Social Work Month

Categories:: Special Interest
Tags:: Awareness
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every March
Holiday emoji:: 🤝

Social Work Month honors the tireless efforts of social workers throughout March. These invaluable professionals apply their expertise in psychology and sociology to address complex social issues and enhance individual well-being. Take time this month to acknowledge their profound impact, advocate for their profession, and support their vital work in our communities.

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Expected Social Work Month Deals

Social Work Month is a time for appreciation rather than commercial deals, focusing on acknowledging the tireless efforts of these professionals. Organizations like the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) often host virtual events, webinars, and advocacy campaigns to highlight the profession’s impact. Many employers and professional groups provide special recognition events, continuing education opportunities, or gift certificates to local wellness services for their social work staff. Companies like Care.com and BetterHelp, which rely on care professionals, may offer special discounts or resources to social workers during March. Local businesses, from coffee shops to bookstores, might offer small tokens of appreciation or discounts for social workers with valid ID. We encourage individuals and organizations to contribute to social work scholarships or support advocacy groups. We will update this page with confirmed live recognition programs as March approaches.

Platform Guide for Social Work Month

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #SocialWorkMonth. Share stories of impactful social workers or discuss policy changes in the field.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #SocialWorkMonth. Engage in discussions about social justice issues and the role of social workers.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #SocialWorkMonth. Post about local social work initiatives or share resources for professional development.

Social Work Month Hero

Jane Addams

Jane Addams (1860-1935) was a pioneering American settlement activist, social worker, public philosopher, sociologist, and leader in women's suffrage and world peace. In 1889, she co-founded Hull House in Chicago, one of the first settlement houses in the United States, providing social and educational opportunities for working-class immigrants. Her work laid foundational principles for modern social work, emphasizing community-based solutions and advocacy for the marginalized.

History of Social Work Month

Though social work has not always been a formal profession, some practice of it has long been in place in the form of charity work. However, the profession is quite scientific and recent, originating in 19th century England and spurred to existence by the Industrial Revolution. It is based on casework, social administration/poverty relief, and social action. Overall, it’s an exciting interdisciplinary profession that requires a background in psychology and sociology.

Originally, National Professional Social Work Month was introduced by the National Association of Social Workers in 1963 – over 50 years ago. They aimed targeted ad campaigns on television at the public to encourage public support and to generate interest in the profession of social work. It was hugely successful in its beginning, earning over 35,000 letters of support.

In 1984, the United States Government formally recognized National Social Work Month in March. It was introduced by Democratic Senators and was co-sponsored by a Republican. Ronald Regan then signed it into law, and the rest is history.

Something that makes National Social Work month extra fun is the yearly themes. Each year’s theme is based on a social issue that NASW wants to bring to light. Some of the biggest past themes include HIV/AIDS, children in poverty, racial and ethnic harmony, and aging parents. The very first NSWM was themed “Listen To The Children.” These campaigns make every National Social Work Month more educational.

A single social worker can influence an entire life and generations of them have shaped all of us. The legacy of social work includes so many wonderful aspects of the society we live in, which, if you ask us, definitely deserves a celebration.

Social Work Month timeline

2012

The Case for Social Work

Since 2012, the NASW has been choosing themes for National Social Work Month to “make the case” for the profession. For example, the theme in 2012 was “Social Work Matters.

2005

Launching Learning

The National Social Work Public Education Campaign was launched in 2005, beginning the multi-year effort to promote the profession to the public, as well as improve their overall perception of it.

1998

A Century of Social Change

In 1998, the social work profession celebrated its centennial year of existence here, and the NASW marked the year by changing its NSWM themes to promote the profession by showing who social workers are. The 1994 theme was “Stop the Violence with Justice For All.”

1984

White House Recognition

National Social Work Month was officially born in 1984 when the White House recognized March as the month to celebrate these everyday heroes.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Social Work Month

Local businesses can honor Social Work Month by offering special discounts or appreciation events for social workers with valid professional ID. Restaurants might host a ‘Social Worker Appreciation Day’ with complimentary meals or discounted services. Bookstores or wellness centers could curate specific resources or offer workshops tailored to the well-being of social work professionals. Consider sponsoring a local social work scholarship or partnering with a community organization to support their social service initiatives throughout March. Highlight the crucial role social workers play in your community through in-store signage or social media campaigns.

When is Social Work Month?

In 2027, Social Work Month will be observed from Monday, March 1, to Wednesday, March 31. Each year, the month is dedicated to highlighting the critical contributions of social work professionals and advocating for their continued support.

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

The social work profession continues to expand, with hundreds of thousands of dedicated professionals serving diverse populations across the nation. Projections indicate a steady demand for social workers in various settings, from healthcare to schools and community organizations.

What is the theme for Social Work Month?

Each March, the NASW selects a theme to unify national recognition and advocacy for social workers. The 2027 theme will likely address an emerging challenge or a core value of the profession, promoting public understanding and support for their work.

What is the difference between a social worker and a therapist?

The primary distinction lies in their training and approach: social workers are trained to consider the ‘person in environment’ and often focus on advocacy and resource navigation, in addition to therapeutic interventions. Therapists typically specialize in mental health counseling and psychotherapy, though there is significant overlap in practice.

How to Celebrate Social Workers Month

Promote social workers on social media
The National Association of Social Workers provides a handy social media toolkit on their website describing how best to honor these heroes! From Gen Z through the Silent Generation, they’re hoping to blanket social media with the hashtags #socialworkers, #SWGenerationsStrong, #SWMonth, and more. Tag a social worker you know to honor them, or post a picture of your social workers party!
Thank a social worker you know
There are more than 680,000 social workers in the United States - the odds are you know someone who does social work. Honor them with a pop-up party, a thoughtful note or gift, a post on social media, or some nifty social work merchandise! Let them know you’re proud of the vital work that they do.
Donate to a social work organization!
It’s no secret that social workers are in their role for the outcome, not the income. The average salary for social workers is less than $50,000/year, and there are several essential organizations that support them and help them make ends meet. Some of these include The National Social Work Association and The Social Work Disaster Assistance Fund.

5 Facts About Social Workers And National Social Work Month

Lifelong Work
Social Workers attend to people in need at every stage of life - from childhood adoptions to end-of-life care.
Champions of Mental Health
According to the government, over 60% of mental health services are delivered by licensed social workers.
Social Work Leadership
Four members of the House of Representatives and two US Senators are social workers - and over 170 total hold elected office at a national, local, and state leve
All Over the Map
Social workers are employed by veterans’ associations, in hospitals, mental health clinics, and more - even in corporations.
More Social Workers Needed!
It is projected that the number of social workers needed will grow 16% from 2016 to 2026, which is far more than the average. If you are interested in social work, look up a program to get certified!

Why We Love Social Work Month

Social Workers need some R&R
Arguably few people work harder than social workers. They don’t have standard 9-5 workdays, but rather go where and when they are needed to support those in need. This month, let’s help social workers feel more celebrated and cared for - they need the relaxation as they continue to tirelessly serve our communities.
They are inspirational
Social workers change lives. From helping someone plagued with substance abuse or depression improve their mental health to helping place children in the right homes for adoption, your brush with a social worker might be one that sets your life on a totally different (better) trajectory. We all are inspired by the help they give us - we think they deserve a special month for that alone!
We get the chance to show our appreciation!
Social workers often deal with meager salaries and cut budgets. For all they do for those in need and our society at large, we’re lucky to get the month to celebrate them and acknowledge their contributions! This month is a great opportunity to donate and support social workers in our lives.