From January 2002 NASW NEWS
Copyright ©2002, National Association of Social Workers, Inc.

Social Work Month Preparations Begin

By Corinna Vallianatos, NEWS Staff

NASW is gearing up for Social Work Month 2002, having crafted a promotional theme and action plan to help garner positive exposure for and recognition of the profession in March, and all year long.

Gail Woods Waller, manager of public affairs, said this year's campaign will promote NASW's slogan "The Power of Social Work," accompanied by the theme "Community Needs. Human Connections."

"This is the essence of social work," Waller said. "Social workers have the power to strengthen families and communities. They have the power to help individuals overcome adversity. They have the power to make a significant impact on society. They have the power to do the right thing. And they have the power to advocate justice."

According to Waller, toolkits went to all chapter executive directors to supply ideas and a framework for promoting social work in local communities and across the country. The toolkit consisted of a media kit, with recommendations for public service announcements and op-ed articles, and information on creating "weekly expert" themes throughout March on such issues as aging, school social work and child welfare.

In addition, the toolkit, which also went to sister social work organizations and key national partners, included samples of new promotional merchandise, such as shirts and desk accessories that sport the NASW logo. It contained artwork for publications, including the new 2002 Social Work Month design. It included Web site updates, with guidance on how to post profiles of social workers involved in innovative programs and press releases on chapter sites. It also included a calendar of national public health campaigns and NASW department updates.

"This year, highlighting real social workers in real communities is something that we can all celebrate," said Lahne Mattas-Curry, NASW public information associate.

Because social workers touch people's lives everyday and everywhere, "The Power of Social Work" is an apt description of a profession that wields its influence so positively, said Waller.

For information and to order Social Work Month publicity material through March: www.thepowerofsocialwork.org; (202) 336-8212

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