Lately I have been watching our PSWs talk on our Facebook group and one constant has remained – as PSWs we are alone.
That remark is untrue. As PSWs in the province of Ontario YOU have a professional Association. There is NO other province in Canada that as a Professional Association for PSWs. We offer you protection, answers to your questions, a listening ear! We offer health benefits, discounts on insurance, resources, help with resume/career building, upgrading, advocacy but most importantly a VOICE.
Some PSWs have asked us why aren’t we in Thunder bay? Why aren’t we in Kenora? Why don’t we do things up north?
The answer to that is simple. We do. We have PSWs in all those areas but very few! In order to have upgrading for our members we NEED members.
OPSWA is a volunteer association – every person that sits on a board or committee or works every single day to bring positive change for our PSWs is a volunteer – nonetheless they are volunteers with TONS of passion and drive.
Without OPSWA – the PSWs of Ontario would not have a voice – there would be no PSW around the table for the PSW Registry – there would be NO ONE defending the Personal Support Worker with anyone – there would be no one for PSWs to rely upon.
So I guess some PSWs are right – if you are not a member of OPSWA – I guess you are alone. So join and become a Professional PSW. Make the move to improve YOUR future.
Miranda Ferrier
President
Ontario Support Worker Association (OPSWA)
MFerrier@opswa.com
http://www.opswa.com
About Ontario Personal Support Worker Association (OPSWA)
The Ontario Personal Support Worker Association is the first ever Professional Association for PSWs across our Nation. OPSWA is run by PSWs FOR PSWs and public safety. We understand the difficulties PSWs deal with everyday OPSWA represents thousands of Personal Support Workers across Ontario. Our goal is to make the PSW a profession of choice, not just a stepping stone. As PSWs work with societies must vulnerable, we believe in due diligence where our membership is concerned, our PSWs must meet certain criteria in order to be an OPSWA Registered PSW. All of our PSWs have an annual National Police Check done at NO extra cost to them, plus so much more! Because OPSWA is run by your Peers, OPSWA PSWs have opportunities to obtain extra training at a discount price, Liability Insurance, discounts at major stores and so much more! For more information on what OPSWA's criteria is please go to membership.
OPSWA was developed out of our mother organization PSW Canada(2007), which was created by PSWs as an information station for PSWs and those alike cross our nation.
For more information on PSW Canada, please contact info@pswcanada.ca.
OPSWA's Mission Statement
To continuously strive to improve the professional status of the Personal Support Workers of Ontario through advocacy for excellence and consistency in training, services, working conditions, and value to those we serve.
Vision: Standardization of the Personal Support Worker will afford all Ontarians the quality of care which they are entitled too.
OPSWA's Blog 