There is a tendency to distance from the situation and to erect defences against the potential pain that comes from close contact. Even private practitioners are subjected to this pull, given the necessity of working with managed care companies and other demands. Working this out requires a strong conscious ability to analyze what is transpiring, not only within the client's systems but within oneself and within the organization. Finding such support is the essence of what a community has to offer. There is a large social work community in New York City that on one end looks like a network of friendships and close colleagues, and on the other end comprises the sum total of all of these relationships in the city, unfolding over time.
Association means community.
NASW is there for you whether you attend its activities, read its newsletter, or simply know that it is working for all of the profession to uphold standards and the Code of Ethics, and to keep the public aware that social work is, indeed, a profession of highly educated, effective practitioners. Entering the social work profession is no piece of cake. At the deepest level it requires authenticity and guts, an inspiring combination. With this said, welcome to the greater social work community.