National Social Work Month was first organized in March of 1963 by National Association of Social Workers (NASW) as a way to encourage public support for the profession, and in 1984 through a joint resolution of Congress, March was proclaimed National Professional Social Work Month in the United States*. In 2007, the first World Social Work Day was recognized after the initiative was approved by the member organizations of the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), and is now celebrated on the third Tuesday of March*.
Social work encompasses a wide range of roles and responsibilities – from counseling to case management, program development to human services management, advocacy to public policy practice – these dedicated professionals are all working toward the common goal of empowering vulnerable people and communities to overcome obstacles and thrive.
The theme for Social Work Month 2023 is Social Work Breaks Barriers and the theme for World Social Work Day is ‘Respecting diversity through joint social action’.
At JFS, our dedicated, compassionate staff and volunteers live these principles every day, supporting community members in crisis, individuals and families who are struggling to break barriers and find the pathway to a brighter future.
Thank you to all Social Workers – thank you for showing up, every day, and working to make change happen in the lives of those who need help the most.