Social Workers Promote Resilience and Advocacy
Social Work Month in March celebrates the power of strengths and dreams
BOSTON, MASS. (March 4, 2013) — On March 1, the National Association of Social Workers began its annual celebration of one of the nation’s largest professions. March is National Professional Social Work Month and this year’s theme, “Weaving Threads of Resilience and Advocacy,” emphasizes the value of using personal strengths and self-advocacy to manage serious life challenges.
Recognized as a top growth profession, social work directly addresses the increased demand for healthcare navigation, mental health services, family caregiving, child development, and veterans’ assistance. There are currently more than 650,000 professionally trained social workers in the United States, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts job growth to 800,000 by the year 2020.
The Boston University School of Social Work would like to thank our alumni, current students and professional staff for their dedication and commitment to the profession. “Every day, our alumni, students, faculty and staff advocate for fairness and access to resources that will benefit vulnerable people. They work to change environments affecting individuals, families and communities, and their chosen profession allows them to make a positive difference in peoples’ lives. We are very proud of them and celebrate their courage and strength as they work to empower others to hope, dream and believe in their own potential,” said Dean Gail Steketee, Ph.D.
Today, social work professionals continue to influence and improve services in hospitals, schools, businesses, military branches, government, and thousands of nonprofit and community organizations across the country.
“Social Work is the profession of hope—fueled by resilience and advocacy. Social Workers matter because they help millions of struggling people every day dream differently,” states the NASW. “In the United States, more than 650,000 of these highly trained professionals know how daunting and immobilizing life’s tragedies and obstacles can be. But they also witness the sheer determination of countless individuals and families to achieve different lives. Sometimes, all it takes to help people get on the right path is guidance toward what is possible. Other times, social workers are an immediate lifeline in crisis—providing access to resources and new life options.”
For more information about Social Work Month 2013 or the social work profession, visit SocialWorkMonth.org.
Contact:
Cecilia Hughes
617-358-5149