It may be that when we no longer know what to do
we have come to our real work,
and that when we no longer know which way to go
we have come to our real journey.
The mind that is not baffled is not employed.
The impeded stream is the one that sings.
​–Wendell Berry (2011)

These are uncertain times.

Our government’s new administration brings with it much uncertainty about the future of our country, much uncertainty about the future of health care and much uncertainty about the future of many of the core values of the social work profession.

As Wendell Berry states, “When we no longer know what to do, we have come to our real work…” These uncertain times provide us an opportunity to get to our “real work.”

Berry also says, “The mind that is not baffled is not employed…” These baffling times provide us an opportunity to employ our minds and our hearts. These times are indeed uncertain, yet there is much for which we can hope. Our hope lies in our profession and in the future of our organization.

Our AOSW Standards of Practice call for the promotion of professional practice in accord with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. The NASW preamble reads:

The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. A historic and defining feature of social work is the profession’s focus on individual well-being in a social context and the well-being of society. Fundamental to social work is attention to the environmental forces that create, contribute to, and address problems in living.

Social workers were made for times like these! Remaining true to our mission will help us find hope in uncertainty. Crystal Hayes and colleagues (Hayes, Karpman, & Miller, 2016) wrote, “On the question of what to do, the Code of Ethics is equally clear. Social work has a strong social, racial, and economic justice imperative that condemns practices which threaten to violate basic human, civil or political rights and demands our engagement in social change” (para 5). They go on to highlight section 6.04 of the Code of Ethics which states:

Social workers should engage in social and political action that seeks to ensure that all people have equal access to the resources, employment, services, and opportunities they require to meet their basic human needs and to develop fully. Social workers should be aware of the impact of the political arena on practice and should advocate for changes in policy and legislation to improve social conditions in order to meet basic human needs and promote social justice (section 6.04).

While AOSW as an organization does not engage directly in political action, as individuals we can and must engage politically, and we certainly engage in social action! One sure way to fight political uncertainty, and to focus on hope and continue to improve the quality of life of those affected by cancer is through leadership in AOSW. These uncertain times should be our call to action.

AOSW is a volunteer organization; we depend on the giving nature and the leadership skills of our Board Members, conference committees, task forces, SIG leaders and other committee members. But our leaders often reap satisfaction and benefits by becoming involved in our profession on a larger scale than at the community agency level. Not sure how leadership can be a personal benefit to you? Here are some reasons to share some of your knowledge, skills and time with AOSW.

1. You’ll have more hope in the future.
   Being part of the leadership of AOSW allows you to participate in the future of our organization by helping to direct and implement our strategy for meeting our mission. You get a voice in what the future of psychosocial cancer care will look like. Being a leadership mentee as well as a mentor provides satisfaction and hope in the future leaders in our field.
    
2. You’ll make new professional and personal friendships.
   When people with a similar interest/mission come together, amazing things happen to advance that mission. A SWON posting around a similar interest resulted in a new connection and an abstract submission for AOSW years ago; I formed a friendship that I hold very dear to this day. The friendships I made while serving on a conference planning committee remain some of the strongest I’ve ever had.
    
3. You’ll see growth of our profession and of yourself.
   Just like you see growth and change in those with whom you work, you’ll see growth and change in AOSW and in yourself. You already know how much this can reinforce your own sense of professional self-worth. You will see yourself differently and be more satisfied with your profession.
    
4. You’ll gain a sense of enrichment.
   Like-minded, mission-driven OSWs working together in an advocacy role for our organization is a pretty amazing experience! There's nothing more fulfilling than realizing how much of an impact one can make in a leadership role. Your leadership will enrich AOSW in lasting ways you can’t imagine. And stepping up to support AOSW by leadership on one project or committee can turn into a lifetime of opportunity; this is one of the greatest benefits. Observing and working with the leaders around you will make you want to be a better leader everywhere, in AOSW and in your work.
    
5. You will learn.
   Leadership in AOSW allows you to try new activities or learn new skills. For example, you may be given an opportunity to plan a national conference, seek out or thank a funder, write a grant, partner with other national organizations, represent AOSW in a regional conference or other national taskforce related to cancer care. These are all amazing skills you can add to your résumé and take back home to benefit your own cancer center/agency.

Are you ready to counter these uncertain times by answering this call to action? Are you ready to step up your leadership skills and get more involved with AOSW? We have a strategic plan that highlights many areas we would like to advance (add web address here). Take a look and let us know if any areas interest you and will help you become more involved. You will not be alone! Remember item number 1: Mentorship is part of leadership.

The opening poem by Wendell Berry states, “When we no longer know which way to go we have come to our real journey.” Allow AOSW to join you on this, our “real journey” of fighting for the best care possible for those affected by cancer. In these uncertain times, we are all Berry’s “impeded stream” and this is our time to “sing.”