World Social Work Day is observed every year on the third Tuesday in March. The day recognizes the hard work and diligence of social workers. On this day, a global organization of social workers advocates for social justice, human rights, and social development while promoting the best practices in social work. Social workers serve many roles in our communities. They assess their client’s and community’s needs and challenges. As advocates, they speak for their clients, get them access to the resources they need to improve their lives, and educate people about what to do in a crisis. Social workers also respond to crises.
History of World Social Work Day
The International Federation of Social Workers (I.F.S.W.) promotes World Social Work Day. Since 1983, the Federation, an international, non-governmental organization of social workers, has teamed up with other organizations to assist international cooperation and recognize the accomplishments and contributions of social workers globally. Each year, the organization focuses on a theme. Over the years, some of the themes have been ‘I Am Because We Are – Strengthening Social Solidarity and Global Connectedness’ (2021), ‘Promoting the Importance of Human Relationships’ (2020), ‘Promoting Community and Environmental Sustainability’ (2017), and ‘Promoting the Dignity and Worth of Peoples’ (2015).
The National Association of Social Workers (N.A.S.W.) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers globally. The N.A.S.W. platform encourages its members’ professional growth and development to create and maintain professional standards for social workers and advance sound social policies. The I.F.S.W. is the global body for the profession. The federation and its registered members strive for social justice, human rights, and inclusive, sustainable social development through promoting social work. They also promote sustainable practice and engagement in international cooperation.
World Social Work Day enforces the idea that we are all connected, and our future depends on every person’s involvement in building a socially just future. Anyone can come together for World Social Work Day, including social workers, partner organizations, and those who care about the future to change our world for the better.
World Social Work Day FAQs
Why is March Social Work Month?
The first National Social Work Month took place in March 1963. Now, every March, we recognize the dedication of social workers as they provide services to children and adults in need.
Which country is best for social workers?
If you want to pursue a master’s degree in social work, one of the best places to do it is in the United Kingdom. Universities and colleges in the U.K. have some of the most well-developed social work degrees, and social workers are in high demand on the British job market. However, social workers in the U.S., Vietnam, and Russia receive the highest pay.
How do you thank a social worker?
If you are a social worker, consider nominating your stand-out colleagues for an annual prize. You can also help out on World Social Work Day by getting involved and helping social workers. Lastly, you can show your appreciation with a gift.
How to Observe World Social Work Day
Celebrate social workers
Be sure to give a shoutout to social workers in your community on World Social Work Day. Talk about their achievements on social media and learn more about the causes they are passionate about.
Attend a social work job fair
Attend a job fair to find out about career opportunities in social work. If you’re interested in becoming a social worker, learn more about the courses you can sign up for.
Share your experiences
If you’re a social worker, share your experiences. World Social Work Day presents the perfect opportunity to share the rewarding experience of the job and encourage more people to pursue it.
5 Facts About World Social Work That Will Blow Your Mind.
It takes a degree
To become a professional social worker, you need a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral social work degree plus a minimum number of hours in supervised fieldwork.
Social workers help many people
Social workers help people from all walks and stages of life —from children to the elderly, and from all situations from adoption to hospice care.
The nation's largest mental health service providers
Social workers deliver more than 6% of mental health treatment in the U.S.
More than half a million
About 640,000 people worldwide are employed as social workers.
Elected social workers
There are more than 170 social workers in U.S. national, state, and local elected offices.
Why World Social Work Day is Important
It brings people together
World Social Work Day aims to bring people together and create a socially just world for current and future generations.
Exciting career opportunities
World Social Work Day offers varied career opportunities. A long-term career in social work can be very rewarding.
It urges people to do good
World Social Work Day is the perfect reminder to do good and be productive in our communities. Dedicating time to even one social cause can do tremendous good for society.
World Social Work Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | March 15 | Tuesday |
| 2023 | March 21 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | March 19 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | March 18 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | March 17 | Tuesday |
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