Volume 38, Issue 2, Summer 2013 ADVOCATE THE - ACSW

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Volume 38, Issue 2,Summer 2013THEwww.acsw.ab.caADVOCATEA L B E R TAC O L L E G EO FS O C I A LW O R K E R SFeature story: 2013 ACSW Conference Highlights page 30Farewell, Alison MacDonald page 20   A Day in the Life: Dennis Cassie page 24   Award winners page 26Social Action/Social Justice: Women, social work, and leadership page 12   Private Practice: So you want tostart a private practice? page 14   Diploma Dialogue: Maskwacis Cultural College page 16Book Review: Indigenous Social Work Practice: Creating Good Relationships page 18

The AdvocateVolume 38, Issue 2, Summer 2013FEATURE STORY2013 Conference Highlights. Joan Marie Galat 30in thisissueFEATURESFarewell, Alison MacDonald. Joan Marie Galat 20A Day in the Life: Dennis Cassie. Joan Marie Galat 24Presenting our award winners. Joan Marie Galat 26Published by:The Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW)550 10707 100 AVE NW, Edmonton AB T5J 3M1Ph: 780-421-1167/Toll-free (in Alta): 1-800-661-3089Fax: 780-421-1168/Toll-free 1-866-874-8931E-Mail: acsw@acsw.ab.ca Website: www.acsw.ab.caExec. Director & Registrar:Lynn Labrecque King, MSW, RSWacswexd@acsw.ab.caInterim Complaints Director:Linda Golding, MSW, RSWacsw@acsw.ab.caManager, Professional Affairs:Lori Sigurdson, MSW, RSW, acswpac@acsw.ab.caNEWSFrom our desk to yours. Charity Lui 3Competence Program Coordinator/Hearings Director:Kelly Brisebois, BSW, RSWMembership Activities Coordinators:Heather Johnson, SW Dip, RSWCharity Lui, BSW, RSWREGULAR FEATURESPresident’s report. Bob Johnson 10Executive Director & Registrar’s report. Lynn Labrecque King 11Social Action/Social Justice: Women, social work,and leadership. Lori Sigurdson 12Private Practice: So you want to start a privatepractice?. Jennifer Mansell 14Diploma Dialogue: Maskwacis Cultural College. Wilda Listener 16New RSWs. Membership as of April 19, 2013 17Book Review: Indigenous Social Work Practice:Creating Good Relationships. Tasha Novick 18U of C Updates: Social worker expands role toFinance & Administration Officer:Gladys SmeckoRegistration Coordinator: Brenda GrossExecutive Assistant / Administrative Team Lead:Noreen MajekPromotions Coordinator: Ilona Cardinal, BA, BFAAdministrative Support Professionals:Monica Vasconez Nearint NeamJennifer Vasquez Donna Ruymar Desiree HurstACSW Council:President: Bob Johnson, MSSW, RSWVice President: Richard Gregory, MSc, RSWSecretary: Barbara McPherson, MA, RSWTreasurer: Terry Wilson, BSW, RSWMembers at Large:Cynthia Gallop, MSW, RSW Rick Guthrie, MSW, RSWAnne-Marie McLaughlin, PhD, RSW Kanakii Mekaisto, BSW, RSWRichard Shelson, MSc, RSW Timothy Wild, MSW, RSWIndigenous Social Work Committee Representative:Kanakii Mekaisto, BSW, RSWinclude environmental dimension. Eldon Duchscher 19For Your Information. Announcements 36The opinions and interpretations expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Alberta College ofSocial Workers (ACSW), its editorial board, or contractors. The aforementioned make no guarantee or warranty, eitherexpressed or implied, about the accuracy or links contained in the Advocate, and are not liable for any direct, indirect,incidental, or consequential damages that could arise.All material with bylines is 2013 by author. ACSW retains copyright when no author is listed.THE ADVOCATE EDITORIAL POLICY: The Advocate serves as a “meeting place” for Alberta social workersby publishing information about social work research, theory, practice, and education; professionalaffairs; social issues; the work of the College; books, journals, and other media of interest to socialworkers; continuing education and job opportunities; and member activities. Members and the publicare welcome to submit articles, stories, anecdotes, poems, thoughts and ideas. Letters to the editor,announcements, cartoons, artwork, and pictures are also welcome (suggested word counts: reports,letters, announcements — 400-900 words; articles — max. 1000 words). The Editorial Board reservesthe right to edit submitted material. Please call the ACSW office for a copy of “Writing for theAdvocate” before submitting material. Publication does not imply endorsement by the College.The Advocate is published quarterly. Deadlines: JANUARY 15 for SPRING issue (March publication), APRIL15 for SUMMER (June), JULY 15 for FALL (September), OCTOBER 15 for WINTER (December).ALL SUBMISSIONS:The Advocate, ACSW, #550, 10707 - 100 Avenue, Edmonton AB T5J 3M1ATTN: Charity Lui E-MAIL: Charity@acsw.ab.ca PHONE: 780-421-1167 FAX: 780-421-1168.2Public Members:Lyle Berge Marija Bicanic, LLM Austin Mardon, CMThe Advocate is published quarterly for members ofACSW and other interested parties.Editorial Board:Papiya Das, MSW, RSW (Chair) Barbara Beattie, BSW, RSWJo-Anne Beggs, BSW, RSW   Duane Burton, BSW, MEdEugene Ip, DPhil, RSW   Leslie MacKinnon, BSW, RSWTasha Novick, BSW, RSW   Peter Smyth, BSW, RSWContributing Editor: Joan Marie GalatProduction Editor: Jena SnyderDesign: Kyle Loranger DesignAdvertising space is available; please call IlonaCardinal at the ACSW office or email IlonaC@acsw.ab.cafor details or to place an ad. The Editorial Boardreserves the right to reject any advertising.FALL 2013 ISSUE DEADLINE: JULY 15, 2013Canadian subscriptions are 26/year(outside Canada: 26 US/year) Please notify ACSWoffice immediately of any address changes.ISSN 0847 - 2890PM NO. 40050109RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO550 10707 100 AVE NW, EDMONTON AB T5J 3M1The Advocate Summer 2013

From our desk to yoursby Charity Lui, BSW, RSWSocial Work Week in Alberta: March 3-9, 2013Charity LuiThe ACSW published Social Work Week advertisements in weekly and daily newspapers across the province. Minister of HumanServices, Dave Hancock, acclaimed Social Work Week in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta,March 5.“Every day social workers contribute to the health and well-being of Albertans, often inchallenging circumstances,” said Hancock. “Their efforts deserve recognition because we all benefitfrom the many positive outcomes of their work when we see people in our communities doingwell and overcoming difficulties in their lives. In addition to four employees from Human Services,we have here today three representatives from the Alberta College of Social Workers. The collegeis a valuable partner in developing and supporting a skilled workforce and strong leadership withinthe social work field.”Former City of Edmonton social worker Jason Luan,Photo courtesy of the LegislativeMLA Calgary-Hawkwood, also spoke about SocialWork Week in the legislature. “As Albertans we’re always Assembly of Albertaproud of our richness in natural resources. We are rich in energy production, but I liketo think that we’re also rich in caring people and communities.” Later in his speech hesaid, “I want to encourage all Albertans to join our government in saying thank you tosocial workers in their community for the differences they are making.”Social Workers: Advocating fora Just and Equitable AlbertaThe Alberta College of Social Workers believes a Social Policy Framework should lookbeyond poverty. It should champion an Alberta society based on fairness, equality,and a life of dignity for every Albertan, not just those with financial wealth.The Government of Alberta’s Social Policy Framework initiative and a promise toeliminate poverty are signs that Alberta is being more serious about the socialwell-being of its citizens. This focus is timely because a recent report shows that theinequality and disparity gap between the majority of Albertans and those at the topof the income scale is growing faster than anywhere else in Canada.Social workers see first-hand the negative impacts of inequality and disparity. It isthe vulnerable and marginalized who suffer the most, followed by low and middleincome families and children.We invite you to read our Social Policy Framework for Alberta: Fairness andJustice for All. It encourages creation of progressive policies that shareAlberta’s prosperity.March 3 – 9 is Social Work Week in Alberta.Find out more at www.acsw.ab.ca.Social workers recognized in the legislative include: Shirley Cunningham, SW Dip, RSW, Foster Care Worker, Lesser Slave Lake IndianRegional Council, High Prairie John Dunn, SW Dip, RSW, Strategic Initiatives Coordinator/Child Care Region 10Metis Settlements, Edmonton Pauline Hunter, BSW, RSW, Family Enhancement Supervisor, AKO Child andFamily Services, Hobbema Val Kinjerski, PhD, RSW, Organizational Consultant, Kaizen Solutions for theHuman Services, Edmonton Charity Lui, BSW, RSW, Alberta College of Social Workers Membership ActivitiesCoordinator, Edmonton Sabrina McConnell, BSW, RSW, Intervention Specialist Region 8 NorthwestAlberta Child and Family Services, Grande Prairie Lori Sigurdson, MSW, RSW, Alberta College of Social Workers ManagerProfessional Affairs, EdmontonRegistered Social Worker (RSW):The professional standard in social workThe Alberta College of Social Workers regulates social work practice in Alberta.Its primary focus is to serve and protect the public interest by promotingskilled and ethical social work.Medicine Hat News, Lethbridge Herald, Red Deer Advocate - 5” x 10.75”From our desk to yourscontinued on page 4Social Work Week ad that ran in the daily newspapersVolume 38 Issue 23newsProclamations and celebrations took place across the provincein theSocial Workers: Advocating for a Just and Equitable Alberta

From our desk to yoursContinued from page 3in thenewsEdson celebratesSome of the amazing food at the Edson luncheon:saffron rice, curried goat, quinoa salad, Greek salad,and an international bread selectionEdson social workers celebrate Social Work WeekACSW’s Edson area coordinator, Altaf Ali, hosted the thirdannual Social Work Week Ethnic Luncheon March 4. Edsontown councilor Tammy Strang spoke on the importance ofcelebrating the social work profession. Former Region 7board member Brian Broughton shared his thoughts aboutthe profession. Several agencies proudly displayed informationabout their services in the provincial building foyer.Region 7 former board member Brian Boughton speaks to group in EdsonLac La Biche celebratesHigh Prairie celebratesL to R: Mike Dickinson, Yvonne Westcott, Sharon Stevens, Amanda Dawn Edge,Rochelle Whyne, Belva Cardinal, Karen Mauro, Beryl McNulty, Elaine Poulin, RogerPoulin, Jennifer Gauthier, Brenda Lange, Amanda StedmanL to R: Kofi Kwarteng, Lorina Dubois, Trudy L’Hirondelle, Carol Anne Appleton,Manuela Campbell and Verna Wittigo in High PrairieSocial Work Week was celebrated in Lac La Biche, March7, at an interagency tea hosted by the Community SocialWork Program at Portage College. Retired instructorMike Dickinson spoke briefly about his social work career.Claudette Dube provided an update on the Universityof Calgary Bachelor of Social Work program that will beoffered at Portage College this fall. Portage College providedrefreshments, including a cake and many door prizes. Studentsfrom the Community Social Work program organized a socialwork information display at the college entrance.Social workers in High Prairie shared an evening and mealtogether March 6. Frieson IGA generously provided a cakewith the words “Social Workers are appreciated” and NativeCounseling Services kindly provided coffee. The event offeredan opportunity to meet new staff, reconnect with colleagues,and discuss shared experiences as social workers.4The Advocate Summer 2013

The Catherine and Austin Mardon C.M.Schizophrenia AwardThe first recipient of the Catherineand Austin Mardon C.M.Schizophrenia Award was announcedat the University of Alberta in April.Tabitha Zuni England, a freshmannursing student who suffers fromschizophrenia, was named thewinner.Calgary celebrates Social Work WeekCalgary panel presentation: Hieu Van Ngo, Peter Choate, Lisa Lorenzetti, LindaKongnetiman (moderator)In Calgary, the Alberta Health Services Social Work WeekCommittee hosted a panel presentation with speakers LisaLorenzetti, Peter Choate, and Hieu Van Ngo, who spokewith passion on how they “advocate for a just and equitableAlberta.” Social workers described the presentation as“inspirational, fantastic, motivating.” In addition, a FastFacts Quiz about social work was offered and Elaine Eskowdelivered a presentation on the uniqueness of social work, tothe Allied Health staff at Peter Lougheed Centre.Alberta Health Services collaborated with social work staffto design and implement a communications approach withthe intent of highlighting the role of social work withinhealth care. An article, A Day in the Life of a Social Worker, waspublished and distributed to all staff. It featured the work ofa social worker in generalist practice in a remote northernsetting.newsDr. Austin Mardon is a public member of the ACSWcouncil and recipient of the Order of Canada. Both Austinand Catherine Mardon have been recognized for theiradvocacy on behalf of those who live with mental illness.in theAustin MardonEdmonton celebrates Social Work WeekL to R: Charity Lui, Tammy Shepard, Marian Saunderson, Donita Armstrong, MarkSchmidt, Abu Mejida, Angela Lindsay, Lina Filomeno-MelchionnaEdmonton AreaCoordinators and theChildren’s Issues InterestGroup organized twoseparate presentationsby author and Advocateeditor Joan Marie Galat,who shared inspiringvignettes to encourageand reenergize fromher newly publishedbook Give Yourself a PepTalk. She has recentlyJoan Marie Galatbeen accepted into theSpeakers’ Bureau of Alberta.The Edmonton Area Coordinators organized a pub night.Participants enjoyed the informal opportunity to relax anddiscuss social work issues.The Edmontonzone’s Social WorkProfessional PracticeCouncil of AlbertaHealth Services hostedfour presentations onmental health andwellness. The series,broadcast from theHappy Social Work Week!Royal AlexandraHospital, was telecast to various locations throughout theprovince. A total of 235 participants registered in the sessions.From our desk to yours continued on page 6Volume 38 Issue 25

From our desk to yoursCenter for Balance, a home-based business specializing inyoga instruction, reiki energy healing, and craniosacral therapy.Linda Rae Crockett facilitated Workplace Bullying and sharedthe toolkit Workplace Bullying Experienced by Social Workers,which she created as part of her MSW field placement at theACSW. You can access the 37-page document on the ACSWwebsite in the Practice Resource section. The workshophelped empower social workers by increasing their awareness,stimulating discussion, and exploring ways to create positiveworkplace change.Continued from page 5in thenewsLethbridge held its 13th Annual Social WorkWeek ForumSocial Work Week saw almost 100 social workers fromLethbridge and surrounding communities come together forthe 13th Annual Social Work Forum which celebrated thetheme: Creating Possibilities in Social Work Practice. Participantswere challenged to think in creative and alternative ways whenproblem solving or strategizing. Workshop facilitator CarolAnn Fried of Vancouver led participants in active and dynamicexercises. Invited out of their comfort zones, attendees wereencouraged to try new thinking styles and discover howthey could enhance their solution-creating capacities. Muchlaughter, action, and discussion ensued.Slave Lake workshopSocial workers and Northern Lakes College social work studentscame together in Slave Lake March 14 to hear Alison MacDonaldaddress maintaining boundaries in rural practice. The celebrationprovided a welcome opportunity to network and enjoy somelively discussion on a topic that affects most practitioners.L ro R: Emma Lehmann, Amie Staniloff, Jimmi-Lynn Kinnee, Richard Shelson, LisaParkin, and (seated) Greg Robinson at Lethbridge ForumFort McMurray workshopsHeather Thomas showcasing the Brahmahand mundra used in breath exploration.On February 21, localACSW area coordinatorswere pleased to offer twoworkshops. Feeling Full,Grounded & Present inEveryday Life: Self-Carefor People Who Work WithPeople offered practicallearning. Participantsdiscovered techniquesto become full andgrounded, which assists inremaining present in dailyactivities. It was facilitatedby Heather Thomas,owner and operator ofFort McMurray’s AnandaSlave Lake workshop on March 14Alison MacDonald leading the Slave Lake workshop, Maintaining Boundaries in RuralPractice6The Advocate Summer 2013

Edmonton — Rick Miller delivers Module 1:Certificate in HopeologyStaff newsAlison MacDonald is leavingACSW to take on the positionof Executive Director for theSaskatchewan Association ofSocial Workers.Please see our feature article onAlison’s contributions to ACSWon page 20 of this issue.in theAll the best in your new position,Alison!newsAlison MacDonaldCo-sponsored by the City of Edmonton, Edmonton’s Children’s Issues Interest Grouphosted a workshop by Rick Miller on April 12Aboriginal Career Fair in High PrairieVerna Wittigo represented ACSW at an Aboriginal CareerFair in High Prairie on April 30, 2013. More than 200 youthattended.Linda Golding has stepped downfrom Council for a short termto assist with coverage of vacantworkload pending recruitment toInterim Complaints Director.Her experience and expertise isvaluable and appreciated!Linda GoldingJenn Vasquez joins the ACSWoffice as an Administrative SupportProfessional.Welcome, Jenn!RCMP Victim Services coordinator Sandra Bembridge (L) with Verna Wittigo (R)Parkland Institute GalaJenn VasquezAfter being with ACSW for nearlynine years, Jennifer Catt is leavingto pursue her career in science.Best of luck, Jennifer!Jennifer CattL to R: Margaret Brown, Butch Nutter, Carolyn Nutter, Shamanthi Cooray, Charity Lui,Lynn King, Kathaleen Quinn and Richard FeehanVolume 38 Issue 2From our desk to yours continued on page 87

ACSW renews Partnership with TD InsuranceMeloche Monnex (TDIMM)From our desk to yoursContinued from page 7ACSW council electionsBob Johnson was reelected as president, Richard Gregoryhas a new position as vice president, and Timothy Wild wasreelected as a council member. We welcome two new councilmembers: Rick Guthrie and Cynthia Gallop.L to R: Mandeep Chauhan, Relationship Manager, TDIMM; Sylvie Demers, Chairman,TDIMM; Lynn Labrecque King, ACSW Executive Director and Registrar; Lori Sigurdson,ACSW Manager,Professional Affairs; and Louis Guay,Vice President, TDIMMin thenewsACSW Council elections were accomplished online usingan interface that allowed members to quickly and easily castvotes. What a difference from past years! Our members clearlyappreciated this voting method. More than 750 membersvoted, which is a significant increase over previous years.Council Meet & GreetACSW Council met in CalgaryApril 18-19. On Thursday evening,Gerald Wheatley of Arusha addressedcouncil during a meet and greetevent.Arusha, a social policy partnerof ACSW, is a collectively run,member-supported organization thatprovides resources and programmingon local and global social justiceissues.L to R: Richard Gregory, Timothy Wild, Rick Guthrie, and Cynthia Gallop.Gerald Wheatley from Arusha2013 Annual Conference Student Scholarship Award WinnerNaomi Hanna SW Dip, RSW, University of CalgaryL to R: Naomi Hanna, TD Insurance Meloche MonnexScholarship winner, with Pamela Tasker, TDIMMI am a working, mature student member, nearly finished my fourth year with theUniversity of Calgary’s site based Learning Circle in the Red Deer Bachelor ofSocial Work program. This is the fourth conference I have attended. Conferencesare an invaluable addition to my classroom education. Each one has given mea gift of understanding, a fresh perspective, and renewed me. The sessions Itook part in this year, once again lived up to expectations. The time that I spentlearning from Jean Lafrance, Bernadette Iahtail, Donna Bell, Dennis D. Whitford,Betty Bastien, and Kanakii Mekaisto as well as the keynote speaker FredericReamer, has changed me in a profound way. Each one opened my heart to a newperspective or idea that has impacted my way of being. I am truly grateful to thepresenters, those who helped me attend, and TD Insurance Meloche Monnex forthe sponsorship.8The Advocate Summer 2013

Natasha Prihoda — Final field placement reflectionsin theI was fortunate to be involved with the conferencecommittee and helped coordinate volunteers. It was a lot ofhard work but so much fun! I met so many wonderful ACSWvolunteers and future social work colleagues. The opportunityto network was a big bonus, and opened my eyes to thewonderful diversity in the social work profession. Attendingworkshops and the Indigenous celebration and seeing thesupport ACSW offers to social workers and our communitymade me very happy about my conference experience.newsAs a bachelor of social work student in my fourth yearat the University of Calgary, I had the privilege of doingmy final field placement at the Alberta College of SocialWorkers office. Over the four months, I enjoyed a growingappreciation for all the hard work being done at the college.Natasha Prihoda and the Siksika Nation North Camp Dancers at the 2013 ACSWconference Indigenous celebrationDuring my placement, I planned events for Social WorkWeek, including organizing one for the Bachelor of SocialWork students at University of Calgary. I taught students theimportance of being registered, along with the benefits ofbeing a member of the college. We celebrated our professionwith pizza, cake, fun games, and some great prizes. Myclassmates’ participation and professors’ support was greatlyappreciated.Every social work student needs good mentors to help growand develop as a professional. I feel very lucky and happy tohave met so many great people and new role models at theACSW.BSW students celebrate Social Work Week at the U of CL to R: Ryuichi Nakashi, Daniella Gallardo, Natasha Prihoda, and Evert DzemuaSpecial appreciation goes to Lori Sigurdson, my supervisor.From the beginning of my placement, Lori was nothing butsupportive and encouraging. I feel blessed to have worked with such a strong social worker who showed me the importanceof women in leadership positions and advocating on behalf of the profession and the public. Lori gave me many greatopportunities I will never forget. She inspired me to keep moving forward and to always be positive despite any challenges.She showed me the importance of courage and to stand up for what is right. Lori’s guidance and friendly attitude helped megrow not only as a social worker, but also personally.It’s impossible to describe all the hard work I saw going on around me during my practicum at the ACSW. I will miss all theadventures! nVolume 38 Issue 29

PresidentregularfeatureBob Johnson, MSSW, RSWPresident’s reportBob JohnsonSpecial Council Notice!ACSW Council is excited and pleased to announce that the Member Consultation Project is underway. It isgetting us out of the boardroom and into conversation with the important people serving the public—you,the membership!You can participate in the consultation in a number of ways: attend a face-to-face session participate in a teleconference session provide feedback onlineContributing to active conversations with your professional association is an important endeavour thathelps strengthen the profession. Three Category A credits are granted to those who take part in face-toface sessions.Participants prioritize consultation topics, which may include the annual conference and AGM, CanadianAssociation of Social Workers, continuing competence, exams for registration, membership fees,partnerships and projects, registration and renewal process, advocacy activities, and student engagement.Information and details will be continuously shared throughout the project, until September. Forfurther information see www.acsw.ab.ca/social workers/council/membership consultation or emailnoreenm@acsw.ab.ca at the ACSW office.Congratulations and best wishesto Bob and Sharon!ACSW president, Bob Johnson and his lovely wife (and fellow RSW)Sharon, enjoyed a special trip to celebrate 40 years of marriage.Bob Johnson is the president of ACSW Council.You can contact him through the ACSW office atacsw@acsw.ab.ca.10The Advocate Summer 2013

Executive Director& RegistrarLynn Labrecque King, MSW, RSWLynn Labrecque KingExecutive Director & Registrar’s reportregularWord of the Day—Transitions and Special ProjectsfeatureThe 2013 Annual Conference held in Calgary this past March was a great social work gathering. The transitions we areexperiencing at multiple levels were highlighted for me, not only in this year’s theme Shaping Our World: where socialwork and technology meet, but also in the sessions and celebrations taking place within the conference. From Dr.Reamer’s keynote, examining the impact of social media, to evolution in our social work lives, one can see “evolution” isa word of the day.The Annual General Meeting saw us welcome two new councilmembers, Cynthia Gallop and Rick Guthrie, and recognize the serviceof two outgoing council members, Tera Dahl-Lang (vice president) andAjay Pandhi (member at large).During the AGM and awards luncheon, Alison MacDonald, deputyregistrar, was given special acknowledgment for 14 years of dedicatedservice. Alison was thanked for her many accomplishments, as well asher contributions which still benefit members, including key documentssuch as the Standards of Practice. The Awards Luncheon also saw anappreciative crowd of colleagues celebrate this year’s award winners’commitment to the principles and ideals of social work practice. Pleasesee our Q&A with the award winners on page 26.Just as the conference theme covered aspects of ourexperience with social media, we at the ACSW office havebeen thinking about our own use of social media and themethods available for connecting with members.Nearint Neam, Lynn Labrecque King, and Noreen Majekfrom the ACSW officepresented her research to the ACSW Council in April. Herfindings will aid communication planning.Erin McFarlane, University of Calgary masters of socialwork student, has been working on a special project tohelp identify options and member preferences for receivingand participating in communication with the ACSW. ErinACSW office transitions have included the completionof a special file project, thanks to the capable assistance ofCherie Pulver; maternity leave cover-off by Donna Ruymar;recruitment of Jenn Vasquez to the important role of frontreception; and welcoming returning staff member DesireeHurst.Lynn Labrecque King is the Executive Directorand Registrar for ACSW. You can contact her atLynnLK@acsw.ab.ca if you would like to share yourthoughts on this or any other topic.We are also busy with recruitment activities for two staffvacancies including our search for a director, regulatorypractice, and an administrative professional. Linda Golding’sassistance with covering the complaints director role duringthis time of transition is very appreciated. nVolume 38 Issue 211

Social Action/Social JusticeregularfeatureLori Sigurdson, MSW, RSWLori SigurdsonWomen, social work,and leadershipThe critical mass theory suggests that in order to impact legislative outcomes, 30% of elected legislators must bewomen. When this threshold is met, legislatures produce family-friendly policies such as those that support fundingfor daycare, women’s shelters, living wages, and services for the disabled. Social workers advocate for these sameprogressive policies. This role, synonymous with leadership, requires us to stand up for our client’s rights. As leaders,we demonstrate the courage to speak up when it is unpopular and serve as champions for marginalized and vulnerableAlbertans. Therefore, one way to achieve social justice is by increasing the number of social workers, particularly women,in political leadership. Out of the close to 7000 registered social workers in Alberta, 85% are women.According to Women in Politics: Still Searching for an Equal Voiceby Ann Wicks and Raylene Lang-Dion (www.equalvoice.ca)the most outstanding examples of legislatures with over 30%representation are from the Nordic countries: Sweden 45%,Iceland 43%, Finland 42%, and Norway 39%. These countrieshave much stronger social policy frameworks than countrieswith less than 30% representation. For example, only 17%of legislators in the United States are women. In contrast toNordic countries, our southern neighbor has significantlyless family-friendly social policy.What about Canada? How are we doing at electingwomen legislators? Equal Voice reveals that the May 2011federal election saw Canadians choose more women thanever before with 25% female parliamentary members.In provincial/territorial jurisdictions, 3 of 13 have morethan 30% female elected legislators with Quebec at 33%,British Columbia at 32%, and the Yukon at 31%. Albertaachieved a middle-of-the-pack sixth place but the situationis improving. While the 2008 election saw 20.5% femaleelected legislators (17 out of 83), the 2012 election saw anincrease to 26.4% women elected (23 out of 87). Specificallyin terms of can

ADVOCATE ALBERTA COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORKERS THE Volume 38, Issue 2, Summer 2013 www.acsw.ab.ca Feature story: 2013 ACSW Conference Highlights page 30 Farewell, Alison MacDonald page 20 A Day in the Life: Dennis Cassie page 24 Award winners page 26 Social Action/Social Justice: Women, social work, and leadership page 12 Private Practice: So you want to