2010 Social Work Congress

professionals talking at conference

The 2010 Social Work Congress was held April 22 and 23, 2010, in Washington, DC. Approximately 400 social work leaders attended, including 30 emerging leaders under the age of 30.

The purpose of the 2010 Social Work Congress was to examine the internal challenges facing the social work profession, with a special focus on transferring leadership from established leaders to emerging leaders. 

A parallel Student Congress was convened online with 400 social work students across the country. These students watched components of the event online, ranked the adopted imperatives, and created imperatives of their own.

Final Report of the 2010 Social Work Congress

The 2010 Social Work Congress defined a new set of imperatives that focused on professional challenges. For the social work profession to thrive, these imperatives must be incorporated into the daily work and future planning of all areas of the profession.

Read the final report

Speakers

  • Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-9)
  • Congresswoman Alyson Schwartz (PA-13)
  • Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-1)
  • Congressman Edolphus Towns (NY-10)
  • Dr. Jared Bernstein, Office of Vice President Joe Biden
  • Mona Shah, Staff for Senator Barbara Mikulski (MD)
  • Kristen Downey, author of “The Woman Behind the New Deal: Life and Legacy of Frances Perkins”
  • Daniel Brook, author of “The Trap: Selling Out to Stay Afloat in Winner Take All America”

Discussion Topics

  • Leadership Development
  • Common Objectives
  • Education Recruitment
  • Technology
  • Business
  • Retention
  • Influence

Photo Gallery

See social work leaders across generations debate the future of the profession. Also enjoy photo highlights from an evening celebration with historic Woodstock performers.

View the photo gallery