2020 NASW-NJ Virtual Conference H I G H L I G H T S
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Every presentation, every thought given to the user experience, every detail was considered with us in mind. This conference showed remarkable innovation and leadership, I have never been more proud to be a member of NASW-NJ!
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ach year hundreds of social workers from across the world join the New Jersey community for our Annual Meeting of the Profession in Atlantic City. For three days, the community comes together to learn, grow, network and support one another—an event so many look forward to. COVID-19 presented the social work community with a unique challenge—to reimagine what this hallmark event could be. In true social work fashion, our community rose to the challenge, embraced change, and rallied behind our first entirely virtual conference. Over 1100 social workers, agency representatives, community leaders,
10 May 2020 | www.naswnj.org
exhibitors and sponsors were welcomed by messages of gratitude and support from local, state, and federal representatives including Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. Attendees were able to network in the virtual networking lounge, sharing support, resources, cheerleading and exchanging information on how to best respond to community needs during COVID-19. The exhibit hall was packed with sponsors and exhibitors who brought resources, and support to the community— connecting in real time with our attendees. Among the highlights were our two keynote presentations, grappling with different aspects of the challenges we face today: technology and grief/loss during COVID-19.
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This year’s presentations were the best I have ever experienced at conference, timely, relevant and informative. The speakers were incredibly engaging!
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Thousands of participants joined these two livestreamed events on Facebook, bringing
the conversations of today to people in their homes in real-time. The conversation on technology focused on the forward thinking, future of the profession and how social workers both engage with technology and lead the development of it—giving us a glimpse of the future of our profession and challenging us to consider “what is possible?” Bringing us back from the realm of futuristic thinking, the second presentation included a live clinical intervention—engaging a fellow clinician who was generous to share his own story of loss due to COVID-19—and demonstration of practical tools for clinicians.
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I was not sure what to expect of a virtual conference, but this was the best I have been to in 30 years!
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While coming together in a physical space was missed, the virtual conference gave the connection and learning opportunities our community so greatly needed during this time. Many of the presentations will be made available for on-demand learning on NASW’s Social Work Online CE Institute, accessible at www.naswnj.org.
