Social Workers Recognized for Contributions to Communities Everywhere in March, National Professional Social Work Month

3/3/2003

From: Lahne Mattas-Curry of the National Association of Social Workers, 202-336-8228, lcurry@naswdc.org

WASHINGTON, March 3 -- Each March, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) recognizes the contributions of over half a million social workers in the United States. Regardless of practice area, social work positively affects millions of people every day.

"This year's theme 'The Power of Social Work: Preserving Rights, Strengthening Voices' is based on an essential tenet of social work practice-many people thinking, working and acting together to empower those who are frequently unheard," says Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH, executive director of NASW.

Every day, professional social workers take action to prevent and eliminate injustice. Most of them work to ensure that people in their communities have access to adequate resources, services and opportunities. Many social workers advocate for changes in policy and legislation to improve social and health conditions for all.

Clark says, "Social workers focus on opening the doors of opportunity for everyone, particularly those in greatest need. They work with issues of mental health, health, child protection, aging, youth development, labor and a myriad of others."

"Whether they are working in direct practice, administration, community organizing, education, research, or policy development, professional social workers are trained to make a difference," she adds.

In March, take time to recognize professional social workers in your community.

For more information about National Professional Social Work Month, please contact NASW Public Affairs at media@naswdc.org. Facts about the profession can be found at http://www.socialworkers.org.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers with nearly 150,000 members. It promotes, develops and protects the practice of social work and social workers. Founded in 1955, NASW also seeks to enhance the well-being of individuals, families and communities through its work and advocacy.