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Transformation: Charting Our Course
June 17 - 20, 2006
Westin Nova Scotian Hotel, Halifax, NS
The 2006 Conference Theme: Contemporary society is undergoing a transformation that is challenging conventional notions of socio-political and economic systems. The impact of globalization, the quest for strengthened human rights, the recognition of diversity in our society challenge social workers- as individuals and as professionals. The profession of social work has a direct relationship with the changes that are taking place at all levels- from the personal to the global with the result that the profession finds itself involved in a process of transformation. Within the profession, social workers have an opportunity to take stock of what is occurring and to be agents in community change. Personal and professional transformation may occur as we confront increasingly complex practice settings within a changing world.
BUILDING ON SUCCESS
LIFE AFTER TRANSFORMATION: CHARTING OUR COURSE
THE 2006 NATIONAL SOCIAL WORK CONFERENCE
(Please note: The comments in bold italics are quotes from the evaluation forms).
The planning, organization, and execution of this conference were superior! Plenary speakers & workshops were of the highest quality. It was wonderful to participate with social work colleagues, in discussing such important issues as social justice, social work values & ethics. I am inspired , refreshed , and energized to take my learnings back to my workplace and my community and put them into action. Thank you to all who had roles in planning and carrying out this conference�it was wonderful !
I was able to feed my social work spirit�.which felt very depleted until today. Thank you for that !!
We did it NSASW !!! � that means you and all of our members - should be proud of the tremendous success of the National Conference, held at the Westin from June 17 - 20, 2006. This was a major accomplishment for a small association in a small province. We played host to 482 social workers from across the country, providing a varied program of keynote speakers, paper and poster presentations, networking sessions, exhibits, and lively entertainment that reflected Nova Scotia culture.
Overall it has been a wonderful conference. It has challenged my thinking and reminded me of things I should be doing that often get lost in day-to-day work.
The conference so long awaited was a rousing success. As a Nova Scotian, I was proud to hear wonderful, positive feedback from out-of-province colleagues. Truly inspiring and thought-provoking.
Some statistics:
- 482 social workers from across the country (and other countries)
- social workers from every province, and from all three territories
- social workers from the U.S. and from Taiwan
- 50% of conference participants came from Nova Scotia - great participation!
- other leading provinces: Ontario - 56; Alberta - 48; New Brunswick - 37; Qu�bec - 16; Newfoundland and Labrador - 9
- 108 presenters - 30 from Nova Scotia - the largest number of presenters - a real opportunity to shine the spotlight on Nova Scotia social workers, their innovative approaches, workable solutions, and caring and compassionate responses.
I truly enjoyed the conference. The topics inspired me and it was good for networking. Good Job, Well Done !!
Overall the conference allowed me to reflect upon the impetus behind my decision to become involved in social work. Thank you.
Nova Scotia�s (and Canada�s) cultural diversity:
Nova Scotia�s rich culture was reflected in a Mi�kmaq welcoming ceremony, a riveting performance by the Beechville Baptist Church Youth Choir, Acadian co-hosts throughout the proceedings to remind us of the vibrancy of the language, a piper to escort the Lieutenant Governor to her table at the banquet, and exuberant fiddle music and step-dancing by the Putnam family. A closing prayer was led by Aboriginal colleagues from Western Canada, and simultaneous translation of plenary sessions and some concurrent workshops allowed French-speaking social workers to participate fully.
Great opportunity to network with people from across the country. Well done conference organizers!
This conference is the first time in 20 years of attending a variety of conferences where I was NOT disappointed in some aspect of the conference. Not only was the organization incredible---each and every keynote was exceptional---kudos to NSASW for an exemplary job !
Not everyone was a social worker:
The Youth in Care Network presented a poster and a group of young people spent break times talking with all passers-by; in between, they attended sessions and also came to the banquet. One of them posed a question to one of the keynote speakers, making it clear that social workers had made a difference in his life.
A wonderfully organized event. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication.
There were some engaging presenters�thanks. Keynotes were well chosen & really spoke to our challenges, and so provided me with inspiration to return to my practice. Tremendously gracious hosts !
Silent Auction:
Hats off to the organizers of the Silent Auction! Their decision to feature Nova Scotia artists and artisans made for a truly unique collection of items for which the bidding was brisk and competitive. We raised over $5000, half of which will be contributed to the Canadian Social Work Foundation.
Very organized�had a wonderful time. Hats off to the volunteers & organizing committee.
Awesome ! Great bag ! Excellent conference. I was inspired to return home and become involved in my local association as well as share the information I received in Halifax .
Special guest:
The Honourable Myra Freeman, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, and His Honour Larry Freeman brought a special touch to the banquet. We were pleased with her comments, which indicated an understanding of social work, and we were delighted that they stayed to the very end to enjoy the entertainment.
Very well organized conference. Thank you for keeping to the time schedule so well. Great selection of keynote speakers and variety of concurrent sessions. Wonderful focus.
Overall very well organized and the choice of venue was superb. We felt very welcome.
Trade Show:
20 exhibitors shared information with conference participants. Here are some of their comments:
Our learning was that it was an excellent, very well organized event. We made a lot of new contacts and were able to reacquaint ourselves with many others from NS and beyond. We had many visitors to our booth (350-400), over both days. We were very happy to have been there. ...overall we found it a positive exhibit for us since we have numerous social work titles and we find social workers are big readers anyway...
� we were pleased to have had the opportunity to hold an exhibit at the above conference. Our booth displayed publications on the Canada Pension Plan(CPP) and Old Age Security(OAS) which are Canada's public pensions. These programs provide a variety of benefits and provisions for our mutual clients. It is very important for social workers to have a good understanding of our programs in order to advise our mutual clients of possible entitlement to benefits.
� from my end everything was extremely organized. The international shipping went very smoothly for me (a first).
Overall, the experience was very positive and worthwhile for (us). In general, the booth provided (us) with an opportunity to meet individual social workers and for individual social workers to �visit� with (us). Individual social workers could receive information about projects, receive copies of publications, meet board members and office staff, and ask questions.
What next?? Building on Success
The conference has come and gone, encompassing two years of intense effort by a truly devoted cadre of volunteers. 2006 will long be remembered as The Year of the Conference. But what do we do now? We learned a lot about organizing, tapping into the incredible talents of Nova Scotia�s social workers, building commitment, working cooperatively towards a common goal, listening to colleagues from diverse backgrounds so that inclusion and respect are meaningful. We also learned of many innovative programs and creative ideas, both in Nova Scotia and across the country, but it was the wealth of social work knowledge, expertise, caring, and passion for social justice right here at home that impressed us most.
Our challenge is to take the inspiration we felt by spending three incredible days with other social workers and do something with it. We need to follow through with those we met in networking sessions, determine the steps to take to bring into reality some of the program, policy and service ideas we heard, volunteer our time to get something started. Let�s not lose the momentum we have gained. Our theme was Transformation: Charting Our Course. Surely we can look to the future with renewed energy and concrete plans for making a difference. And who knows � we might be laying the groundwork now for a truly spectacular National Social Work Conference 2026!
CHECK THE WEBSITE for more conference photos in the near future.
Conference contact information:
Nova Scotia Association of Social Workers
106-1891 Brunswick St.,
Halifax, NS B3J 2G8
Phone: (902) 429-7799; Fax: (902) 429-7650;
E-mail: