:00 pm, then browse through the vendor’s hall before the
annual general meeting begins at 4:30 pm. Pizza and a cash
bar will be available prior to Val Kinjerski’s opening keynote
on “Spirit at Work.” Door prizes will be awarded, so stay to
socialize and enjoy a beverage or two!
Friday and Saturday offer a wide range of workshop options,
enabling you to earn a total of 12 Category A credits. See the
conference brochure at www.acsw.ab.ca/acsw_conference
for brief workshop summaries. More detailed descriptions are
available on the ACSW website.
Margaret Proudlove and Tammy Kwan-Hough
This year’s two-hour lunch breaks offer opportunities for
both food and fun. Gary Bailey and Wendy Edey will pres-
ent dynamic and inspiring keynote addresses from 12 - 1 pm,
Friday and Saturday, respectively. Participants may preorder a
box lunch for one or both days. Avoid the rush of nearby res-
taurants and takeout venues by making food selections when
you choose workshops and register for the conference. n
takes place March 13-15, 2008,
at the Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton
Don’t miss it!
AGM is Thursday, March 13, 4:30 - 6:30 PM
regular feature
9Volume 33 • Issue 1
Diploma DialogueCarol McArthur, MS, RSW
Diploma Dialogue These past few months, the colleges have been very busy, with staff and students involved in a
vast array of activities. The coordinators’ group is working closely with the Professional Social Work
Education Board, ACSW, and the community on developing a process for approving new college level
social work programs and re-approving existing programs. This ongoing process will hopefully be
completed in the near future.
Individual college staff have also been busy with projects:
Congratulations to Dr. Peter Vogels of Grant McEwan College on receiving
his PhD, and David Hannis of Grant McEwan College, who jointly authored
a text with Jason Brown from the University of Western Ontario. Published
by Pearson Education, the text is titled Community Development in Canada.
Dr. Deborah Foster from Portage College has been accepted as a presenter
at a number of conferences and will be sharing the stage with our colleagues
Bonita Decaire and Dr. Karen Nielsen, who also have two book chapters
coming out in the spring. As this article is being written, Dr. Alan Knowles
of Grant McEwan College is in Edinburgh at the PEPE 2008 Conference
presenting a paper on “Authentic learning for the Human Services.”
This is a lot of activity for a group of instructors!
On the Portage College student front, a couple of first-year students have
submitted an abstract to present at the Canadian Women’s Studies Association
conference; students are helping spearhead a restorative justice initiative in
Lac La Biche; second-year students are about to go through training relat-
ing to inhalant abuse; and a number of students have expressed interest in
presenting at next year’s ACSW Conference. It is also the time where college
activities abound, as students get ready to graduate and enter this rewarding
field of work.
On a general note, we have all received our information on the ACSW
Conference. The Conference Planning Committee has done a great job of
selecting a stimulating program of speakers for us to look forward to. See you
all there! n
Carol McArthur is a Program Coordinator of Community Social Work, Community Health Representative,
& Women’s Shelter Crisis Programs at Portage College in Lac La Biche.
10 The Advocate • Spring 2008
Strategic PlanThe main focus of the Aboriginal Social Work Committee’s (ASWC) 2007–2008 Strategic Plan is to strengthen Aboriginal
unity and advocate for social change. The ASWC seeks to establish a provincial network system where Aboriginal people
can address the poor socio-economic conditions Aboriginals face.
As the result of two gatherings, participants interested in
expanding the strategic plan’s recommendations into a pro-
vincial initiative created the Gathering Aboriginal Voices report.
Unity, barriers, and cultural relevance are the three themes
identified in the report. ASWC will advocate for social change
in the delivery of professional services to Aboriginal people.
This encompasses changes that affect funding distribution,
methods of practice, and improved communication between
sectors. Strategies from the report include:
Communication: • develop email and website to link Aboriginal social workers
in Alberta (www.aboriginalhelpersnetwork.ca has been post-
poned until May 2008. Instead, use facebook.com and join
the group: Aboriginals Gathering Voices Across Canada.)
• work with the Communications Committee to develop/
address a strategy to reach Aboriginal social workers within
and outside ACSW
• initiate national and international connections with other
First Nation social workers
Membership:• build a communication strategy that creates a provincial
network where Aboriginal people are able to voice con-
cerns and advocate for social change
• actively involve Aboriginal membership by assisting
Aboriginal members from different regions with meeting
and discussing concerns
• develop strategies to promote cultural education to help
professionals who are unaware or uninformed of cultural
differences in perceptions, communications, and lifestyles in
the Aboriginal population
Networking:• create a dialogue by spearheading/developing a provin-
cial symposium for Aboriginal professionals to discuss and
strategize recommendations from Gathering Aboriginal Voices
Teaching / Education:• committee to develop a model that is culturally relevant in
the delivery of services to Aboriginal populations
• enable committee members to attend national and global
conferences to present model as an alternative to existing
service delivery models
• assist Council in understanding the Aboriginal perspective
Special Projects:• develop Aboriginal model
• create provincial, national, and global conference presentations
• develop proposals for funding various projects
• establish Aboriginal network to address Aboriginal concerns
and recommendations from Gathering Aboriginal Voices
• craft proposal for Council to attend a cultural education
workshop
• host think-tank conferences in the north and south
• establish regional Aboriginal subcommittees to represent
provincial areas
Budget:• encourage and lobby Council to recognize that ASWC
needs financial support to reach goals and approve budget
funding ($40,000)
Become involved! Request Gathering Aboriginal Voices from
any member of the committee:
Brenda Gladue: [email protected])
Jennifer Kneiss: [email protected])
Verna Wittigo: [email protected] Monica Redcrow: [email protected] Karen English: [email protected]
Tera Dahl-Lang: [email protected]
Kurtis Gladue: [email protected]
Brenda Gladue is the chair or the Aboriginal Social Work Committee.
Aboriginal Social Work CommitteeBrenda Gladue, BSW, RSW
Committee Co-chair
Brenda Gladue
regu
lar
feat
ure
regular feature
11Volume 33 • Issue 1
Timothy Wild
Social Action/Social Justice CommitteeTimothy Wild, MA, MSW, RSW
Committee Co-chair
Disparity CampaignIn December 2007, ACSW Council approved a motion to allocate $57,000 to fund the first phase of an income disparity
campaign in Alberta. This initial phase is being held in conjunction with the provincial election and will help increase
awareness of the consequences of this social problem. The campaign will provide information, analysis, and policy
options to a variety of key audiences including taxpayers, voters, social workers, and provincial politicians.
This nonpartisan campaign is an excellent opportunity for
each of us to draw upon our practice and volunteer experi-
ence to paint a picture of the facts and faces of disparity in
our province. It will help ensure the voices of marginalized
fellow citizens are given due consideration in both the elec-
tion and, perhaps more importantly, the policy development
process. After all, authentic social rights of citizenship must
be grounded in the certainties of policy as opposed to the
vagaries of charity.
As we all know, income disparity is the foundation of much
of the social injustice in our province. Obviously, this is not
a new phenomenon. Indeed, it is endemic to our current
economic system. However, it is particularly prevalent today,
given the current boom and the inequitable distribution of
social and economic resources—a point clearly made in
a number of reports, including Parkland Institute’s: The
Spoils of the Boom: Incomes, profits and poverty in Alberta.
Consequences of the gaping chasm can be seen in the
use of food banks, limited childcare options, homelessness,
inadequate supports and services for the mentally ill, sex-
ual exploitation of children fleeing abusive situations, and
the patently insufficient financial supports provided to
people surviving on social assistance. This is only a few of
numerous examples. Income disparity touches to a greater
or lesser extent upon all our areas of professional practice,
both in the client’s experiences of our systems and our
ability to effectively respond to their complex and unique
psychosocial needs. The disparity campaign is in line with
the ethical imperatives of our profession along with the
obligation, as a regulatory body to “serve and protect
the public interest” (Health Professions Act, mandated ACSW
objective).
Ultimately, inequality, injustice, and social marginalization
are the results of political choices, which can be changed.
Different political decisions will undoubtedly lead to a more
just, humane, and inclusive society—and that is the aim of the
disparity campaign.
Stay tuned for specific details on how to get involved. We
look forward to your participation and support on this
important and exciting initiative. Together we can create a
better world … or at least a better province! n
Timothy Wild is a co-chair of the Social Action/Social Justice Committee. He
can be reached at socialjustice.acsw.ab.ca.
Mental Health Mechanics…
Tools for the Trade Conference
May 7 & 8, 2008
Medicine Hat College
To Register call: 529-3844 or Fax : 504-3521 Cost: $120.00 Students - $100.00
To download conference package:
www.ser.cmha.ab.ca
REGIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION COUNCIL
Partial funding provided by:
regu
lar
feat
ure
12 The Advocate • Spring 2008
Bonita Decaire
Communications CommitteeBonita Decaire, MSW, RSW
Where do my ACSW membership fees go?As I travel throughout the province I am often asked “Where are my membership fees going? What is my $300 spent on?”
I understand in today’s economy every dollar counts towards necessities and the yearly fee can be a challenge to justify.
It is not likely you would select a doctor, dietician, or dental
hygienist if you found out he or she was not registered. For
the same reasons—trust based on standardized qualifications—
the public needs to know social workers are registered. Your
membership gives you the legal right to use the social work
title as a professional designation. Credibility, accountability,
and protection of the public are priceless.
In addition to the benefits outlined on the pie chart, benefits
include:
• increased employment and networking
• specialized training and continuing education opportunities
• formalized complaints and discipline processes for
protection of the public
• recognition as a member of a large, well respected
organization
• Canadian Association of Social Workers membership
• support of social action and social justice on provincial and
national levels
• financial support for student social workers
• promotion and visibility of the profession
• communications through the website, quarterly publication,
area coordinators, and conferences
• support of special interest groups, such as those addressing
children’s issues
You may also appreciate that the ACSW is involved with
other organizations and programs that you may care about
and support. Some of these are income security, Public
Interest Alberta, the Who Cares campaign, Parkland Institute,
and Friends of Medicare.
Percentage of fees spent
ACSW and other provincial organizations are conducting
research on social workers’ workplace conditions. Once suffi-
cient data is collected, this research will be used as a Canadian
snapshot of social work conditions. Depending on the out-
come, recommendations and next steps may be referred to
the CASW.
Some other current regulatory activities include work on a
new code of ethics and standards of practice—Agreement on
Internal Trade (AIT); Trade, Investment, and Labour Mobility
Agreement (TILMA) between British Columbia and Alberta;
and Pandemic Plan—Health Professions Act amendments.
I commend the recent creation of a finance committee to
provide advice. It is crucial to understand our revenues and
Other
3%Communications-promotions
advocacy
8%
Regulatory
8%
Fees
12%
Office
14%
Council and membership
activities
18%
Staff
37%
regular feature
13Volume 33 • Issue 1
Where do our fees go?
Other amortization
Communications,
promotions and
advocacy
the Advocate, website, promotion of the
profession, and advocacy
Regulatory complaints, hearings, statutory commit-
tees, annual renewal of practice permit,
supplies, and training
Fees fees paid to other organizations for the
privilege of membership, such as:
• the Association of Social Work Board
Meetings (ASWB)
• the Canadian Association of Social
Workers (CASW): as an ACSW
member, you are automatically affili-
ated with the CASW.
Office rent and financial administration
Council and
Membership
conference, council, and non-regulatory
committee work
Staff wages, benefits, travel, current
membership, regulatory activities, and
office management for the rest of the
organization
Comparison of Other College’s Fees
College & Association of Registered Nurses
of Alberta
$381.60
College of Alberta Psychologists $500
Alberta College of Speech-Language
Pathologists and Audiologists
$525
Registered Dietitians/
Registered Nutritionists
$556
College of Registered Dental Hygienists of
Alberta are mid-priced.
$598
The Alberta College of Occupational
Therapists
$550
and a $50
reserve
fund fee
Alberta Physiotherapy Association $784.93
Alberta College and Association of
Chiropractors
$2041
and a
$1200
marketing
fee
expenditures if the ACSW is to remain financially sound.
Although reluctant to bring up bad news, the cost of living
is going up in Alberta. So far, the ACSW has absorbed all
increases. For the past 11 years fees have not changed but I
think they will fairly soon. I am not sure when or by how
much, but this year’s budget is barely meeting needs.
Evidence of this was found in the 2006 Treasurer’s Annual
Report, which states:
“… economic and demographic factors need to
be monitored for future impacts. The hot Alberta
economy is increasing the costs of doing business and
the retirement of the baby boomer generation may
reduce membership numbers. The potential negative
impact of these factors on future budgets needs to be
considered to ensure that the ACSW has the financial
capacity to meet its obligations under the Health
Professions Act.”
Social workers experiencing financial struggles can apply for
a membership fees subsidy. Although not well known, the
college does consider circumstances on a case by case basis to
reduce fees.
If you would like additional information on how the ACSW
manages funds, visit www.acsw.ab.ca to review the 2006
Annual Report. n
Bonita Decaire works for the Women’s Shelter Crisis Worker Program and is an
instructor at Portage College.
Communications Committee
regu
lar
feat
ure
14 The Advocate • Spring 2008
regu
lar
feat
ure
How you can respond to social justice every dayFor more than 100 years, the social work profession has
demonstrated a commitment to social justice—from the
late 19th century settlement house movement to our current
Disparity Campaign. National, provincial, international, and
local social work organizations have campaigned on topics
including child poverty, nuclear weapons, human rights
legislation, seniors’ services, affordable housing, and a
myriad of other issues.
The ACSW has led the pursuit of social justice described in
Value 2 through government panel submissions, billboard and
newspaper ads, letter-writing campaigns, and political forums, as
well as by asking elected representatives challenging questions.
Each of these efforts makes us confident saying 6000 Alberta
social workers want social justice.
But what does the pursuit of social justice mean on an indi-
vidual basis and how can people fit one more thing into already
hectic schedules?
I have often heard social workers describe being too busy with
work and family to take on additional activities related to social
justice. Especially in the last 20 years, human service sector cut-
backs have left many with increased performance demands and
fewer available resources. Tired at the end of the day, some do
not have the same energy enjoyed upon entering the profession.
When it comes to living up to the ethical obligation to promote
and advocate social justice, the first thing I suggest is to consider
what you are already doing. Each time you support clients in
meeting their needs, speak up in your organization for fair treat-
ment, use a travel mug instead of a new paper cup when you buy
coffee, or vote in an election—you are supporting social justice.
Ethics in actionAlison MacDonald, PhD (Cand), RSW
Alison MacDonald
The Code of Ethics, CASW 2005, Value 2: Pursuit of Social Justice states:
Social workers believe in the obligation of people,
individually and collectively, to provide resources,
services and opportunities for the overall benefit
of humanity and to afford them protection from
harm. Social workers promote social fairness and
the equitable distribution of resources, and act to
reduce barriers and expand choice for all persons,
with special regard for those who are marginalized,
disadvantaged, vulnerable, and/or have exceptional
needs. Social workers oppose prejudice and
discrimination against any person or group of
persons, on any grounds, and specifically challenge
views and actions that stereotype particular persons
or groups.
Principles:
• Social workers uphold the right of people to have
access to resources to meet basic human needs.
• Social workers advocate for fair and equitable
access to public services and benefits.
• Social workers advocate for equal treatment and
protection under the law and challenge injustices,
especially injustices that affect the vulnerable
and disadvantaged.
• Social workers promote social development and
environmental management in the interests of all
people.Continued on page 15
in the news
15Volume 33 • Issue 1
Dear Editor:
Should those individuals and systems who hire and supervise social workers, whether or not they are social workers, not
also meet the “higher standard” of believing in the intrinsic worth and dignity of every human being (CASW 1983 Code of
Ethics preamble)?
How else can social workers expect support to meet this standard?
Should the ACSW not also monitor and advocate (micro and macro) for the above so that social workers can get support if
they meet individuals’ or systems’ barriers in being treated—or in treating others—according to this belief?
In my view, Alison MacDonald’s article puts the onus on individual social workers to meet this higher standard without
recognizing the same responsibility and greater capacity of our collective organization to advocate for this belief, in those
individuals and systems we work with. n
— Nancy Byway
Letter to the editorNancy Byway, MSW, RSW
In response to Alison MacDonald’s Ethics in Action column “Should social workers meet a higher
standard?” (Summer 2007 Advocate)
Being an advocate does not mean you have to add to your
work, only that you be aware of advocacy opportunities and
respond as able when help is needed.
Striving for social justice may mean doing things differ-
ently but you can choose changes that fit with your life and
interests. In many cases, simply adding to your own under-
standing of injustice and making choices accordingly is the
only modification required.
Try involving other members of your family so that social
justice becomes a family activity instead of just a profes-
sional obligation.
Here are some suggestions:
• Surf the web to find organizations and products subject
to consumer boycotts. You can support important causes by
choosing alternative products.
• Read all of your riding’s campaign literature for the election.
If the candidates do not address the issues that interest you,
e-mail them with your questions.
• Make an agreement with friends or family to donate to a
chosen cause instead of exchanging birthday gifts.
• Send a note on your views to your MP or MLA whenever
there is an upcoming vote that interests you.
• Shovel the sidewalk for your elderly neighbour.
Once you start thinking about day to day choices as opportu-
nities, you can support social justice in many creative ways. n
Alison MacDonald is ACSW’s Associate Registrar.
Ethics in actionContinued from page 14
regu
lar
feat
ure
16 The Advocate • Spring 2008
Deborah Arleen Affleck
Lise Allen
Paul Kwadwo Amanoh
Sarah Myrtle Anstey
Marijana Bandjak
Elma Carmen Bedeau
Arlene Jane Bird
Carrie Rachel Blaug
Bessie-Anne Bliss
Erica Leigh Bliss
Lucette Boivin
Joanne M Boley
Paula Justine Borrowman
Yvonne Mary Bridgett
New RSWsMembership as of
February 22, 2008: 6,019
Marilyn Doreen Buffam
Marilyn Bulldog
Jennifer Lynne Bush
Hannah Fenton
Robertson Caradonna
Karen Joan Cardinal
Karla Cote
Christie Lynn Dewald
Clinton HJ Digness
Laura Beth Dixon
Shirley Thoreen Dufour
Rebecca Diane Dumoulin
Karen Crystal Grace Dyck
Ulrike Eccher
Cardinal Fomrades
Martine Foucault
Louise Mary Gadwa
Jessie Jane George
Blanca Rosa Gomez
Amanda Lee Gonet
Lois Lynn Gorzen
Andrea Michelle Grant
Yvette R Hamelinck
Leah Dawn Hardy
Leta Hart
Connie Lynne Hasley
Carla S Hett Smith
Trina A Hodgson
Connie Houston
Radenka Ilic
Milton C Iwaasa
Lesley Johnston-Woo
Charlotte Jordens
Sabrina Kabir
Bridget Maria Keizer
John Adam Scott Kenny
Wanda CA Kosteroski
Jenna Kotscherofski
Giselle Marie Kutrowski
Pauline C Lachance
Deanna Lankhaar
Ayen Paul Mabor
Coleen Kay Manary
Nicole Katherine
Mangrove
Angela Marie McBride
Antonia Darlene McCune
Shawneen Lee McIlrath
Tara Lee McKee
Helen McPhaden
Shelina Merali
Janna Morrison
Heather Gaye Mueller
Nana Ebenezer Mumford
Maureen Anne Murphy-
Black
Carol H Ninine
Michael Laurence
O’Connor
Shawn Owchar
Diahann Gale Petgrave
Douglas Pleysier
Pamela Marie
Reichenbach
Tallahassy Donna Roe
Adis Samardzic
Melanie Sawatzky
Joby Jacob Scaria
Sarah Marie Schouten
Ramona Caroline
Schucroft
Courtney Lyn Seguin
Jennifer Shouldice
Heather Dawn Shupe
Annie Skippen
Lisa Michelle Smith
Christine Snow
Susan Enid St Pierre
Monique Denise Marie
Sundlie
Carlyne Candace
Supruniuk
William B Swieringa
Debra Lynn Tallman
Justin Christopher Tardif
Balbir Thiara
Audrey Thomas
Janine Diana Thompson
Jeanette Mary Todd
Linda Wolf
Karen Joan Wyllie
regular feature
17Volume 33 • Issue 1
The Private Practice Committee Needs You!
The primary purpose of the Private Practice Committee is
to manage the Private Practice Roster and evaluate, accept,
or deny applications. Membership provides a number of
advantages, many which have come about as a result of
committee members’ hard work in the past. These include
networking opportunities, support for advocacy work, and
decision-making power on relevant concerns.
The Private Practice Committee is responsible for keep-
ing the ACSW apprised of issues pertaining specifically to
social workers in private practice. The committee provides
the primary link between practitioners and ACSW. It
communicates what is happening in private practice social
work in Alberta through the Advocate.
There are a number of projects to be undertaken; how-
ever, without social workers able to take on committee
roles, even roster management is in jeopardy. The time
commitment is minimal—meetings are held four times a
year, for about two hours, and typically by teleconference.
The annual meeting usually takes place during the March
ACSW Conference. Project participation is as much or
little as each member can offer, with involvement at any
level appreciated.
Please consider becoming a member of the Private
Practice Committee. You need only have an interest in
private practice social work and be registered with the
ACSW. n
For further information, please contact:
Laurie Fisher, MSW, RSW 780.539.4141
Audrey Ferber, MSW, RSW 403.225-4008
Laurie Fisher
Private PracticeLaurie Fisher, MSW, RSW
Private Practice Roster Committee
Over the past two years the Private Practice Committee has experienced some significant changes, particularly in
membership. For various reasons, longstanding members of the committee have chosen to leave and move on to other
projects. Unfortunately, new members have been hard to recruit. Membership is now below what is necessary for the
committee to function effectively.
Prairie Institute of Expressive Arts Therapy
Phone: (403) 245-5553 ext. 15 Director: Carmen Richardson MSW, RSW, RCAT
Training:introductory workshopsclinical training in expressive arts for therapistsone year expressive arts training programadvanced diploma in expressive arts therapy
Consulting/Staff Retreats:collaboratively design arts-based programssupport the integration of the arts into current therapeutic programsteam building experiences and staff retreats with expressive arts
Supervision:a creative and collaborative approach to the clinical practice of art therapy and/or social work
Counselling:individual, group and family therapyarts-based therapeutic groups for children, teens, and adults
For details and dates of upcoming trainings/workshops visit our website at:
www.pieat.ca
••••
••
•
•
••
Laurie Fisher is the chair of the Private Practice Committee.
in t
he n
ews
18 The Advocate • Spring 2008
regu
lar
feat
ure
Book review:
Economics with a social work perspective
The Economics of Happiness: Building Genuine Wealth
Reviewed by Butch Nutter, PhD, RSW
The Economics of Happiness: Building Genuine Wealth by Mark Anielski is about the well-being of people and their
environments. It radically departs from popular economics’ ideological fixation on money as epitomized by such
measures as the gross domestic product (GDP)—the sum of all money changing hands in Canada in one year.
For example, if you buy a vehicle, the price you pay is added
to the GDP. If you then crash it into a small car, killing the
driver and passengers, the costs of cleaning up the mess,
funerals, life insurance payouts, and repairs are added to the
GDP along with the cost of any litigation, liability awards,
fines, and other associated costs. In GDP, a dollar is a dol-
lar despite any outcomes. Thus the money people spend on
gorging themselves to obesity and the money spent treating
ills caused by obesity are both summed up in the GDP.
Anielski describes his pilgrimage from the economic ortho-
doxy exemplified by the GDP to measuring genuine wealth
as “the conditions of well-being that are true to our core
values of life.” Part of this journey was comparing GDPs to
genuine progress indicators (GPIs). GDP sums the flow of
money, while GPIs distinguish between positive and negative
money flows by including both positive and negative eco-
nomic, social, and environmental well-being indicators. From
1961 to 1999, Alberta’s GDP more than doubled, but its GPI
decreased by about 20%.
Anielski reports a personal genuine wealth assessment (GWA)
that led him to stay in Edmonton rather than take a dream
job in San Francisco—a dream city. He also reports a genuine
well-being assessment of Leduc, Alberta, and a genuine
sustainability assessment of Santa Monica, California. Both
these and an Alberta GPI are presented as circular flower
charts that facilitate comparisons between indicators, with
strengths and weaknesses immediately obvious.
After a lucid and deeply disturbing description of money,
Anielski describes the JAK Members Bank of Sweden.
Following traditional Christian and Muslim values, JAK does
not charge interest from borrowers nor pay interest to deposi-
tors—a banking model that facilitates rather than impedes
social justice.
While the core values of contemporary orthodox econom-
ics are laissez faire individualism and greed, the core values of
The Economics of Happiness are social well-being and sustain-
ability. The latter is much more intellectually complex and
emotionally demanding than the former. Discerning genuine
wealth requires continually making value judgements, the
kinds of judgements that underpin the profession and prac-
tice of social work at its best. If I was teaching a social work
social policy course, The Economics of Happiness would be
required reading. n
Anielski, M. (2007). The Economics of Happiness: Building Genuine Wealth. Gabriola
Island, BC: New Society Publishers
Butch Nutter is a Professor Emeritus of Social Work at the University of Calgary.
Butch Nutter
in the news
19Volume 33 • Issue 1
Dear Editor:
I am writing in response to coverage in the past couple issues of the Advocate on the human
resource crisis in the nonprofit sector, and to commend the ACSW for participating in addressing
this threat to both service provision and sector sustainability.
There are numerous coalitions emerging across the
province, one of which is the Calgary Human Resource
Initiative convened by the Calgary Chamber of Voluntary
Organizations (CCVO) and funded by the United Way of
Calgary and Area. The goal of this collaborative of local
nonprofit organizations, funders, and human resource
coalitions is to build a vibrant human service sector capable
of attracting and retaining a workforce today and in the
future. This project’s charter has three key focus areas:
funding,
human resources, and
public education about the nonprofit sector.
My primary involvement (jointly funded by the United Way
of Calgary and FCSS Calgary) is working in partnership with
local funders across the sector to examine the relationship
of funding to human resource challenges and developing
local strategies to support human resource practices within
agencies. We are working toward a combination of short term
solutions such as advocating for immediate investments in
salaries, to longer term funding strategies which will require
both policy changes and investment in human resource
systems.
Substantive change will require these local efforts to be
linked to other provincial and federal initiatives which address
human resource and/or nonprofit funding issues. One key
•
•
•
provincial strategy is the imminent launch of The Workforce
Strategy for the Voluntary and Nonprofit Sector—a
framework for addressing key labour force challenges.
I invite readers to view the Calgary Human Resource
Initiative website (www.calgarycvo.org/hr_initiative.htm),
which contains a centralized collection of resources, tools,
research, and links to help address workforce issues. CCVO
will continue updating the site with new information.
There will be a section on the role of the funder, as well as
“Synopsis of Funding Issues Impacting Human Resources
in the Nonprofit Sector,” a discussion paper prepared by
Pat Rice, MSW, RSW, who also supports the work of this
initiative.
One of the many things the social work professional does
well is work collectively, which is critical to the sustainability
of the nonprofit sector.
If you are interested in more information or would like
to link into the project, I encourage you to contact either
myself at [email protected], or the project
coordinator of the Calgary HR Initiative, Mike Grogan at
— Allison MacDonald
Editor’s note: Please note that although their names are similar, the author of this
letter, Allison MacDonald, is not the Alison MacDonald who is ACSW’s Associate
Registrar.
Letter to the editorAllison MacDonald, MSW, RSW
20 The Advocate • Spring 2008
feat
ure
arti
cle
By Don Milne, MSW, RSW
with thanks to Richard Ramsay of Calgary for
providing material
People PowerGayle James
Close-up:
Don Milne
Social work is a people-centered profession and people are the means through which this line of work
defines itself and inspires its undertakings. With this is mind, it is beneficial to examine the contributions
of the Alberta pioneers whose work laid our foundation.
Second in the People Power series (the first, on Mary Morrison Davis, ran in the Winter 2007 issue of the
Advocate), this article honours the outstanding work of Gayle James.
From 1962-63 and 1965-66, James studied social work at the University of Toronto
and graduated with a master of social work degree. She maintained a lifelong asso-
ciation with the faculty and school and was often involved in raising finances.
James’ clinical career began with the Alberta Child Guidance Clinic and the
Edmonton Public School Board Education Clinic. Working with young people
with disabilities, James developed a consummate passion for public issues that led to
a lifelong involvement in social advocacy and public policy.
She cofounded the Edmonton Association for Children with Learning Disabilities
and is now a life member. Her community involvements were substantial, and espe-
cially notable with the Edmonton Social Planning Council.
James became active in the northern Alberta branch of the Canadian Association of
Social Workers (CASW) and for many years served on its executive with distinc-
tion. She joined efforts to establish social work legislation and was an enthusiastic
supporter of the advocacy for a school of social work in Alberta. Her non-stop
energy, organizational skills, and insight found applications at every level—local,
provincial, national, and international. She was elected as Alberta representative to
the CASW Board of Directors where she also served with distinction. James was a Gayle James
feature article
21Volume 33 • Issue 1
founding board member of AASW, serving as registrar (1974-
77), president (1979-1981), and treasurer (1996-1998). She
was also an enthusiastic advocate for AASW.
In 1978, James’ leadership expanded beyond Alberta when
she became the North American vice-president of the
International Federation of Social Workers (1978-1984). In
1981, James was elected CASW president. She served until
1983 and was instrumental in securing the first Canadian
hosting of the international social work/social welfare confer-
ence held in 1984. She became the first Canadian to serve
as the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW)
president (1988-1992), heading two international conferences.
Extending a long association with Amnesty International, she
provided pivotal leadership in establishing the IFSW Human
Rights Commission, which advocates on behalf of missing,
wrongfully detained, and tortured social workers and students.
James’ teaching, workshops, writing, and conference presenta-
tions were far-reaching. She was the only social work leader
to accompany the Honourable Jake Epp on his social policy
mission to China in 1985 and was appointed Chair of the
National Council of Welfare from 1986-1989.
James served as the only woman and non-government orga-
nization representative on Canada’s delegation to Vienna for
the 1987 United Nations Regional Consultation on devel-
opmental social welfare—the first global meeting of welfare
ministers since 1968.
She joined the University of Calgary School of Social Work,
in Edmonton, in 1975—before it became a division. James
served as division head from 1982-1985. In 1994, she moved
to Calgary, assuming a full time teaching position, where she
distinguished herself as both a teacher and mentor.
Those who know James and her lifetime commitment and
contribution will join me in wishing her the best as she
continues her challenging encounter with cancer. She dem-
onstrates a first-class example for all social workers to ponder
and pursue. n
Gayle James’ many honours include:• Alberta Achievement Award—Excellence Division
• Exemplary Contributions Award— Alberta Association
of Social Workers
• 75th Anniversary Award—University of Toronto Faculty
of Social Work
• 50th Anniversary Award—Edmonton Social Planning
Council
• Outstanding National Service Award—CASW
• Teaching Excellence Award—University of Calgary
• National Social Work Week Award—CASW
• Arbor Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service—
University of Toronto
• Inaugural Mouravieff-Apostol medal—IFSW
Don Milne is a retired social worker who served as the first president of the Alberta
Association of Social Workers and worked in the field of preventive social services
with the City of Edmonton.
Gayle James in 1978, when she was
elected Vice President, North America,
of the International Federation of Social
Workers (IFSW)
1996 ACSW Council
Back row, L to R: Alison MacDonald, Al Hagan, Marilyn Jeske, Craig Sheppard, Lori Sigurdson, Margot Herbert
Front row, L to R: Gayle James, Jake Kuiken, Lorna Gaultois, Judith Mason
22 The Advocate • Spring 2008
feat
ure
arti
cle
By Joan Marie Galat, Advocate Editor
This volume of the Advocate is dedicated to Dr. William John (Bill) Kirwin. Born on October 3, 1937, Bill died peacefully on December 11, 2007, after a year-long bat-tle with brain cancer. He enriched a multitude of lives and is remembered here by just a few of the many people touched by their encounters.
Bill Kirwin completed his master’s degree in 1970 from the Faculty of
Social Welfare (now the Faculty of Social Work) at the University of
Calgary, and became the founding coordinator of the Edmonton program
in 1972. He served as administrative officer for the Edmonton Division
until 1979, when he returned to full-time academic life. Following
retirement in 1997, Kirwin was appointed associate professor emeritus
in 1998. He continued to teach at the Faculty until spring 2005.
“A Celebration of Bill’s Life” was held at
the University of Alberta on December 17,
2007, and tributes abound for Kirwin, a
highly popular, bright, talented, innovative,
and accomplished man.
“Bill was the consummate social work
educator, dedicated and passionate. He was
committed to ensuring his students thought deeply, learned well, and engaged their
minds as well as their hearts in the social work profession,” says Dean Gayla Rogers.
Over his long career as a teacher, Kirwin enriched meaningful connections and
relationships between people across the globe. He is lauded as a celebrated athlete,
an exemplary teacher and role model, and founding Nine: An Academic Journal of
Baseball History and Social Perspectives.Bill with daughter Suzanne and grandbaby Sydney
“Goodbye, Bill” a tribute to
Bill Kirwin
Bill Kirwin
feature article
23Volume 33 • Issue 1
“Bill was one of those people on whom you could
count,” says professor emerita Dr. Mary Valentich. “He
was a very committed individual who gave of his time,
energy and wit to students, professional colleagues and
friends without consideration of payback.”
Another colleague, Dr. Kim Zapf, says, “In the late 1980s,
I had an office next to Bill at the Edmonton Division.
Bill had a strong reputation
as a master teacher, but he
was starting to tire of doing
the same social policy courses
over and over again. He
talked about the possibility
of connecting his two loves:
social policy and baseball. Bill
invested a chunk of his own
money into the project that
resulted in the publication of
the first issue of Nine in 1992.
“Over time, the journal grew in stature and influence, but when Bill submitted the first issues to our annual assessment process
for merit increments, the administration at the time in the Faculty of Social Work did not accept Nine as a legitimate scholarly
endeavour. Rather than receiving recognition as an international journal, Nine was considered to be more of a limited newsletter.”
Zapf and Kirwin proceeded to hatch a plan to gain recognition for the journal. “The
next year, I had a sabbatical leave, and my wife and I backpacked around the world
to visit various schools of social work. I took with me a copy of Bill’s journal and
staged photos of locals reading the issue with famous landmarks in the background.
We had pictures of people reading Nine
in front of the Sydney Opera House,
Ayers Rock, the Pyramids, and the
Eiffel Tower! Bill submitted the photos
the next year with his annual report.
“I don’t know what influence this had
on the eventual acceptance of Nine as
legitimate scholarship with an inter-
national following, but it sure fit well
with Bill’s sense of taking it to the
system.”
“There is a Jewish legend … which maintains that the world continues because of
the existence in each generation of 36 anonymous, unique, and righteous people.
I think Bill could have been one of these special individuals.”
— Ron Levin
Continues on page 24
Bill was the founding editor
of NINE: A Journal of Baseball
History & Culture
Bill with daughter Jannette at her doctoral
convocation
Bill at his birthday party in 2005Christmas, 2006, with daughters Suzanne (standing)
and Jannette (sitting) and granddaughter Sydney
Bill and granddaughter, Sydney
feat
ure
arti
cle
The Advocate • Spring 20082424
The publication brought Kirwin renown
outside the academic realm. “Through
my involvement with Nine,” says
Diane Goodall. “I saw how very highly
respected Bill was in the baseball world,
as well as the academic world.”
Goodall, who served as the Edmonton
Division administrator for 12 years,
helped the notoriously computer-
phobic Kirwin answer his many emails.
She was constantly amazed at the
number of people from around the
world who knew Bill as a colleague
and friend.
“Bill’s email messages always expressed
interest and concern for others and
rarely mentioned much of his own
condition.”
Professor emeritus Ron Levin agrees:
“I never admired Bill more than in the
months after his cancer diagnosis,” says Levin. “He handled
the painful first period with amazing dignity and fortitude.
Then when his condition stabilized, there was truly no stop-
ping him. He was determined to wring all possibilities out of
every day and did just that with unbelievable good humour
and courage. He phoned friends to go for exotic food and
ice cream; went to movies, and the racetrack. He kept mak-
ing lists and when these goals were reached, he set new ones.
Visits with Bill were always upbeat and provided me with an
inspirational life lesson I will never forget.”
Valentich also noticed these traits. “In my last conversation
with Bill, by telephone, we were recalling special times we
had shared and how he was managing at the care centre.
Suddenly he noted he was late for a lunch date. Bill wasn’t
just waiting for the inevitable; he was still creating memories,
right until the end.”
Or, as Levin muses, “There is a Jewish legend based in the
Talmud which maintains that the world continues because of
the existence in each generation of 36 anonymous, unique,
“There is no such thing as bad writing; the only bad thing
is NOT writing.”
— Bill Kirwin
A tribute to Bill KirwinContinued from page 23
Bill in Victoria in 2002
and righteous people. I think Bill could have been one of
these special individuals.”
Margot Herbert, MSW, RSW, ACSW Past President, professor emeritus, University of Calgary, Faculty of Social Work
I don’t remember exactly when I first met Bill. I had known
him slightly before I became a full time faculty member in
the Edmonton Division in 1981, and we worked together
for more than 25 years after that. Our shared experience as
faculty members was the original basis for our friendship, but
over the years it came to be about so much more than that.
We shared many good times and so much laughter over the
years and helped each other maintain perspective about a
variety of life’s challenges, including teaching the occasional
student who had probably made a wrong career choice, the
sometimes questionable joys of raising teenage daughters, the
complexities of interpersonal relationships, the ups and downs
of the Edmonton Division, and our mutual experience with
kidney stones. Bill, Ron Levin, and I shared a tendency to
be hugely irreverent about almost everything, which was the
feature article
25Volume 33 • Issue 1
basis for a lot of fun and kept us all from taking ourselves
very seriously.
Bill and I also shared the experience of Boston, where Bill
was born and raised and where I had lived for a number
of years before moving to Edmonton. The Boston experi-
ence, still vivid in my mind and very much part of Bill, cre-
ated another bond. We talked endlessly about the wonderful
idiosyncrasies of that part of the world, the uniqueness of
the politics, and of course about baseball and the magic of
Fenway Park.
During all of those years there were some tough times for
both of us. We both lost family members and confronted
health and personal issues—and Bill was an ever-present
source of support. He told me once after a long conversation
that I was “a hell of a good social worker.” It was funny at the
time, but I was secretly flattered.
Bill taught us all so much over the years, but he was never a
better teacher than during the year he struggled with a brain
tumor. He was brave, uncomplaining, and energetic on every
day the illness allowed, interested in other people’s lives, and
thoughtful about a range of issues that most of us would
never think of in similar circumstances. It was an incredible
lesson on how to die with dignity and grace. I am so sad that
he is gone, but so glad that he was my friend. He will always
be part of my life memories and I shall miss him.
— submitted by Lynne Dulaney-MacNicol, U of Calgary
Leslie MacKinnon, BSW, RSW, Catholic School Board Social Worker & longtime Advocate Editorial Board member
I don’t know what I dreaded more—Social Policy with Bill
Kirwin or Statistics with Butch Nutter. I wanted my social
work degree and both were required courses. Social Policy
was not my idea of fun, but Bill turned out to be anything
but dry and boring. He used to stand in front of us, rustling
illegibly written papers and looking disheveled—sometimes in
sandals and socks. Bill never cared about his fashion faux pas.
Quick and sharp, Bill shared his zest for life. He was a gifted
teacher with a true love of his subject matter. With his many
classroom routines, Bill added spice to topics and challenged
us to be creative and intelligent. Speaker’s Parliament was
typical of his methods, and for a time, each of us became an
influential person in history.
Our 1983 introduction matured into a 24-year relationship
that shaped who I am, not only as a social worker, but as a
person. I considered Bill my mentor and later my friend.
In the last six months of his life, I spent a lot of time with
Bill. We ate out, visited the Provincial Archives, and rode
the LRT. We laughed and cried. He showed me that a ter-
minal diagnosis does not mean rolling over and waiting to
die. Instead, he celebrated every good day and crammed as
much into every minute that he could—including a train
trip to Jasper and a ride on the High Level Bridge streetcar.
He watched his daughter play soccer, went to baseball games
at Telus Field, and stayed involved with writing and the
Advocate to the best of his ability.
Continues on page 26
Above: Bill (as Moses, in white wig and beard) in Speaker’s Parliament. Zed
Ghebremusse is on Bill’s left—can anyone identify the other participants?
“All writing is fictional—even if you are writing
for a bureaucracy.”
— Bill Kirwin
feat
ure
arti
cle
The Advocate • Spring 200826
feat
ure
arti
cle
Bill’s “So You Want to Write” classes filled up very quickly. I
was unsuccessful in my previous attempts to get in, so when
I saw this one advertised, I stopped everything and ran to the
phone to register. I had to reorganize my schedule in order to
attend. At the time, I didn’t know—no
one did—that this was to be Bill’s last
class. I am so grateful to have been able
to attend.
Even at the class, Bill was talking about
doing another workshop. Talk about
finding opportunities to make a differ-
ence—to contribute—until we die. I
think that this is a testament to who Bill
was as a person.
We laughed a lot during the workshop. I
think what made us laugh the most was
Bill’s amusement in the irony of teaching
a writing workshop with brain cancer.
Bill always was a bit of a rebel.
A tribute to Bill KirwinContinued from page 25
Bill was protective of his book club and made it quite clear
it was a “men only” group. He stimulated my mind and
celebrated my intelligence, giving me confidence I could do
anything I set my mind to. During his workshops, Bill chal-
lenged us to be adventurous and try new ways of expressing
our thoughts and ideas. I became one of his groupies, because
each writing day was one of total escapism from work and
mundane life. He would say, “You need to write every day,”
because that is what writers do. What a wonderful gift from
him—a conviction that I could be a writer.
In class, 24 years ago, Bill encouraged us to read the news-
paper’s business section every day—to find out what makes
the world tick. Sometimes as I read the business section, a
thought of Bill flits by.
I will remember Bill Kirwin with love and affection.
Val Kinjerski, PhD, RSW, Kaizen Solutions for Human Services & Keynote Speaker for 2008 ACSW Conference
I first met Bill in the early 1980s. He was a professor at the
Faculty of Social Work, Edmonton Division and I attended
his social policy course.
Although I knew Bill for 25 years, I only had contact with
him in the early 1980s at the faculty and then reconnected
with him again in October 2007 when I attended his writing
course.
Bill’s last “So You Want to Write” workshop, October 2007
Back row L to R: Leanne Kohn, Val Kinjerski, Harold Glass, Judy McIntyre
Front row left to right: Duane Burton, Grace Elliott, Bill Kirwin, Wendy Lickacz
Above: High Level Bridge Street Car party with Social Work faculty friends in the
summer of 2007
feature article
Volume 33 • Issue 1 27
The Bill Kirwin Scholarship Fund
The Faculty of Social Work would
like to thank friends, colleagues
and alumni who have generously
contributed to the Bill Kirwin
Scholarship Fund. The support to date
has been very moving. Donations can
be made to:
The Faculty of Social Work,
University of Calgary
Attn: Bill Kirwin Scholarship Fund
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary AB T2N 1N4
For additional details, please contact
[email protected] or visit
https://netcommunity.ucalgary.ca/NETCOMMUNITY/ to make an online
donation.
When I was a young social work student, Bill taught me how to use critical
thinking to question the system, policies, and practices, and to come up with
my own ideas about what should be.
More recently, Bill inspired me to write. I have had a book—Spirit at Work: It is
an Inside Job—in me for a few years now and I actually wrote two chapters (about
a year prior to attending Bill’s workshop) before setting it aside. I needed a kick-
start to begin writing again and attending Bill’s workshop did that for me. I am
now writing on a regular basis. His passion for the written word and for writing
has stayed with me.
I think Bill’s greatest contribution to the social work profession was his ability
and teaching to think outside of the box and look for new possibilities.
What I admired most about Bill was how positive, courageous, and candid he
was as he faced the process of dying. He continued to give of himself, even as
he faced his own death.
I am sure that last workshop took a lot out of him and yet he was very atten-
tive and responsive to us aspiring writers. Even though he was tired, he would
ask us to read our work again, slowly. Then he would pause and ask, “What is
the hook, the grabber?” “What if you moved that sentence…” or “What if you
said…?” He did not stop.
I will miss the spunk and spirit that was always evident in Bill’s classroom, recently and 25 years ago. I will also miss his unique
interpretations. For example, his encouragement to break the rules and his state-
ment that the only rule is: “There is no such thing as bad writing; the only bad
thing is NOT writing.” Or, “All writing is fictional—even if you are writing for a
bureaucracy.”
Bill left many legacies. Here are a few: Thinking out of the box, looking for new
possibilities, contributing in meaningful ways, dying with grace. n
Sydney, Suzanne, Bill, Jannette and her husband, Patrick Renchko
Bill at Suzanne’s soccer game
The Advocate • Spring 2008
feat
ure
arti
cle
28
Have you ever had one, or two, or twenty of those mornings when you’d rather stick hot pokers in your
eyes than go to the office? There’s no reason in particular, it’s just as though some cloud of negativity
kind of lingers in the air, on the walls, on the faces of others, and have left you feeling tired, grumpy, and
distracted from being the hopeful World-Changer you were once called to be. Well, you are not alone! In
today’s environment of constant change, shifting and often tenuous funding, limited human resources,
and the continuing complexity of human issues and relationships, it’s no secret that some of us are
experiencing a waning enthusiasm for our jobs.
It seems vital to meaningfully retain staff and that in addi-
tion to developing appropriate compensation for our work,
we must also discover creative ways to energize and inspire
ourselves and each other. Even more importantly, the people
we serve should not be left to negotiate their way through an
endless stream of new or grouchy workers as our organiza-
tions struggle with staff turnover.
The causes or contributors to our workplace dissatisfac-
tion can vary. Sometimes it’s related to leadership practises,
unhealthy or unsatisfying work relationships, barriers to career
enrichment and advancement, deficient feedback for work
performance, ill-managed organizational change, huge work-
loads, and personal (home and work-related) stress. The one
source of our workplace dissatisfaction that we don’t reflect
upon as often however, is … ourselves!
In so many of our water-cooler conversations, or “venting
sessions,” we list the multiple sources of our discontent and
sometimes, somehow, the one we fail to recognize is the “I”
factor! Please don’t get me wrong—numerous organizational,
environmental, and “other people” related issues can abso-
lutely influence our feelings of happiness at work. Yet at the
end of the day, isn’t it we who are ultimately responsible for
choosing how to respond to our experiences and whether we
allow ourselves to continue feeling frustrated, dissatisfied, and
unhappy at work?
Gervase Bushe (2001) explains in Clear Leadership that we
Finding
JOY at work
By Marina Giacomin, MA, RSW
feature article
Volume 33 • Issue 1
“If you have been feeling less than excited about your daily work,
slightly disgruntled, or just plain tired and burned out in your job,
you are being called to reclaim your joy!”
29
each view the world through a personal lens. We apply mean-
ing to situations and experiences as we filter them through
our own values, beliefs, past and present experiences, and
projected or assumed outcomes. What does this mean? Simply,
what you look for is what you get. And what you get, there-
fore, is what you choose. We are the common denominators
in all of our experiences. Everywhere I go, there I am.
In 2006 in conducting participatory, action-based research on
the topic of workplace joy, I asked social workers to spend six
weeks paying close attention to what brought them happiness,
along with what drained them, in their organizations. Using
a Photovoice method, each participant was given a dispos-
able camera and a journal with instructions to photograph
(with consent) people or objects that actually, or metaphori-
cally, represented their experience of joy at work. The journal
writing would compliment their photographs and provide
additional opportunities for the exploration and processing of
experiences, emotions, thoughts, and environment. Though
Photovoice has traditionally been used with impoverished or
marginalized communities; in this case, it created a space for
social workers to fully express their thoughts and hopes about
their workplace. It also promoted a sense of personal account-
ability in recognizing what is life-giving in organizations and
what could continue inspiring feelings of happiness or joy.
Initially, the participants struggled. It seemed the more con-
centration was placed on finding joy, the uglier everything
looked! Eventually though, their photographs and journal
entries began reflecting feelings of hope, joyful memories, and
happy workplace experiences. They photographed friendships,
role-models, mentors, and the natural leadership demonstrated
by many people—not only those in formal leadership posi-
tions. They also began attending to self-care, self-development
and continuous learning, spirituality, trust, accountability, and
courage; seeing these as directly related to their personal feel-
ings of resilience and joy, their productivity, and themselves as
the ultimate contributors to their happiness at work.
What does this mean for us? We must consider the “lens” we
bring to work. Someone once said, “We don’t see things the
way they are; we see things the way we are.” If you have been
feeling less than excited about your daily work, slightly dis-
gruntled, or just plain tired and burned out in your job, you
are being called to reclaim your joy! Do something kind for
yourself. Better yet, do something kind for someone at the
office—especially someone who’s really been getting on your
nerves! Be accountable when speaking with others about
your feelings and experiences. Use “I,” “me,” “my,” language!
Take a day off, start a slow-down movement, play. Tell a joke.
Create some fun around the office. Speak up for yourself,
stand up for someone else. Tell the truth, ask for what you
want, be courageous and open-hearted. Be prepared, you may
still end up leaving, or being asked to leave; however, I’m of
the opinion in that case, it was no longer the best place for
you anyway. Alternately, you may end up staying. Maybe you
will become the catalyst for a shift in energy and creativity,
re-invigorating your organization, showing leadership, and
inspiring others to shine!
Parker Palmer (2000) writes in Let your life speak, “We can
make choices about what we are going to project, and with
those choices we help grow the world that is. Consciousness
precedes being; consciousness, yours and mine, can form,
deform, or reform our world.” Joy, life, and spirit are always
available to us in our work. It doesn’t matter if we’re new to
the field or reaching retirement. We spend a significant por-
tion of our lives working, and we each deserve to feel happy,
productive, and enlivened while we’re doing it. Sure, there
will still be those “hot poker in the eyes” kinds of days, but
at least our eyes will be lined with laugh wrinkles, and we’ll
know when to close them, or just gaze away and see the
beauty … at work. n
Marina Giacomin is a Registered Social Worker with a Masters in Organizational
Leadership & Training. In addition to a private coaching & facilitation business
(iMaGine Consulting Services) she is also the Director of Housing & Client Support
for CUPS Community Health Centre in Calgary, Alberta, an agency serving individu-
als & families experiencing homelessness.
for
your
info
rmat
ion
30 The Advocate • Spring 2008
For your information
The Health Sciences Association of Alberta represents more than 15,000 professional, technical, and support employees in Alberta’s health care system. We bargain for fair wages and decent working conditions for our members.
We also raise public awareness about the important role of allied health professionals including social workers.
www.hsaa.ca
PLEASE NOTE: For more listings, please see “Calendar of Events” at: www.acsw.ab.ca/calendar_of_events
New Books to Watch for in 2008n Research Methods for Social Workers
by Bonnie L. Yegidis; Robert W. Weinbach
Jan 2008 / ISBN 0205585582
n Teens Who Make a Difference in Rural Communities: Youth
Outreach Organizations and Community Action
by Jean Otto Ford; Celeste Carmichael
Jan 2008 / ISBN 1422200132
n Professional Risk and Working with People: Decision-Making in
Health, Social Care and Criminal Justice
by David Carson; Andy Bain
Jan 2008 / ISBN 1843103893
n Global Social Problems
by Robert Page; Robert M. Page; Victor George
Feb 2008 / ISBN 0745629520
n Elements of Crisis Intervention: Crisis And How to Respond to Them
by James L. Greenstone
Mar 2008 / ISBN 0495007811
n Child Welfare: A Strengths Approach
by Sakinah Salahu-Din
Mar 2008 / ISBN 0205405517
n Experiencing Social Work: Learning from Service Users
by Mark Doel; Lesley Best
Mar 2008 / ISBN 1412910218
1st World Conference of Women’s Shelters Discovering the Common Core: Practical Frameworks for Change September 8-11, 2008 Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton AB
Hosted by the Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters, this event will
present a new opportunity for family violence workers in Alberta and
around the world to learn from international experts and each other.
Too often, women’s shelter work is overlooked in discussions on
family violence, when in reality they are at the forefront of dealing
with this issue. This will increase the capacity of shelters in Alberta,
across Canada, and around the world to affect change in their
organizations and their communities to better meet the needs of
Mark your calendars!
n 2008 ACSW Conference: The Courageous Heart of Social Work March 13 - 15, 2008 Edmonton AB
n 2008 Social Work Week: Human Rights in a Diverse Community March 23 – 29, 2008
n 2008 National Social Work Conference: Human Rights in a Global Community May 22 – 25, 2008 Toronto ON
Continued on page 32
for your information
31Volume 33 • Issue 1
INSTRUCTORSDr. Beverly White (Ph.D., R.D.) obtained her doctorate in nutrition from Oregon State University. Dr. White holds a degree in dietetics from the University of California
at Davis and a masters degree in nutritional sciences from San Jose State University. To acute and long-term care facilities, Dr. White has provided nutritional counseling services. She has also worked as a clinical dietician.
Dr. Laura Pawlak (Ph.D., R.D.) undertook her graduate studies in biochemistry at the University of Illinois, where she received her masters and doctoral degrees. Author of 22 scientific publications and many academic books, she conducted her postdoctoral research in biochemistry at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center.
Biomed reserves the right to change instructors without prior notice. Every instructor is either a compensated employee or independent contractor of Biomed.
For all inquiries, please contact customer service at 1-877-246-6336 or (925) 602-6140.
6 HOURS (Social Workers)
ACCREDITATION INFORMATIONBiomed can give continuing education (CE) credit to Alberta-licensed social workers who attend this course. In order to grant CE credit, Biomed must be in compliance
with special procedures established by the Alberta Association of Social Workers. Biomed is in compliance with these procedures. Course completion certificates will be distributed to social workers completing this course. In the United States, Biomed’s parent organization, INR, is approved by regulatory boards in California, Illinois, and Florida as a provider of continuing education courses for social workers.
REGISTRATION FORM(This registration form may be copied.)
REGISTRATION INFORMATIONPlease register early and arrive before the scheduled start time. Space is limited. Attendees requiring special accommodation must advise Biomed in writing at least 45 days in advance. Registrations are subject to cancellation after the scheduled start time. A transfer at no cost can be made from one seminar location to another if space is available. Registrants cancelling up to 72 hours before a seminar will receive a tuition refund less a $35.00 (CANADIAN)/$35.00 (USA) administrative fee or, if requested, a full-value voucher, good for one year, for a future seminar. Other cancellation requests will only be honored with a voucher. Cancellation or voucher requests must be made in writing. If a seminar cannot be held for reasons beyond the control of the sponsor (e.g., acts of God), the registrant will receive free admission to a rescheduled seminar or a full-value voucher, good for one year, for a future seminar. A $35.00 (CANADIAN)/$35.00 (USA) service charge applies to each returned check. Fees are subject change without notice. ©
Bio
med
, 200
8, C
OD
E:
FF
-R10
00-S
W
PROGRAM
Please return form to: Biomed
Ste. 877 101-1001 W. Broadway Vancouver, B.C., V6H 4E4
TOLL-FREE: 1-877-246-6336TEL: (925) 602-6140 FAX: (925) 363-7798
Please check course date:
Conference registration is from 7:45 AM to 8:15 AM. The conference will begin at 8:30 AM. A lunch break (on your own) will take place from approxi-mately 11:30 AM to 12:20 PM. The course will adjourn at 3:30 PM, at which time course completion certificates are distributed.
FEE: $109.00 (CANADIAN)/$105.00 (USA) per person with pre-registration or $134.00 (CANADIAN)/$134.00 (USA) at the door if space remains. The tuition includes all applicable Canadian taxes. At the seminar, participants will receive a complete course syllabus. Tuition payment receipt will also be available at the seminar.
TO REGISTER: Please complete and return the registration form below. Or register toll-free with Visa, MasterCard, American Express®, or Discover® by calling 1-888-724-6633. Or fax a copy of your completed registration form–including Visa, MasterCard, American Express®, or Discover® Number–to (925) 363-7798.
MEETING TIMES & LOCATIONSEDMONTON, AB CALGARY, AB EDMONTON, AB CALGARY, ABTue., Apr. 22, 2008 Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 Wed., May 7, 2008 Thu., May 8, 20088:30 AM to 3:30 PM 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM 8:30 AM to 3:30 PMEdmonton Marriott The Glenmore Inn Edmonton Marriott Calgary Stampede300 E. Lapotac Blvd. 2720 Glenmore Trail SE 300 E. Lapotac Blvd. 1410 Olympic Way SEEnoch, AB Calgary, AB Enoch, AB Calgary, AB
Tue., Apr. 22, 2008 (Enoch/Edmonton, AB)Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 (Calgary, AB)
Instructors: Beverly White, Ph.D., R.D. (Apr. 22 & 23) Laura Pawlak, Ph.D., R.D. ( May 7 & 8)
FIGHTING FAT AFTER THIRTY
Physical Feats for Fighting Fat The 20-Minute Work Out: Finding Time in a Hectic Day. Finding the Motivation to Work Out: Friendship, Pets and Pounding the Pavement. Weight Training: Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Walking Your Way to Better Weight. Stress Reduction through Exercise: Physical and Mental Benefits.
Psychological Correlates of Appetite and Weight Control The Stress Cascade: Norepinephine, Cortisol and Appetite. Breaking the Stress-Related Eating Cycle: Behavioral Interventions that Work! Conquering Food Cravings and Addictions: Chocolate, Caffeine, Sugar, White Flour, and Fast Food. Maintaining Body Weight: A Lifetime Goal of Healthy Eating. The Simple Strategy of Portion Control. Four Common Clinical Conditions and How They’re Related: Obesity, Depression, Chronic Pain, and Sleep Deprivation.
Stealth Fat: How to Recognize the Enemy and Destroy It! Obesity: A Crisis of Epidemic Proportions. Outwitting the Female Fat Cell: Hormonal Influences on Body Fat and How to Overcome Them. The Physiology of the Fat Cell: Weight Loss and Weight Regain. How Fat Cells Expand. Holiday Weight Gain: How Significant Is It? What to Do About It. Overweight or Overfat? Body Composition Analysis through Bioelectrical Impedance, Fat Calipers and Scales. Liposuction: Health Risks and Benefits.
Food for Fighting Fat: How to Eat and Still Lose Weight. The Skinny on High Protein Diets: “Atkins,” “Sugar Busters!,” “Protein Power,” “The Zone,” and “South Beach.” The Paleolithic Diet: Will Eating Like Our Ancestors Result in Weight Loss? Carbohydrates: Do They Satisfy or Increase Cravings? How Important Is the Glycemic Index? Insulin Resistance, Syndrome X and Obesity. Effect of Carbohydrate Snacking on Oral Health. Sugar Substitutes: Do They Work? Aspartame, Acesulfame, Stevia and Sucra- lose. Oral Health and Body Fat Benefits. Dietary Supplements: 5-Hydroxytryptophan, Tonalin, Celasene and Chromium, Coenzyme Q-10, and Oral Health Benefits.
Wed., May 7, 2008 (Enoch/Edmonton, AB)Thu., May 8, 2008 (Calgary, AB)
Please print:Name: Profession:Home Address: Professional License #:City: State: Zip: Lic. Exp. Date:Home Phone: ( ) Work Phone: ( )E-Mail: Employer:Please enclose full payment with registration form. Check method of payment.
Check for $109.00 (CANADIAN) (Make payable to Biomed) Charge the amount of $105.00 (USA) to my Visa MasterCard American Express® Discover®
Card Number: Exp. Date:(enter all raised numbers)
Signature: Please send me directions showing how to reach the meeting site.
for
your
info
rmat
ion
32 The Advocate • Spring 2008
ethnocultural, multicultural and racial communities when dealing
with family violence.
This will be a unique opportunity for individuals at the forefront of
dealing with violence against women, to network, share and support
one and other.
• Early Bird Registration Begins - March 8, 2008
• Cut off date for accepting reservations (Crowne Plaza Chateau
Lacombe) - Aug 8, 2008
• Cut off date for accepting reservations (Westin Edmonton) - Aug 18,
2008
• VIA Rail Promotion - Sept 04 - 14, 2008
• Men’s Leadership Forum - Sept 8, 2008
• Conference Dates - Sept 8 – 11, 2008
For more information, see www.womensshelter.ca
The 9th National Conference on Collaborative Mental Health Care The Full Meal Deal—Education, Incentives, Implementation, Evaluation Victoria Conference Centre, Victoria B.C. May 15-17, 2008
• Student education
• New funding incentives
• Implementation of models
• Rigorous evaluation and research
The 2008 National Conference will again
include key note speakers, plenary ses-
sions, workshops, and paper and poster
presentations. There will be time for par-
ticipants to meet informally, exchange
ideas, discuss projects and initiatives and
socialize.
For more information, see:
www.shared-care.ca
For your informationContinued from page 30
1-877-353-3205www.ctrinstitute.com · [email protected]
CTRI provides professional training and consulting services forindividuals, schools and communities affected or involved in
working with issues of crisis and trauma.
Calgary EdmontonApril 3-4, 2008De-escalating Potentially ViolentSituations
April 1-2, 2008Crisis Response PlanningMay 26-27, 2008Suicide Prevention, Interventionand Postvention StrategiesMay 28, 2008Critical Incident Group Debriefing
Spring 2008 Public Workshops
Continued on page 34
Visit www.emdr.com to Register & Training Information
EFFECTIVE • EFFICIENT EMPIRICALLY SUPPORTED
Emdr Institute Inc Weekend 1 Training
CALGARY ABMARCH 28-30, 2008
SponsorsAnne-Marie Bergen, MSc 403-862-0323
Karen Rempel, RSW 403-247-1558
Training Includes Supervised Small Group Practice
3.5x4.75
www.emdr.com • [email protected] PO Box 750 Watsonville CA 95077 831-761-1040
for your information
33Volume 33 • Issue 1
Overcoming Trauma, Depression and Addiction with Empowerment and Love
Presented By
Charlotte Kasl, PhD
Public Lecture Friday, March 28, 7-9:00 pm $10 at the door
Professional Development Workshop Saturday, March 29, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm $150
Charlotte Kasl is a therapist, certified addictions specialist and author of Many Roads, One Journey and other books on healing, empowerment and social justice. Kasl’s proven tools and processes help service providers and benefit those in recovery and healing from addiction, abuse, trauma, and oppression.
For more information contact the Women In Psychology Professional Development Committee at (403)259-3427, [email protected], or visit www.members.shaw.ca/yesyoucan
CCAANNAADDIIAANN FFEEDDEERRAATTIIOONN OOFF CCLLIINNIICCAALL HHYYPPNNOOSSIISS
SSPPRRIINNGG CCOONNFFEERREENNCCEE && WWOORRKKSSHHOOPPSS
The Banff Park Lodge, Banff, Alberta May 2 - 4, 2008
Featuring…
Dan Brown, PH.D.Experiential Couples Therapy
Peak Performance/Positive Psychology
Dabney Ewin, M.D.Rapid Hypnoanalysis Using Ideomotor Techniques
Kent Cadegan, M.D. & Ian Simpson, M.B., B.Chir.Mind-Body Links and Psychosomatic Disorders
Assen Alladin, Ph.D.Mindfulness-Based Hypnotherapy
Introductory WorkshopThis 20-hour structured workshop consists of lectures, demonstrations, videos of
expert hypnotherapists’, small group (4-6) practice, and written material. The Introductory workshop is needed for both membership in the CSCH and to attend
any of the above (intermediate or advanced) workshops.
FFOORR MMOORREE IINNFFOORRMMAATTIIOONN,, VVIISSIITTWWWWWW..CCLLIINNIICCAALLHHYYPPNNOOSSIISS..CCAA//AALLBBEERRTTAA//
Watch for Announcements of Special Pre-Conference Workshops
THE ALBERTA SOCIETY OF ENERGY THERAPIESproudly presents
DR. DAVID GRUDERFounding President of the
Association of Comprehensive Energy Psychology
Public Presentation: Thursday April 24, 2008, at 7:30 pm
Advance Tickets: $10.00 per person. $12.00 at the door.For tickets call Marguerite at 780-489-1653 or
e-mail Ann at: [email protected]
LOCATION: Downtown Edmonton, Albertaat the Stanley Milner Library Theatre
Energy Psychology utilizes non-invasive and powerful techniques to balance and optimize your personal energy system and are easy to learn.
w Eliminate phobiasw Lose weightw Overcome guilt, fear, shamew Alleviate depressionw Dissolve anxietyw Enhance success in sports, academics,
decision making, public speaking
for
your
info
rmat
ion
34 The Advocate • Spring 2008
The Mount Royal College Alumni Association (MRCAA) is LOOKING FOR LOST MOUNT ROYAL COLLEGE SOCIAL WORK ALUMNI
We are looking for a special group of Mount Royal College alumni, the
Social Work Alumni group. This includes graduates who attended the
first program over 20 years ago to the recent graduates of the Social
Work Diploma Program.
Please contact Shirley Reynolds, Coordinator of the Alumni Chap-
ters and Events at [email protected] or call (403) 440-7074 to
receive information about current Alumni opportunities to socialize,
learn, network and retain your connection with Mount Royal College
including developing a Social Work Alumni Chapter.
See www.mtroyal.ca/alumni/brancheschapters.shtml for more
information!
Parkland Institute’s New Blog
We have now posted the summaries of the Sunday afternoon discus-
sion groups from our recent conference “From Crisis to Hope: Building
Just and Sustainable Communities.”
For Your InformationContinued from page 32
Drop by parkland-institute.blogspot.com, check it out, and add
your comments and ideas.
Join us for The Parkland Institute Spring Speakers Series: Beyond Fossil Fuels: Planning for Our Future All events from 7:00 – 8:30 pm at ETLC 1-013, Maier Learning Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton
• April 17 - The Energy Sustainability Dilemma: Powering the Future
in a Finite World
David Hughes, Geological Survey of Canada
• April 24 - Preparing the Health Care System for an Age of Scarce and
Expensive Oil
Dr. Donald Spady MD, Department of Pediatrics, University of
Alberta
• May 1 - Sustaining Life on Earth: Environmental and Human Health
through Global Governance
Dr. Colin Soskolne, Professor, Department of Public Health Scienc-
es, University of Alberta
For more information, please see www.ualberta.ca/PARKLAND/
Co-sponsored by:Canadian Association of Social Workers &Canadian Association of Schools of SocialWork
Co-parrainée par : l’Association canadienne des travailleuseset travailleurs sociaux & l’Association canadienne des écoles de service social
National Social Work ConferenceConférence nationale des travailleurs sociauxHuman Rights in a Diverse CommunityLes droits de la personne dans une communauté diverse
Join us in Toronto in 2008Veuillez vous joindre à nous à Toronto en 2008
May 22-25 maiMarriott Toronto Downtown Eaton Centre
www.oasw.org
for your information
35Volume 33 • Issue 1
For Your InformationContinued from page 34
CASW / CASSW Joint Conference Human Rights in a Diverse Community May 22 - May 25, 2008 Toronto ON
The 1st Joint Conference of the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) and
the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work (CASSW), hosted by the Ontario
Association of Social Workers (OASW), is taking place from Thursday, May 22nd to
Sunday, May 25th at the Marriott Toronto Downtown Eaton Centre.
Information will be posted on the Conference website:
www.SocialWorkNationalConference2008.org.
DEADLINE for the SUMMER 2008 issue of the Advocate is APRIL 15, 2008.
To place your notice in For Your Information, contact Lori Sigurdson at the ACSW office:
E-mail: [email protected] Toll-free: 1-800-661-3089 (or 421-1167 in Edmonton)
For Your InformationContinued from page
ACSW’s Partners
in Advocacy
Alberta Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health www.aamimh.ca
Edmonton Social Planning Council www.edmspc.com
Friends of Medicare www.friendsofmedicare.ab.ca
Greater Edmonton Alliance www.greateredmontonalliance.com
Public Interest Alberta www.pialberta.org
Parkland Institute www.ualberta.ca/parkland
1 888 589 5656 or TDMelocheMonnex.com/acsw
†Due to provincial legislation, our auto insurance program is not offered in British Columbia, Manitoba or Saskatchewan. The TD Meloche Monnex home and auto insurance program is underwritten bySecurity National Insurance Company and distributed by Meloche Monnex Insurance and Financial Services Inc. in Quebec and by Meloche Monnex Financial Services Inc. in other provinces and territories.
The logical solutionWith TD Meloche Monnex, Canada’s leader in group home and auto† insurance, it all adds up to exceptional value. We offerhome and auto insurance EXCLUSIVELY to members of professional and alumni associations like you. You receive high-qualityinsurance products at preferred group rates combined with exceptional service throughout the entire sales, service and claimsprocess.
Insurance program recommended by:
TO ENJOY preferred group rates and exceptional care:
ESPECIALLY for members of the Alberta College of Social Workers.
Titre : Black Board 2007Format : 7.125" x 4.75"Couleur : Black+PMS 220+PMS 520Client : Meloche MonnexPublication: The Advocate (Spring)
A103530_Advocate_520_220 AFMeloche Monnex09-03-2007 Page 1
100% 50% 0%
ATTENTIONVÉRIFIEZ ATTENTIVEMENT
Bien que tous les efforts aient été mis en œuvre pour éviter toute erreur,
S.V. P., vérifiez les films.Notre responsabilité se limite au remplacement des films.
Épreuve #1 – FINALE
MGraphiques M&H • Cité Multimédia80, rue Queen, bureau 403, Montréal QC H3C 2N5Tél. : (514) 866-6736 • Téléc. : (514) 875-0401
BLACKCYAN MAGENTA YELLOW
PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40050109RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TOALBERTA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS550 10707 100 AVE NWEDMONTON AB T5J 3M1
36 The Advocate • Spring 2008
in t
he n
ews
Mark your calendars!2008 ACSW Conference
“The Courageous Heart of Social Work”
March 13 - 15, 2008
See details on page 8, and at www.acsw.ab.ca/acsw_conference
National Social Work Week in Alberta
“Social Workers Advocating for Human Rights in a Diverse Community”
March 23 - 29, 2008
CALL RHONDA FOX-MILES, CIRP, RSW
444-39391-877-535-5355
♦ Free Initial Consultation♦ Warm Friendly Atmosphere♦ Monthly Payments Available♦ Weekend/Evening Appts. Available♦ Free Parking♦ Convenient Location♦ Children Welcome♦ Licensed for Alberta, Nunavet and NWT
CALL RHONDA FOX-MILES, CIRP, RSW
444-3939 in Edmonton
1-877-535-5355FOX-MILES & ASSOCIATES INC.
TRUSTEE IN BANKRUPTCY#310 8702 Meadowlark Road
Edmonton, AB
♦ Free Initial Consultation♦ Warm Friendly Atmosphere♦ Monthly Payments Available♦ Weekend/Evening Appts. Available♦ Free Parking♦ Convenient Location♦ Children Welcome♦ Licensed for Alberta, Nunavut and NWT