National Social Work Month
Every March, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) celebrates the profession by calling attention to the work and accomplishments of its members. We should take this opportunity to look back at what social workers have accomplished and additionally, look ahead to their future. From individuals to communities, social workers impact much of society, so there’s no shortage of ways to recognize both the past and future of the profession. So in honor of National Social Work Month, here are several ways to raise awareness and celebrate the work of social workers.
Network With Social Workers
Across the country, chapters of the NASW are hosting events to celebrate social work month, but don’t stop there. Also check online to see if the organization is hosting any other volunteer or learning opportunities that seem like a great fit for you. From continuing education to advocacy campaigns, there are many ways for you to get engaged with the work your local chapter is doing and connect with other social workers.
Honor a Colleague
Celebrate National Social Work Month by celebrating the great people around you. Find someone in your life, whether it’s a coworker or mentor, and ask if they’d be comfortable if you gave them a shout-out in the workplace, at a professional event or even on social media. The field of social work can be a challenging one, but it’s also filled with dedicated, hard-working individuals. Taking a moment to recognize someone’s storied career, or a younger worker’s bright future, can be a small but meaningful way to honor those who have and will make a difference.
Commit to Advocating for Social Changes
Social workers have always been on the front lines of the fight for social justices and have made such great strides on many issues from advocating for the minimum wage to pushing for increased access to medical and mental health care. Start advocating for a new social justice cause—or find inspiration from the past and commit to furthering those causes.
Share the History of Social Work
The NASW encourages its members to write letters to the editor for National Social Work Month. The organization’s sample press releases and letters highlight just some of the ways social workers have shaped our world today. You can follow those initiatives up by raising awareness on social media as well. This is a great opportunity to do research on some unsung heroes in this profession (and for you to learn more about its past accomplishments). Jane Addams might be the most well-known social worker, but there’s a long history in the U.S. and abroad of trailblazers, like Harry Lloyd Hopkins, who ran the Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression, or Helen Harris Perlman, who was an early pioneer in the field of short-term psychotherapy.
Build New Relationships
Whether you’re already a social worker, plan to become a social worker or are just considering it as a potential career option, there’s a great deal to learn by talking to others in the field. Grab a coffee with a friend, teacher or acquaintance—especially if they work in a different specialty—and ask them about their experience and the struggles they have faced. Focus on learning more about their day-to-day experiences and share a bit about yours. Talk about the policies and red tape that hinder your work and new strategies that have helped you do your job better. This can be a great way to learn from others and to educate yourself on what to expect before entering the field.
Join the Fight
Social work has made an impact on a national and international scale, but at its heart, its ultimate goal is to help individuals lead better lives. If you’re considering a career in social work, be sure to check out our website where we celebrate the many social workers in our community through our blogs and interviews on “The Jury’s Out” podcast.
