WASHINGTON, D.C.—The nation’s largest group of social workers, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), today begins its month-long celebration of the profession.
Social workers in hospitals, clinics, schools, universities, non-profit and government social service agencies, community centers, corporations, think tanks, elected offices, and numerous private practices will work to remind the public why they joined the profession in a campaign called “All People Matter.”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social work continues to be a fast-growing occupation in the United States. More than 600,000 social work college graduates hold social work positions, and an additional 130,000 people are employed as community and social service managers.
As the country addresses issues of growing income inequality, educational achievement gaps, health care disparities, mental health access, and improved veterans support, social workers in communities across the nation are raising awareness about critical family needs and social injustice.
“I’m proud to belong to a profession that recognizes that all people matter,” says NASW CEO Angelo McClain, Ph.D., LICSW. “The field of social work requires its members to put the ideals of citizenship into action every day.”
To recognize all the ways social workers make a difference, and how they help turn public attention to complex social issues that affect millions of lives, the 2014 Social Work Month campaign will highlight some of the profession’s most accomplished authors, educators, researchers and practice leaders through its 1,000 Experts initiative.
More details about social work contributions on topics ranging from domestic violence, foster care and depression to addictions, chronic illness and senior caregiving can be found at SocialWorkers.org or SocialWorkMonth.org.
Social workers are also invited to tell their stories online this month using the hashtags #allpeoplematter and #socialworkmonth.
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The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers with 130,000 members. It promotes, develops, and protects the practice of social work and social workers. NASW also seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities through its advocacy.