NASW Launches “Social Workers Speak” Web Site
Web Site Lets Social Workers Comment On and Influence How They Are Portrayed in Media
WASHINGTON – The National Association of Social Workers has launched Social Workers Speak!, an interactive Web site that lets social workers follow and comment on their portrayal in movies, television and the news. Social Workers Speak is also an excellent tool for the media to interact with social workers and find experts in our field, said James J. Kelly, PhD, ACSW, President of the National Association of Social Workers.
“Some of the most popular movies and television programs deal with issues social workers handle each day – including children and families, the aging, and health and wellness,” Kelly said. “However, social workers and the issues they address are not always accurately portrayed in the media. Social Workers Speak will help us tell the real story and generate a healthy dialogue between the media and social workers.”
The Web site now features the premiere of “Precious,” a film by acclaimed director Lee Daniels that tells the story of Claireece “Precious” Jones, an overweight teenager who must overcome sexual abuse, pregnancy, illiteracy and HIV. The film, which premieres Nov. 6, also features pop singer Mariah Carey in the role of social worker Mrs. Weiss.
“Social workers are eager to watch this film and weigh in on the troubling issues the movie addresses and Mariah Carey’s portrayal of a social worker,” Kelly said.
Social Workers Speak will feature surveys, forums, content feeds and the latest in content-sharing featuring, including links to popular social networking Web sites such as Facebook. The Web site also has sections on social work’s image in Hollywood, cutting-edge social work research, expert interviews on social issues in the media, and an interactive map that highlights news about social work from across the nation.
“The Web site is debuting at a perfect time, Kelly said. “The fall television season features several dramas with themes that relate to issues social workers handle.”
The Social Workers Speak site is sponsored by the NASW Communications Network, which works to help the news and entertainment media better reflect the roles of social workers.
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