March 2022: Social Work Month

WHEREAS, the social work profession for decades has been dedicated to improving human well-being and enhancing the basic needs of all people—especially the most vulnerable among us particularly during the global pandemic; and,

WHEREAS, this year’s Social Work Month theme, “The Time is Right for Social Work,” embodies how social workers rose to meet the most pressing challenges of all of our lifetimes, the COVID-19 pandemic, even as our nation continues to grapple with systemic racism, economic inequality, global warming, and other crises; and,

WHEREAS, social workers are the largest group of mental health care providers in the United States, and work daily to help people—whether in person or remotely—overcome substance use disorders and mental illnesses; and,

WHEREAS, social workers have always helped people overcome issues such as trauma and grief and helped people and communities recover from increasing occurrences of natural disasters such as fires, tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes brought on by climate change; and,

WHEREAS, social workers have helped this nation live up to its values by successfully advocating for equal rights for all, including those who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, LBGTQA, religious groups, and others; and,

WHEREAS, the social work profession is one of the fastest growing careers in the United States, with more than more than 715,000 social workers today (with nearly 30,000 licensed social workers in Michigan and another 6,500 students in social work programs across the state) and nearly 800,000 professionals expected to be employed as social workers by 2028; and,

WHEREAS, social workers have continued to push for changes that have made our society a better place to live, including a living wage, improved workplace safety, and social safety net programs that help ameliorate poverty, hunger, and homelessness; and,

WHEREAS, social workers possess the necessary expertise to assist our nation in some of its most demanding concerns, including health and well-being not only during the pandemic, but at all times, ensuring equal rights, improved health care, and mental health care for all; and,

WHEREAS, social workers work in all facets of our society to assist no matter their circumstance and empower them to live to their fullest potential; and,

NOW THEREFORE, in recognition of the numerous contributions made by America’s social workers, I Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 2022 as Social Work Month and call upon all Michiganders to join the National Association of Social Workers - Michigan Chapter in celebration and support of the social work profession.