III 112th CONGRESS 1st Session S. RES. 117 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 30, 2011 Ms. Stabenow (for herself, Mr. Begich, Mr. Brown of Ohio, Mr. Levin, Mr. Cochran, Ms. Landrieu, Mr. Sanders, and Mr. Johnson of South Dakota) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day.

Whereas social work is a profession of hope, grounded in practical problem-solving expertise; Whereas social workers are positive change agents who dedicate their careers to helping people transform their lives and improving environments to make that transformation possible; Whereas more than 640,000 trained social work professionals in the United States work tirelessly to provide resources and guidance that support social functioning in agencies, hospitals, hospices, schools, universities, legislatures, private practices, corporations, and the military; Whereas social workers have education and experience to guide individuals, families, and communities through complex issues and choices; Whereas social workers stand up for others to make sure that everyone has access to the same basic rights, protections, and opportunities; Whereas social workers have been an important force behind several significant social movements in the United States; Whereas social workers are on the frontlines, responding to such human needs as homelessness, poverty, family breakups, mental illness, physical and mental disability, substance abuse, domestic violence, and many other issues; Whereas Professional Social Work Month and World Social Work Day, which is March 15, 2011, build awareness of the role that professional social workers play in the community and the wide range of contributions social workers make throughout their careers; and Whereas the 2011 Professional Social Work Month theme, Social Workers Change Futures, showcases the expertise and dedication of professional social workers in helping to improve lives: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (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.