Ethics Alive! When DEI Becomes a Dirty Word: Rethinking Our Language

Language can play a key role in building alliances, winning favor, and advancing good causes. When considering how to deal with the backlash against DEI, should we reconsider our terminology?

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A New Path for Dementia Care: The Transformative Potential of the CMS GUIDE Model and Its Impact on the Social Work Profession

The GUIDE Model is structured to address the complexities of dementia by promoting integrated care approaches that foster better communication among healthcare providers, caregivers, and families.

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Book Review—The Ethical Case Manager: Tools and Tactics

“...this is first and foremost a book that is grounded on the complicated nature of ethical decision-making.” Book review of The Ethical Case Manager, reviewed by Stephen Cummings.

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Social Work Tech Talk-Plus: Dear Social Work Graduates—You Are Already Wise

You have made it all this way, toiled through your social work graduate program, and I’m supposed to say something wise to you. But you’re already wise.

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Self-Care A-Z: Self-Care and Political/Social Activism

Regardless of context and role, social workers are ethically compelled to engage in activism. In this era, we must attend to self-care and activism as complementary in crucial and intentional ways.

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2025 Winners of the National Social Work Poetry Contest

Happy National Poetry Month! The National Social Work Poetry Contest is sponsored by the University of Iowa School of Social Work and The New Social Worker magazine. Congratulations to the winners of ...

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Embracing Ubuntu: Fostering Compassion and Action Through African Philosophy

As social workers think deeply about the “dignity and worth of the person,” we are reminded of the African philosophy “Ubuntu,” which emphasizes the interconnectedness of individuals with their surrou...

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Social Workers Are Elphaba

Elphaba is a symbol of hope for us, as social workers, because she reminds us that we do not have to conform to societal standards and expectations. We weren’t meant to fit the mold; we were meant to ...

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Self-Care A-Z: March Is Social Work Month—Connecting Compassion and Action Through Self-Care

Self-care is not ancillary to action; it’s essential. Thus, we propose an essential corollary equation: Self-Compassion X Self-Care = Action that is Sustainable, Ethical, Effective, & Exponential.

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Ethics Alive! The Ethics of “Compassion and Action” in Social Work

Compassion is not explicitly mentioned in the NASW Code of Ethics. Still, its essence is embedded in our core values. In a world increasingly marked by disconnection, division, and misunderstanding, t...

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Compassion + Action: The Threads of Our Stories and Our Work

When we weave together pieces of our identity and values, we create a colorful tapestry that represents how we show up in the world. This is a lifelong process, and it is messy.

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The Compassion of My Foster Mother—The Late Mrs. Ruth Alexandra Cox

I went from being left out on a stoop in Brooklyn, and feeling worthless and abandoned, to being rescued and healed. Social work initiated the rescue, and my foster mother, the late Mrs. Ruth Alexandr...

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Compassion: A Conversation From the Heart

Let’s pause for a moment. What would it feel like if compassion was fully integrated into your daily life—not just as a value, but as a living experience? How would it shape the way you talk to yourse...

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Social Work Month Project 2025: Thank You for Your Compassion and Action

Social Work: Compassion+Action. THANK you for your vital work in challenging times, every day, every month. Please spend Social Work Month with us at The New Social Worker. Follow us all month (March ...

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The “Benefits” of an Eating Disorder: What Social Workers Need To Know

Why do people hold on to their eating disorders? Understanding the “benefits” of having an eating disorder can help clinicians better understand why their clients are reluctant to get better.

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Self-Compassion as the Heart of Self-Care

Celebrating Valentine’s Day, let’s talk about what may very well be the Heart of self-care: Self-compassion. By two of the co-editors of The A-to-Z Self-Care Handbook for Social Workers and Other Help...

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Listen to the Zebras: Observing Rare Disease Day

Rare Disease Day occurs on the last day of February. The zebra is a symbol for rare diseases, because the zebra is the rare animal that may not be expected or recognized. Angela Pokorny writes about h...

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Self-Care A-Z: What I Know for Sure About Self-Care, And…I’m Still Learning (Part 2)

Self-care is universal and individualized. Self-care is serious and superficial. Self-care is an integrated lifestyle and requires special attention. Power up your self-care with the power of “and.”

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Social Work Tech Talk: Protecting Against Cyber Threats—A 9-Step Guide for Social Workers

Protecting client data is a critical responsibility for all social workers. Follow these nine important steps to ensure safety of your clients’ private information.

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Book Review: Podcasting in Social Work Education—A Way Forward for Educators

Podcasting in Social Work Education opens with a brief history of the podcasting platform and makes a meaningful connection to social work education. Read our book review.

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Film Review: A Real Pain Exposes Isolation and Trauma Through a Two-for-the-Road Dramedy

A Real Pain gently addresses myriad examples of intergenerational trauma that run the gamut from a lack of self-respect to self-loathing, leading to an inability to connect with others and the devasta...

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Self-Care A-Z: What I Know for Sure About Self-Care, And…I’m Still Learning (Part 1)

Self-care is about power, and it’s up to me to (re)claim mine. Self-care is a professional ethical responsibility and a personal human right. It gets easier, and it remains a struggle.

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Thriving on the Social Work Doctoral Path: Unlocking Balance

Balancing your doctoral education with work and family life is challenging, but it’s far from impossible. With the right mindset, effective time management, support from loved ones, and a commitment t...

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Film Review—Wicked Part One: The Personal Is the Political

At a time when desperately needed, the blended genius that created Wicked: Part One offers the magnificent beauty of hope. Review and commentary by SaraKay Smullens.

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National Poetry Contest for Social Workers 2025

The University of Iowa School of Social Work conducts an annual, nationwide poetry contest for social workers. Submissions for the 2025 contest will be accepted between Nov. 1, 2024, and Jan. 31, 2025...

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