In June, Regina Phillips, DSW, Co-Founder of Cross Cultural Community Services, and Liz Kovarsky, LCSW, Health Equity Program Coordinator, attended the 2024 Leading Social Change conference organized by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) in Washington, DC. The conference brought together over 1,500 social workers nationwide, all dedicated to advancing social work practice and policy.
During the conference, Regina and Liz attended a variety of sessions covering critical topics such as policymaking, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), mental health, substance use, ethics, corporate social responsibility, harm reduction, and energizing nonprofit boards. These sessions provided valuable insights and strategies to enhance their work in Maine and beyond.
Their attendance at the conference underscores Cross Cultural Community Services' commitment to being at the forefront of social work practice, advocating for equitable outcomes, and addressing the unique needs of diverse communities. As they continue their work, the insights and connections gained at the NASW 2024 conference will undoubtedly contribute to their initiatives' ongoing success and impact.
A significant highlight of their experience was participating in a Juneteenth celebration, which underscored the importance of recognizing and honoring the historical significance of this day in the fight for freedom and equality. The celebration was a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for social justice and social workers' role in this movement.
The NASW conference reinforced the importance of continuous learning and professional development and highlighted the critical role that organizations like Cross Cultural Community Services play in driving social change. Regina and Liz returned to Maine inspired and equipped with new tools and knowledge to further their mission of fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion.