The Social Workers Support Network for new and seasoned Social Workers captures conference call technology for monthly confidential support.

On March 2, 2004, Social Workers Support Network (SWSN) - socialworkersupport.org - launched their monthly conference call based support networks just for Social Workers. Members of all ages, experience levels and locations face and receive support on these common issues: frightfully high levels of stress, juggling infinite need with finite resources, and trying to understand ever-evolving policies confusing enough to cause temporary amnesia.

Pete Koffron, MSW, Founder of SWSN, CEO of Koffron Consulting, Inc., (KCI), NASW member, and Co-Founder of TELELESSON.com has a passion to “support people who support people.” “SWSN is all about tapping into synergy, synchronicity and some plain old fun,” according to Koffron. “It always inspires me how total strangers – especially those who share a passion for social work – consistently provides unbelievable insight, value and resources with others. This sharing provides a wellspring of information, leads and support – so critically needed during these times of shrinking funds and expanding needs.”

SWSN also enjoys a range of freedom based on a solid base of confidentiality. “SWSN operates a bit differently from the norm,” according to Koffron. “We keep to first names only. Team members are pre-screeded to avoid members from the same entity, or – for that matter – location. While we do have focused teams (examples include: Private Practice, Child Welfare, HIV, Non-Profits, Community Organizing, Aging) we encourage future SWSN members to join a “generalized” team. Why? For the diversity of views, resources and wisdom so readily available from those ‘out-side the box.” These teams of 10 members all share a common dial-in number and access code for a one-hour monthly conference call. SWSN does NOT keep case notes, preach, judge or “social work” each other. All team members recognize the value of support – in all forms – including regular hearty laughs!” New groups begin when enough qualified members join a specific team. The next general group begins April 2, 2004.

In addition to a private, semi-structured call for 10 team members, SWSN offers a BONUS call each month – open to the first 50 SWSN members. During this bonus call, members have the chance to practice some lively brainstorming and seek additional support as needed. Koffron also hosts a FREE call once a month as well. “Every third Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. Central time (Chicago time zone), we have a 30 minute ‘taste test’ call. Any social service person is welcome to dial in, and experience first-hand SWSN’s magic.” From this call, most participants find the $25.00 annual membership fee to be a most reasonable fee for regular, compassionate, lively support.

SWSN creates a safe, confidential space for to share success stories, roadblocks, needs and leads on jobs, referrals and everything in between. Paid members enjoy a variety of ways to reduce burnout, relieve stress, explore opportunities, network and most of all – have fun! Koffron summarizes with, “SWSN provides the same boost in energy and benefits as attending a lively, well planned conference, workshop or retreat experience. Such experiences glow with an abundance of ideas, and infusion of energy. Best of all, these experiences inspire fresh perspectives to evolve knowledge into wisdom and strangers into vast pools of diverse resources.

About SWSN and the Founder, Pete Koffron, CEO of Koffron Consulting, Incorporated (KCI) – A Minnesota Company.
Prior to founding and launching SWSN, Pete Koffron, MSW (U of MN) NASW member, Co-Founder of gayevolution.com and TELELESSON.com enjoyed over a decade of service as an international business consultant to companies such as American Express and IBM Global Services. Projects ranged from 100K – 45M leading teams of 10 to 1200 worldwide. Koffron currently enjoys 20 years of volunteer work (front lines to Board Level) in local and national non-profit organizations. Overall, Koffron’s use of best business practices combined with time-tested social work methodologies build and engage confident, lively, culturally aware leadership and teams. Koffron invites you to come and experience a mix of solid communication skills, high levels of integrity and a large dose of humor to refresh even the most crispy (burned-out) practitioner. “Come and receive the support you dreamed of, but were afraid to ask for!”

Media Contact:
Pete Koffron
Founder, SWSN
866-357-4318
membership@socialworkersupport.org
pete@petekoffron.com