Whereas the social work profession has been instrumental
in achieving civil rights and human rights advances in the United States and
across the globe for more than a century;
Whereas the primary mission of social work is to enhance
human well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people, especially the
most vulnerable;
Whereas programs and services provided by professional
social workers are essential elements of the United States social safety
net;
Whereas social workers make a critical impact in
adolescent and youth development, aging and family caregiving, child protection
and family services, health care navigation, mental and behavioral health
treatment, military and veterans assistance, nonprofit management and community
development, and poverty reduction;
Whereas social workers function as specialists,
consultants, private practitioners, educators, community leaders, policymakers,
and researchers;
Whereas social workers influence many different
organizations and human service systems and are employed in workplaces ranging
from private and public agencies, hospices and hospitals, schools and clinics,
to businesses and corporations, military units, elected offices, think tanks,
and foundations;
Whereas social workers seek to improve social functioning
and social conditions for people in emotional, psychological, economic, and
physical need;
Whereas social workers are experts in care coordination,
case management, and therapeutic treatment for biopsychosocial issues, and have
roles in more than 50 different fields of practice;
Whereas social workers believe that the Nation’s strength
depends on the ability of the majority of its citizens to lead productive and
healthy lives;
Whereas social workers help people, who are often
navigating major life challenges, find hope and new options for achieving their
maximum potential; and
Whereas social workers identify and address gaps in social
systems that impede full participation by individuals or groups in society:
Now, therefore, be it
That the House of
Representatives—
(1)supports the goals and ideals of
Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day;
(2)acknowledges the
diligent efforts of individuals and groups who promote the importance of social
work and observe Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work
Day;
(3)encourages the
people of the United States to engage in appropriate ceremonies and activities
to promote further awareness of the life-changing role which social workers
play; and
(4)recognizes with
gratitude the contributions of the millions of caring individuals who have
chosen to serve their communities through social work.