NASW Celebrates and Supports the Power of Social Work in Communities Everywhere

March is National Professional Social Work Month

WASHINGTON—With over half a million professional social workers in the United States, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) would like to commend social workers everywhere. Social workers counsel citizens, develop public policies, implement national and local programs, and conduct essential research—improving life for us all.

"Everyday social workers help people from all walks of life, connecting thousands of people to appropriate resources," says NASW Executive Director, Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH, "Social workers help people understand their own personal power to overcome life’s adversities."

NASW President, Terry Mizrahi, PhD, MSW adds, "Social workers shape the programs and policies that strengthen community life. Social workers improve the quality of life and create optimum social conditions for everyone. We saw this phenomena up close in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC after September 11."

The theme for this year’s celebration of National Professional Social Work Month—The Power of Social Work. Community Needs. Human Connections—focuses in an essential root of social work practice. The profession began in the community, as social work pioneers worked with individuals, groups and organizations to build a better nation.

According to Clark, the work "power" is an appropriate choice to describe what social work is all about. Power is the ability to do, act, to influence.

"Social workers," says Clark, "not only have the power in numbers, but also the power for good—they bring about positive change and help right the wrongs of society."

Mizrahi says, "Social workers have tremendous capacity to improve communities. We use the power of knowledge, skills and values to make life better for many others."

Today, professional social workers provide assistance and guidance in our schools, hospitals, community organizations, government agencies, the military, research organizations, educational institutions, and private practices, as well as many other places.

Focuses throughout the month will be on the following issues:

• Diversity and Community
• Health and Mental Health
• Children and Families
• Adolescents and Education
• Aging
• Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs

For more information about National Professional Social Work Month, please visit the NASW website at www.socialworkers.org or call NASW Public Affairs at 202-336-8228.