[bsw] Social Work Postage Stamp

[Brenda Moore]

In honor of MARCH as SOCIAL WORK MONTH, please consider sending the
following letter on behalf of our profession!!!

Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee
Stamp Development
United States Postal Service
1735 North Lynn Street, Room 5013
Arlington, VA 22209-6432

Dear Advisory Committee Member:

I am writing to support the issuance of a U.S Postal Service stamp honoring
the nation's social workers.
Social work is a profession dedicated to service to others.  But much of
what social workers accomplish--helping others overcome adversity to achieve
their fullest potential--goes unrecognized.
U.S. stamps portray individuals, subjects and events that are instrumental
to the American experience.  A postal stamp would be a fitting tribute for
the more than half a million professional social workers who work every day
in our nation's hospitals, schools, prisons, private and public agencies,
government and elected offices, corporations, community centers, and the
military, to help millions of families cope with serious illness,
depression, disability, addiction, discrimination, domestic abuse, and
caregiving responsibilities, among countless other issues.
Postal stamps, such as those honoring teachers, nurses, pharmacists and
physicians, have provided symbolic commendation for many noble professions
over the years.  I believe a stamp recognizing the essential work of social
workers in modern times--and the 100-plus year history of the profession in
the United States as it has advanced rights and improved social services for
all Americans--is a contribution worth acknowledgment. 
Many benefits that U.S. citizens take for granted were created because
social workers spoke out against abuse and neglect, and sought social policy
changes that resulted in:
*	Civil Rights Legislation 
*	Social Security and Worker's Compensation 
*	Disability Pay 
*	Unemployment Insurance 
*	Humane treatment for people with mental illness, development
diabilities and substance abuse problems 
*	Medicare and Medicaid to give poor, disabled and elderly people
access to health care 
*	Preventive and protection programs for child abuse and neglect 
*	Special education programs   
The social work profession has contributed immeasurably to the progress,
well-being and quality of life and social stability of America. In
recognition of the difference they make in the lives of so many individuals,
families and communities across our great country, I hope the Citizens'
Stamp Advisory Committee will give serious consideration to a stamp honoring
the nation's social workers. 

Sincerely, 





Dr. Brenda Moore, LMSW-AP
BSW Director - Department of Social Work
Texas A&M University - Commerce
P.O.Box 3011
Commerce, Texas  75429
(903)886-5398
www7.tamu-commerce.edu/socialwork