Celebrate Social Work Month - March 2009
March 3, 2009
AUSTIN, Texas - If you're looking to find a sense of purpose in your work, consider the countless possibilities of the social work profession. Social workers are society's safety net, providing vital resources and support to those who need it most. Pursuing a career in social work satisfies your sense of purpose, while providing infinite possibilities for your career path.
The 2009 Social Work Month theme is
The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work along with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and NASW/Texas Chapter, proudly celebrates National Social Work Month 2009.
This year's theme—Social Work: Purpose and Possibility—highlights the special characteristics of individuals who choose social work as a profession. Social workers are purpose-driven, compassionate individuals who work across a range of areas to help those most vulnerable in our society. Social workers have a vital role in hospitals, help children in schools reach their educational goals, provide treatment at mental health facilities and play many other fundamental roles in our community.
"Social workers are essential to our society, providing services across a range of needs," says Dr. Barbara W. White, School of Social Work dean and former NASW president (1991-92). "Individuals with passion and an inherent sense of purpose would be an excellent addition to the social work profession."
"People who are looking for a career with meaning, action, diversity, satisfaction, and an abundance of options are often drawn to social work," says Elizabeth Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH, executive director of NASW. "Social workers are highly trained professionals who care about people, who want to make things better, who want to relieve suffering, who want their work to make a difference."
Social workers believe there are no limits to human potential, and use their talents to help others create better lives for themselves and for their families. Some social workers help clients who face a disability or a life-threatening disease. Some assist families that have domestic conflicts involving children or spousal abuse. Other social workers conduct research, advocate for improved services, or are involved in policy development.
This year, NASW has developed a "50 Ways to Use Your Social Work Degree" Web site at 50ways.helpstartshere.org. This tool showcases the various ways in which actual social workers are working with individuals, families and communities—and explores what experiences and interests led them to the profession.
To honor the achievements and highlight the important work of social workers, The University of Texas at Austin Social Work Alumni Network (SWAN) is celebrating National Social Work Month by leading a tribute gift initiative, "Honor a Social Worker," which recognizes individual social workers while raising funds for the SWAN scholarship awarded annually to a deserving social work student.
"The 'Honor a Social Worker' tribute is a wonderful way to recognize social workers—friends, colleagues, professors—for their expertise or inspiration, while at the same time support our future professional social workers at the School of Social Work," said SWAN Board President Joan Asseff, M.S.S.W. '06.
"Honor a Social Worker" gift cards are available in any amount with a minimum contribution of $10 per honoree. Orders can be made online. (Be sure to type the name and address of your honorees in the white box at right on the form.)
Tribute gifts can also be ordered by U.S. mail. Download the tribute gift form and send with payment to the Office of Career Services and Alumni Relations, School of Social Work. Download form: (DOC) (PDF)
About the National Association of Social Workers
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW), in Washington, D.C., is the largest membership organization of professional social workers with nearly 150,000 members in 56 chapters throughout the United States and its territories. 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 for social justice.
For more information, contact:
Jennifer Luna Iduñate,
Director of Career Services and Alumni Relations,
512-475-8131
jluna-idunate@mail.utexas.edu