President's Address 2017: for the Future: Social Work Educators, Allied Professionals and Student

Abstract

This is the President's Address at the 2017 Annual Conference of the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Directors (BPD) in which an interesting contrast is pointed out between New Orleans, LA, and the BPD. Both are noted for helping people survive as they are met with overwhelming challenges and difficulties. The author recalls the devastation that resulted from Hurricane Katrina and the disaster that followed because of a failure to respond. The case is made for the full inclusion of all social work educators and students in BPD while also recognizing our responsibility and renewing our commitment to provide the resources for training BSW program directors. The Grand Challenges for Social Work are identified, and social workers are challenged to take a stand against what stands in the way of a more just society.