Senior Associate Dean Jean Quam was one of the leaders of 10 professional social work organizations convened at the Wingspread Conference Center to address the future of the profession on June 18-20, 2007. Participants signed a resolution: "We resolve to create a unified profession with one social work organization by 2012." This agreement sets the stage for an organizational structure inclusive of all sectors of social work.

The challenges of the 21st century, as identified by the Social Work Congress of 2005, compel a proactive, flexible organizational structure that reflects collective vision and ensures impact. A transition team (to which Quam was elected) will address implementation issues with ongoing input from constituents over the next five years.