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From March 2002 NASW NEWS Power in Numbers, Power for Good
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan officially designated March as National Social Work Month with the purpose of honoring our nation's social workers. Each year since then, NASW has chosen a theme as the focus of that celebration. In years past, a variety of themes reflected current critical issues or social problems. Examples include "Children in Poverty" (1987), "Strengthening America's Families" (1990), "Vital Signs of a Healthy Nation" (1991) and "Racial and Ethnic Harmony" (1997). This year's theme is "The Power of Social Work: Community Needs. Human Connections." Since announcing the theme, I have received several letters asking what it means. Some members have even written to tell me that they are uncomfortable with the term "power," that it seems like the antithesis of the profession's ideals. I contend that the word "power" is an appropriate choice to describe what social work is about. I am not thinking only in terms of the power of our numbers (over half a million strong), but of the power for good — to bring about positive social change and to help right the wrongs of society. Power is the ability to do, to act and to influence. All of these verbs are essential to our profession. Social workers also have the power of knowledge, skills and values. The power of social work spans the "micro" to the "macro." The power of social work is evident in the clinical setting and in private practice. The power of social work can be seen in the cutting-edge research that not only identifies social problems, but also substantiates interventions that work. The power of social work is found in the classroom where a new generation of social work activists is being trained and nurtured. And the power of social work is noted in the leadership of community, state and federal agencies and in elected offices. Since the first formal class in social work was offered in 1898, social workers have led the way in developing private and charitable organizations to serve people in need. Today, Americans enjoy many privileges because social workers saw injustice and took action. Social workers use their individual and collective power to strengthen families, to help individuals overcome adversity and to make a significant impact on the well-being of communities and society. As a profession, we have a tremendous capacity to change society for the better. If ever we doubt this potential, a quick look back at social work pioneers — Jane Addams, Frances Perkins, Whitney Young — will remind us of our power base. Social workers adhere to a code of ethics that requires the highest standards — and sometimes even harder choices. We are committed, tenacious, resourceful and hopeful. We may change jobs, but not values. We may work in nontraditional settings, but we retain our social work essence. The old adage, "Once a social worker, always a social worker," is true, and we make no apologies for it. What keeps us moving forward, in the face of tremendous obstacles, is the knowledge that every day we have the potential — the social work potential — to make the difference, to use our power for good. When all is said and done, social work may be the last best profession. That is something to celebrate. Best wishes to each of you during Social Work Month. To comment to Elizabeth J. Clark: NewsColumn@naswdc.org Back to NASW NEWS Contents
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By Elizabeth J.
Clark, Ph.D., ACSW