With upcoming elections & the ongoing realities of Covid-19, the upcoming year is bound to be significant in both our personal and professional lives.
The Social Work Policy Network remains committed to sharing key news updates, policy changes, action opportunities, events & more - with content particularly focused on social justice, equity, and systemic change.
Professional Opportunities
- Youth Wellness Program Coordinator - Nationalities Service Center (Philadelphia, PA)
- Civic Engagement Coordinator - Make the Road States (Elizabeth, NJ)
- Director of Community Engagement - The New York Immigration Coalition (New York, NY)
- Advocate Supervisor - CASA of Essex County (Newark, NJ)
- Public Employment Relations Specialist 3 - Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) (Trenton, NJ)
- Director of Positive Youth Development Policy and Advocacy - Advocates for Children of New Jersey (Newark, NJ)
- Safe Housing Advocate - WomenSpace Inc. (Lawrenceville, NJ)
- Staten Island Community Organizer - Citizen Action of NY (New York, NY)
Election Update
Election Day is right around the corner! This is the year that every NJ legislative seat is up for re-election. What's on the Ballot?
The deadline to vote is October 17th! Did you move recently? Change your name? It's important to update your voting registration to reflect these changes! Use the links below to make sure you are up to date and ready for election day November 7th! Register to Vote
National Updates
With Shutdown Looming, Biden Points to Republican Infighting - New York Times
“The president and his team insist they do not want the government to shut down. But they are also confident that Republicans will receive the blame if it does. President Biden’s shutdown strategy is simple: Avoid one, if possible. But if not, make sure Americans know whom to blame.”
What one motel tells us about survival in post-disaster America - Washington Post
“Since last September, residents all over southwest Florida have been struggling to rebuild their lives after Ian killed — directly and indirectly — at least 150 people and caused $112 billion in damage, the costliest storm in the state’s history. There has been major progress — billions spent on rebuilding. But many wonder where that money has gone because, for them, recovery has been difficult and frustratingly slow.”
Biden administration draws commitment from health insurers to cover COVID-19 shots - The Hill
“The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) met with representatives from the health insurance industry on Wednesday, receiving commitments that the updated COVID-19 vaccines will be covered after reports arose of some people having to pay out-of-pocket for their immunizations.”
Student journalists nationwide face administrative censorship and challenges - Prism Reports
“In the age of social media, with new platforms emerging seemingly every few months, high school newspapers are just one outlet where young people can share their voices and relay the stories of their lives. Yet student-run newsrooms play a profound and unique role not just in the school community, but also in the broader media ecosystem surrounding each campus.”
Local/Regional Updates
First Vote To Repeal Trans Student Policy OK'd By Holmdel Board - The Patch
“The Board of Education, even as it moves toward the final repeal of Policy 5756 that sets limits on notifying parents that their child identifies as transgender, appears to be taking a more creative approach to what has become a statewide controversy.”
Senate Democrats to Bob Menendez: Resign - NPR
“Democratic Sen. Cory Booker, who serves alongside Menendez in representing New Jersey, joined the chorus of calls on Tuesday. ‘The details of the allegations against Senator Menendez are of such a nature that the faith and trust of New Jerseyans as well as those he must work with in order to be effective have been shaken to the core.’”
Rally demands answers about police killing of Jersey City man during mental health crisis - NJ Monitor
“Nearly a month since the Jersey City police killed Andrew Washington, family members and advocates rallied outside City Hall Wednesday, demanding transparency and accountability for what happened on Aug. 27. ”
AI, Tasers and more supervision: NJ's plan to reform the troubled Paterson police department - Gothamist
“New Jersey officials said they will use artificial intelligence to analyze Paterson police body camera footage as part of a reform effort following a state takeover of the police department earlier this year.”
Highlight of the Week
Getting Back on Track: Fully Fund NJ Transit by Taxing Big Corporations
Maintaining a modest tax on the most profitable corporations can save NJ Transit, fully fund the agency, and prevent catastrophic service cuts and fare hikes.
Peter Chen and Alex Ambrose of the New Jersey Policy Perspective offer us an alternative to drastic fare hikes and service cuts.
The Social Work Policy Network's e-newsletter is created by:
Katie "Dash" Barany, MSW/MPP Graduate Student, Network Research Assistant
Dr. Lenna Nepomnyaschy, RU Associate Professor, Network Founder
Please send us any interesting announcements, job listings, internships/fellowships news, and seminars you may have. We are happy to hear from you! Submit your contributions to us via email to: russwswpn@gmail.com.
