Written by MSCSW President Monica Sowden
As we reach the halfway point of 2026, already it’s been a difficult year for many. I find myself returning often to the idea of the yin yang, which symbolizes the dynamism of energies. There is often light to be found in the dark, and MSCSW does have good news to share. We’re happy to announce several new initiatives to increase our sense of community and cohesion, to enhance the things you already love about MSCSW.
One of the most exciting new developments of 2026 has been the development of in-person events with “The Collective Cup” gatherings. These meet-ups offer time for networking and getting to know colleagues, as well as continuing education, in an informal community setting. The inaugural event was held on Thursday, April 9, at Nine Mile Brewery in Bloomington, with Holli Engelhart presenting on Havening Techniques. Shout out to Holli, Marina Luger, and Wendy Dunford for making this happen! Look for “Fill Yours Up With The Collective Cup” elsewhere in the newsletter to get more details, and please join us in June! This is a statewide initiative, so we look forward to meeting those of you in other parts of Minnesota.
We are also considering how we connect digitally, so will be evaluating our website in the coming months. A committee is exploring changes that can make the site more navigable, accessible, and intuitive. Many thanks to President-Elect Tia Wilcek and Membership Committee member Wendi Dunford for spearheading this effort. Look for further communications, as we may be collecting member feedback for this project.
To further promote MSCSW’s visibility in our communities, we have designed and purchased some merchandise, and we’d love to share it with you! Tee-shirts (see photo) will be available for sale at various in-person events with MSCSW. We very much appreciate Melissa Raatz’s and Shelley Berven’s work in getting these designed and produced!
With the surge in membership over the past several years, we have also had a surge in dues revenue, so for the first time in our history have found ourselves with a surplus. Some of that surplus will go into continuing to develop MSCSW to maximally benefit members, and some we have decided to share with the community.
As you know, many of us and our clients, loved ones and neighbors, were impacted by the immigration actions taken against our communities throughout the winter. While the operations have become less intensive, they continue, and their ramifications will be felt long into the future.
The MSCSW Board, therefore, has decided to once more make a donation, to , which does …
Finally, this will be my final contribution to the newsletter as president. I never expected or desired to serve in this role, but I hope I have stepped up to the challenge, during an incredibly tumultuous couple of years. I’m grateful to Bev Caruso, for seeing my potential and challenging me to fulfill it; I’m grateful to all of you who have sent me individual notes of encouragement and validation; I’m grateful to the Board for being so easy to work with. And every day I am grateful that my life’s journey led me to this profession, this work, and all of you. Light in the darkness, indeed.
Education Update
Educational webinars continue to roll along on the second Monday of each month! Webinars occur from 6 – 8 p.m., and upcoming topics are listed below. If you have an idea for a webinar, feel free to email the Education Committee at education@clinicalsocialworkmn.org. We are particularly interested in people who can present on supervision, so would love your recommendations or skills!
5/11/26: EMDR: More than meets the eye
6/8/26: Impacts of Medication on Mental Health
7/13/26: Ethical Documentation
8/10/26: The Hormone-Mental Health Connection in Women over 30
9/14/26: Mindfulness and Chronic Health Issues
10/12/26: Treating Trans, Non-Binary and Queer Clients (Meets requirements for cultural competence)
Fill yours up with The Collective Cup!
“The capacity to destroy one another is matched by our capacity to heal one another….community is central to restoring well-being.” – Bessel van der Kolk
On Thursday, April 9, 2026, our capacity to heal one another grew a little bit with the inaugural Collective Cup event, a new series developed after many members shared their desire for more community. A dozen clinical social workers gathered at the Nine Mile Brewery in Bloomington. Several folks sampled the beer, while others grabbed a bite of dinner. Holli Engelhart, one of the Twin Cities’ only Havening trainers, provided training on what Havening is, and how to incorporate some of it into our practices. The presentation was fun and engaging, with some pub-style trivia on Havening and sweet rewards for correct answers.
At a Collective Cup event, you can meet some of your fellow clinical social workers in a relaxed and casual environment, while picking up a CE credit. These gatherings will occur every other month, in a different part of the Twin Cities, at a different time, to maximize accessibility for all. There are also gatherings planned for Bemidji, Mankato, and Rochester. If you are interested in hosting one in your area, or providing a brief training, contact the Education Committee at education@clinicalsocialworkmn.org
