World Social Work Day Celebrated Around The Globe Today

U.S. Congressional Social Work Caucus Marks One Year Anniversary

WASHINGTON, March 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- While celebrations continue across the United States for National Social Work Month, today marks the worldwide recognition of nearly one million professional social workers for World Social Work Day. To commemorate the occasion, the International Federation of Social Workers and other international organizations will present the Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development: A Commitment to Action to the Secretary General of the United Nations on March 26.

Tonight in Washington D.C., the 70 members of the Caucus will join U. S. Representative Edolphus "Ed" Towns (D-NY) to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Congressional Social Work Caucus. Through Capitol Hill briefings and events the CSWC educates national legislators and their staffs on issues of importance to the social work profession and the clients served by social workers.

In a special video message released earlier in March, Congressman Towns, CSWC Chairman, reminded the public that "Social Work Month is an important time to recognize the noble work social workers do to improve the quality of life for all Americans."  As one of seven social workers in Congress, he noted that although they may go without recognition at times for their skills and contributions, social workers in all communities remain committed to helping others and making the world a better place. 

"The Congressional Social Work Caucus provides a platform in the House of Representatives where social work voices can be heard, social work concerns can be addressed, and social work's best and brightest can serve their fellow Americans in meaningful ways," said Congressman Towns.

Also, in honor of Social Work Month and World Social Work Day, resolutions were introduced today in the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives by two other proud social workers in national office.

To introduce the House Resolution, U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) said, "Social workers, in all disciplines, use their collective power, every day, to strengthen our nation's families and communities, to help individuals overcome adversity, and to advance sound social policies."

"The programs and services provided by professional social workers are essential elements of the social safety net in the United States," added U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow in her Senate Resolution.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, DC, is the largest membership organization of professional social workers with nearly 145,000 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.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.

Gary Bailey, MSW
http://www.profnetconnect.com/Gary_BaileyMSW

Elizabeth J. Clark Ph.D., ACSW, MPH
http://www.profnetconnect.com/Elizabeth_JClarkPhDACSWMPH

SOURCE National Association of Social Workers