Newsletter
|
|
AAISW e-Newsletters will provide all
the members with important news and happenings with in the organization. Please
click on the following links to get all the recent and archived news. More..
|
|
|
|
|
|
Welcome to the American Association of Indian Social Worker's Inc.
|
|
|
|
NEWS
LETTER
|
PRESIDENT'S
MESSAGE
|
March is Social
Work Month. The American
Association of Indian Social
Workers (AAISW) salutes all its
members for their commitment and
dedication. The National
association of Social workers (NASW)
has, as in
previous years, selected a theme
for this years Celebration
-"The Power Of
Social Work- Pass it On"
Our power is enshrined in
service. We serve people
when we empower them. Every time
we empower, we are passing on
the power of Social Work.
On behalf of the
board of directors and
executive committee of our
association, and on my personal
behalf, I take this opportunity
to
congratulate you on this
occasion and thank you for
your dedication and
devotion to duty. The Board of
Directors and the Executive
Committee met a
number of times to finalize a
schedule of activities for the
current year.
We will keep you informed about
these activities through this
News Letter as well as other
communiqués mailed regularly.
We are delighted to
resume the publication of our
monthly News Letter. It is
my sincere hope that newsletter
will be both a vehicle of
communication and
an instrument to bring us all
together. The success of this
venture depends
on us, the membership. This is
our voice to our community and
it's
leadership. Be free to share
your ideas, your opinions and
your views on
social issues...share your
expertise, particularly clinical
expertise
through the pages of this
newsletter. Patronize it
regularly by
contributing articles, news
items, job openings,
opportunities for education
and training etc. I take
this opportunity to thank the
editors for their
willingness and spirit of
accommodation.
Wishing you and your
families a Happy Spring, Happy
Social Work Month.
Sincerely
John John Mattam CSW
President, AAISW.
|
INAUGURATION
AND HOLIDAY PARTY |
The
Inauguration of the New
Executive Committee of the
American Association of
the Indian Social Workers
and the Holiday Party were
celebrated with pomp and
splendor on January 24th,
2004 at the Charis
Christian Center
auditorium in Queens. The
freezing cold and adverse
weather conditions did not
dampen the festive spirit
of our members and their
families in coming
together to make it a
memorable event.
The
program started with
registration coordinated
by Mr. James George-
Treasurer AAISW and Ms.
Jhancy Anthony. The public
meeting commenced about
4.00pm with the welcome
speech by Sajan Thomas,
Secretary who was also the
Master of Ceremonies.
Mary Ann George’s
the melodious prayer song
was uplifting to everyone
in the auditorium.
Sunny Paulose CSW,
senior member and the
Treasurer of FOKANA
introduced the chief Guest
George. Koshy the
President of FOKANA. Mr.
Koshy in his inaugural
address stressed the
importance and role of
Social Workers in
today’s changing
society. He urged social
workers to become agents
of social change and get
involved in the multiple
challenges and
complexities of the Indian
Community.
John
Mattam in his Presidential
address gave a brief
outline of the programs
and activities of the
Association for the coming
year. He also spelled out
primary focus of the
Executive Committee as the
enhancement and
professional growth of the
members through various
educational programs.
The
lighting of the
Traditional lamp
“Nilavilakku” by Mr.
Koshy marked the formal
inauguration of the
Association, which was
followed by Oath taking
ceremony by the Committee
members. Dr. Paul Njalieth
introduced the newly
elected executive
committee to the audience.
Dr. Francis Jacob in his
felicitation stressed the
need to galvanize the
association by making it
truly national and not
just parochial. Mr. George
Thaila gave a ‘Walk
down’ of the 10-year
history of the association
and its phenomenal growth
through the years.
|
The
second part of the
celebration- the
entertainment programs
presented by our children-
conquered the hearts and
mind of every one. It was
a spectacular show of
talents filled with fun
and thrill. The colorful
and enchanting single
dances by Amy Abraham,
Veena Cherian and Silpa
Francis kept everyone in
rapt attention. Stacy and
Sheena Machanical, Reshma
and Manisha George, Noel
and Nikhil James performed
their best group dance
winning applause from the
spectators.
Mary Ann George,
Silpa James Rony James
along with Xavierkutty
Thomas, John Kuruvila and
John Kusumalayam
entertained everyone with
their heart warming solo
performance.
Instrumental music
Anuraj George (clarinet)
Jerry Mathew (violin) Roy
Cyriac (African Bongo) etc
added further flavor to
the cultural events of the
night.
Sajimon
Kadavil , Joint Secretary
proposed vote of thanks to
everyone. Saji Joseph Vice
President took care of the
sumptuous dinner, which
was enjoyed by everyone.
The Asianet TV and other
weekly Indian publications
provided Media coverage.
|
|
ELECTION
2003 |
Unlike
previous years when office
bearers of our Association were
nominated and elected unopposed,
this year’s election was
competitive and passonate. The
election of the executive
committee for 2004- 06 periods-
originally scheduled for 6th of
December- was postponed to
December 20th 2003
due to unpredictable weather
condition. The election was held
at the Raj Mahal restaurant in
Queens.
There
were two panels, but only the
office of the President and that
of the Joint Secretary were
contested. John Mattam and Regi
Markose were the candidates for
President while Sajimon Kadavil
and Babu Joseph vied for the
office of Joint Secretary. Prior
to the election, association
General body asked the
candidates to speak about their
vision for the association. The
Election Commission comprising
of Luke Malika, Alex Chamakala
and Paul Njalith conducted the
election through secret ballot.
When
election results were announced,
John Mattam and Sajimon Kadavil
were declared elected to the
positions of President and Joint
Secretary respectively. The
election process upheld values
of democracy. Saji Joseph as
Vice President, Sajan Thomas as
Secretary and James George as
Treasurer were elected
unopposed.
After
the election the general body
nominated the following persons
as Board members- Abraham
Thomas, Jhancy Antony, Kamalesh
Bagga , Sajan Jose and Biju
Philip. About seventy members
who had paid in their 2003
membership fee participated in
the election.
|
|
|
Schizophrenia
and Mental Health
Connection
|
|
The
development of modern views on
psychopathology has not followed
a straight path, however we are
able to identify a general
movement away from superstitions
and magical explanations about
mental illness and more towards
scientific explanations. Early
superstitions were followed by
the emergence of medical
concepts in many countries such
as Egypt and Greece. Many of
these concepts were developed
and redefined by Roman
physicians. In the 5th century
AD, people widely believed that
mental illness was caused by the
devil. One treatment involved
making holes in patient's skull
believing that the devils could
get out of his head.
In
the 16th century, asylums and
other institutions were founded
as a popular method of treatment
.The 19th and 20th centuries
witnessed a number of scientific
and humanitarian advances .The
revolutionary nature of Philippe
Panel's work is captured in his
famous words, "release the
patient from the chains".
Schizophrenia
and Bipolar affective disorder
are the two prominent diagnoses
established early on in
Psychiatry. The concept of
Schizophrenia has under gone a
drastic change over the years.
In 1809 --1873 Period French
Psychiatrist Benedict Morel had
used the term "Demence
Precoce" for group of
people whose symptoms began to
show in their adolescence. In
1856-1926 Emil Krapelin (who
coined the term Manic Depressive
Psychosis) translated Morel's
Demence Precoce to Dementia
Praecox
meaning
distinct cognitive process
(dementia) and early onset
(praecox)
In
1911 Eugene Bleuler coined the
term Schizophrenia (splitting of
the mind) for the disorder.
Bleuler was famous for his
articulation of primary and
secondary symptoms of
schizophrenia. The primary
symptoms of schizophrenia are
four A's: Association, Affect,
Autism, and Ambivalence. The
secondary symptoms are
hallucinations and delusions.
In
1980 T.J. Crow proposed a
classification of schizophrenia
into type 1 & 2, based on
the presence of positive and
negative symptoms. The positive
symptoms include delusions and
hallucinations; negative
symptoms include Anhedonia (no
interest), Alogia (Poverty of
speech), Flattening of affect
(flat affect), and Ambivalence
("to be or not to
be").
A
similar evolution can be traced
in the development of our
understanding of Bipolar
affective disorder.
The
ancient Greeks understood mania
as a state of raving madness
with exalted mood. Even though
there were lot of discussions
regarding the topic of mania and
depression for almost 2000 years
the complete clinical work up
was done in 1850 by Jean Pierre.
It was Emil Kraepelin
(1856-1926) who coined the term
manic-depressive psychosis.
When
we discuss the history of
bipolar disorder we must mention
the term, melancholia and mania,
which were coined by the Greek
and Roman thinkers in B.C.
Hippocrates (460-357 BC)
described melancholia (black
bile) as a state of aversion to
food, insomnia, irritability,
and gentleness.
Around
AD 30,The Roman physician Aulus
Cornelius Celsus, in his work De
Re Medicina described
melancholia (from Greek melan --
black, and chole -- bile) as A
depression caused by black bile.
In 12th century Moses Maimonides
considered melancholia a
discrete disease entity. In 1686
Bonet described a mental illness
that he called
maniaco-melancholicus. In 1854
Jules Falret described a
condition called folie
circulaire in which patient
experiences alternating moods of
depression and mania. In 1882
Karl Kahlbaum, using the term
cyclothymia, described mania and
depression as stages of the same
illness.
As
we look at the evolving history
of psychiatry and appreciate the
milestones in its development we
are permitted to ask: what is
the shape of things to come in
the area of treatment of the
identified mental illnesses? We
hope during my lifetime they
could be able to find a cure for
Schizophrenia. Social workers in
conjunction with other
professionals can play a vital
role in dealing with mental
illness and related issues.
Mental illness.
Biju
Philip CSW
Senior
Social Worker Woodhull Hospital
|
|
Significance
of March
|
March
means many things to many. To
basketball lovers, it’s
“March Madness”. To
Meteorologist, it’s
unpredictable weather patterns.
(March goes out roaring like a
loin, they say). To nature
lovers, it’s wonderment and
sheer excitement. To Social
Workers, it’s ‘Social Work
Month’.
It is not mere
coincidence that social work
month is observed in March.
March is the embodiment of
newness, freshness and
hopefulness. March ushers in
spring. Spring denotes all
things new and fresh. Easter is
celebrated in spring and Easter
is “new life from death”. If
winter, with its long nights,
fallen leaves and bitter cold
reminds us of death and
darkness, spring brings new life
and Easter is rising from the
from the dead. Spring with its
blooming wonders and budding
green foliage instills hope as
Social Workers instill hope in
the hearts of people. Social
workers, because they touch the
lives of people, instill hope
and bring new life. Social
Workers bring in a new
perspective, new dimension to
people who are puzzled with
their life. Often, Social
Workers are instrument in
brining hope and happiness to
people.
No wonder that March was
selected as the month to
celebrate Social work profession
and the part they play in
bringing new life and hope to
all.
Dr.
Francis Jacob PhD.
Chief
Editor, AAISW
|
|
UPCOMING
EVENTS
|
Please
Mark your Calendar!
|
March
27, 04-
Social Work Month
Celebration and General
Body Meeting at
Raj Mahal
Restaurant Queens.
April
– 04 -
Public Seminar on
Medicare/Medicaid
May
– 04
– Membership Drive.
June
6, 04-
Fund Raising Event- Summer
in USA
at Martin Van Buren High
School, Queens.
June-
04-
CSW Review Course 2nd
Part
|
MEMBERS
NEWS……………….
|
John
Kusumalayam
– Promoted as a Social
Work Supervisor at
St.
Agatha Home of New York
Foundling Hospital.
Mr.Santhosh
Thomas
Woodhull Hospital
Mr.Santhosh Varghese
Harlem Hospital
Mr.John Kurien
Metropolitan
Hospital
Ms.Nimmy Joy
Metropolitan
Hospital
Mr.Joby Joseph
Bronx Psychiatric
Center
Mr.Shibu Kurian
Bronx Psychiatric
Center
Mr.Siby Chacko
Kingsboro
Psychiatric Center
Congratulations to Geo
Joseph who has passed the
CSW exam last month.
Mr.
Jose Joseph and Susan
Joseph have become the
proud parents of a baby
girl Emily. Also, Varsha
Joseph and Tom Joseph had
a baby son
Congratulations….
|
A
Joke
|
Jones
is driving past
the state mental
hospital when his
left rear tire
suffers a flat.
While Jones is
changing the tire,
another car goes
by,
running over the
hubcap in which
Jones was keeping
the lug nuts. The
nuts are all
knocked into a
nearby storm
drain.
Jones is at a loss
for what to do and
is about to go
call a cab when he
hears a shout from
behind the
hospital fence,
where one of the
inmates
has been watching
the whole thing.
"Hey, pal!
Why don't you just
take one lug nut
off each of the
other
three wheels?
That'll hold your
tires on until you
can get to a
garage
or
something."
Jones is startled
by the patient's
seeming
rationality, but
realizes
the plan will
work, and installs
the spare tire
without incident.
Before
he leaves, he
calls back to the
patient. "You
know, that was
pretty
sharp thinking.
Why do they have
you in
there?"
The patient smiles
and says,
"I'm in here
because I'm crazy,
not
because I'm
stupid."
Roy
Thomas CSW
|
|
CSW
RIVIEW COURSE
|
Among
other things one of the
top priority of the AAISW
is enhancing the
professional growth of its
members. One of the means
towards this goal is in-service
program.
Under the auspices of
AAISW, a well-coordinated
CSW Review Course was
conducted at the Woodhull
Hospital on 28th
of February 2004. Classes
were conducted in three
sessions from 9.00 am to
4.00 and about 30 social
workers working in various
facilities attended the
classes. Participants
included five non-AAISW
members from Woodhull
Hospital. The massive
attendance at the class
surprised everyone. Dr.
Craig Crabtree PhD Social
Work Supervisor at
Woodhull led the classes.
Participants were
given study materials
containing thousands of
possible questions and
answers.
Sajan Thomas, Secretary AAISW
welcomed the gathering and
John John Mattam -
President AAISW proposed
vote of thanks. Mr.
Abraham Thomas was
instrumental in
arranging the beautiful
conference room at
Woodhull. Many thanks to
the participants and hope
soon all our members will
be
licensed.
|
The
Power of Social Work- Pass
It On.......
|
Dear
friends
The theme for this year's
Social Work Month is 'The
Power of Social
Work: Pass It On' This has
special meaning to us
because, as social
workers:
We pass the power of
social work on to the
people whom we help,
giving
them renewed hope.
We pass on the vision and
purpose of social work on
to the community when we
practice what we learned
at social work school.
We pass the passion
of social work on from one
generation of
social workers to the next
by our commitment to
social work principles.
Since 1984, March has
officially been designated
as the month to
acknowledge and recognize
the contributions made by
social workers to improve
and to the quality of
life.
Often
working behind the scene,
Social Workers are
trained to address
problems people face. Some
of our members have made
notable advancement in
their career as social
workers. Some are
recognized in their
community and beyond for
their hard work, vision
and wisdom.
We are humbled and proud
of their achievement as
one big family.
This
year, we've called many of
you and asked for your
input. We
wish to thank all of you
who took the time to speak
to us and give us
your honest feedback. We
appreciate your great
participation,
contributions and personal
help to mark our events a
great success, which we
would have never
accomplished without you.
I personally, take this
opportunity to thank you
again and anticipate
your co-operation in
future to make our coming
events a great success.
I wish you all a happy
Social Work Month. Thank
You.
Sajan
Thomas, CSW
Secretary,
AAISW |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|