National Professional Social Worker's Month

Categories:: Appreciation
Tags:: Cultural Work
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every March
Holiday emoji:: 🤝

National Professional Social Worker’s Month takes place every March, recognizing the invaluable contributions of social workers nationwide. These dedicated professionals empower individuals, families, and communities to overcome challenges and thrive. Take this month to learn about their impact, advocate for the profession, and express your gratitude.

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Expected National Professional Social Worker's Month Deals

Throughout National Professional Social Worker’s Month, appreciation programs often emerge to honor these dedicated professionals. While direct ‘deals’ like retail sales are less common, expect professional organizations like the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) to offer discounted memberships, continuing education credits, or free webinars. Employers in healthcare, education, and government agencies may host recognition events, provide professional development stipends, or offer wellness benefits. Some local businesses might extend special discounts to social workers with valid ID. We will update this page with confirmed recognition programs as March approaches.

Platform Guide for National Professional Social Worker's Month

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #SocialWorkMonth. Share stories of impact or highlight a social worker hero.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #SocialWorkMonth. Join conversations about policy, advocacy, and the profession’s challenges and triumphs.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #SocialWorkMonth. Post about local social work initiatives or community support programs.

National Professional Social Worker's Month Hero

Jane Addams

Jane Addams (1860-1935) was a pioneering American social worker, sociologist, philosopher, and public administrator. She co-founded Hull House in Chicago in 1889, one of the first settlement houses in the United States, providing social and educational opportunities for working-class immigrants. Addams was a leading figure in the Progressive Era and a co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1931 for her work as a peace activist.

History of National Professional Social Worker's Month

People become social workers because they want to help others and make our society a better place for everyone. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social work is one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States, and the country currently has nearly 720,000 professional social workers. Social workers have brought about significant, positive changes in our country. Former Labor Secretary Frances Perkins and civil rights leaders Dorothy Height, Whitney Young, and Ida B. Wells have advocated for voting rights, equal rights, social security, unemployment insurance, and other programs.

Every day, social workers touch the lives of millions of people, and a social worker will likely help you, a family member, or a friend at some point. For example, do you want to improve your relationship with your spouse, partner, kids, or parents? A social worker can assist you in making stronger connections. Do you suffer from depression, anxiety, or substance abuse? A social worker can assist you in overcoming these obstacles. And as this country grapples with issues such as racism, economic uncertainty, deeply political and cultural divides, and natural disasters caused by global warming, social workers will continue to play an essential role in assisting people.

March is National Professional Social Workers Month, founded by the National Association of Social Workers in 2010 to honor the great profession of social work. Take some time to learn more about the profession’s many positive contributions, and do what you can to honor all the social workers you know.

National Professional Social Worker's Month timeline

1840s

A Force to be Reckoned With

Dorothea Lynde Dix, regarded as the founder of the Mental Health Movement, leads a crusade for social work that will change the way people with mental disorders are viewed and treated.

1955

Social Workers Coming Together

The National Association of Social Workers, the world's largest professional social worker membership organization, is established.

1963

The Mental Health Act

A time for progressive change in attitudes towards mental illness is ushered in following the passing of the Community Mental Health Centers Act.

2003

War Means Trauma

Social workers are deployed to NATO hospitals following the invasion of Iraq and the war in Afghanistan.

2010

An Annual Celebration

March officially becomes National Professional Social Workers Month, following campaigning by The National Association of Social Workers.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Professional Social Worker's Month

Local businesses can honor National Professional Social Worker’s Month by recognizing the vital work these professionals do in the community. Consider sponsoring a local NASW chapter event, offering special discounts on services or products to social workers, or hosting a free workshop on stress management or self-care tailored for the profession. Restaurants could offer a ‘Social Worker Appreciation Meal,’ while bookstores might curate a section of resources for mental health and community support. Highlight the importance of social work in your marketing and social media throughout March.

When is National Professional Social Worker's Month?

In 2027, National Professional Social Worker’s Month will again be observed from March 1 to March 31. It’s a dedicated period for communities to acknowledge and celebrate the impact of social work.

How many social workers are there in the U.S.?

The social work profession continues to be a critical and growing field. Estimates suggest over 700,000 social workers are active in the U.S., with continued demand for their services in healthcare, schools, and community organizations.

What is the theme for Social Work Month?

The NASW typically unveils its annual theme for Social Work Month in late fall or early winter of the preceding year. The 2027 theme will aim to unify recognition efforts and draw attention to pressing social issues.

What are the different types of social workers?

The field of social work encompasses a broad range of specializations, from clinical practitioners helping individuals with mental health issues to macro social workers advocating for policy changes. They work in hospitals, schools, government agencies, and non-profits.

How to Observe National Professional Social Worker's Month

Donate to a children’s home
As a result of social workers intervening in many family situations where children are not being treated or raised in safe and healthy environments, there are many children's homes around the country, and they need help. Gather your family members or community members and take some non-perishable food, toys, and clothes to your nearest children’s home or charity.
Thank the social workers in your community
Social workers maintain the mental health of communities. It’s a big statement, but in truth, they ensure that community members are mentally stable and healthy, and they look out for women and children who are in danger. They provide an affordable service and, often free of charge, to help change people’s lives. So, we need to thank them.
Encourage someone to speak up and seek counseling
Everyone has a friend or a family member going through a lot or suffering from some mental health issues. Take the initiative and show them that you are there for them. Introduce them to someone that can help. By doing that, you are giving a social worker another client, and you are also helping someone better their emotional and mental state.

5 Interesting Facts About Social Workers

They are here to make society better
Social workers have the necessary education, experience, and dedication to assist people whenever and wherever they require it.
Social workers are in very high demand
Social workers make up 40% of the mental health professionals employed by the Red Cross Disaster Services Human Resources system.
They are practically part of government
More than 170 social workers hold national, state, and local elected office, including two United States senators and four United States representatives.
Today, most industries and companies employ them
Social workers can be found in hospitals, police departments, mental health clinics, military bases, and even corporations.
Not in it for financial gain
In the United States, as is the case in countries around the world, most social workers do not earn very high salaries and often have a second job as means of support.

Why National Professional Social Worker's Month is Important

People are struggling, and help is needed
Social workers have been around for years and have been essential to a functioning society for ages, which is why they are needed now more than ever. In the last year, we have been through a lot as a country and as humans with a pandemic, racial unrest reaching new heights, and distrust in politicians, which is why the importance of social workers should be honored on National Professional Social Workers Month.
It puts the spotlight on those doing the work
Indeed, most social workers do not get the recognition they deserve, and as the selfless people they are, they don’t go looking for it. That is why we need to make sure that more people observe National Professional Social Workers Month so that these courageous professionals can get the kudos they deserve. Simply thanking a social worker for helping a family member or neighbor can make a world of difference.
It inspires young minds to follow suit
Many young people looking to make a difference or an impact on the world and society often become drawn to jobs where they can work face to face and be hands-on with people and families. It is a great way to serve the community or your country, and the rewards you get out of it, as a result of how you helped someone and how that made you feel, are limitless.