[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 217 Introduced in House (IH)]

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115th CONGRESS
  1st Session
H. RES. 217

 Supporting the goals and ideals of Social Work Month and World Social 
                               Work Day.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 21, 2017

Ms. Lee (for herself, Mr. Gutierrez, Mr. Nadler, Mr. Lewis of Georgia, 
    Mrs. Napolitano, Mr. Meeks, and Ms. Shea-Porter) submitted the 
following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education 
                           and the Workforce

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Supporting the goals and ideals of Social Work Month and World Social 
                               Work Day.

Whereas the primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human 
        well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people, especially the 
        most vulnerable in society;
Whereas social work pioneers helped lead the Nation's struggle for social 
        justice and have helped paved the way for positive social change;
Whereas social workers work in all areas of our society to improve happiness, 
        health and prosperity, including in government, schools, universities, 
        social service agencies, communities, the military, and mental health 
        and health care facilities;
Whereas social workers are key employees at the Federal, State, and local levels 
        of government and work to expand policies and practices that promote 
        equity and social justice for all people;
Whereas social work is one of the fastest growing careers in the United States, 
        with almost 650,000 members of the profession;
Whereas social workers daily embody this year's ``National Professional Social 
        Work Month'' theme, ``Social Workers Stand Up!'', and this year's World 
        Social Work Day on March 21, 2017, ``Promoting Community and 
        Environmental Sustainability'', by working with individuals, 
        organizations, communities, and the larger society to tackle and solve 
        issues that confront them;
Whereas social workers have pushed for decades to ensure equal rights for all, 
        including women, communities of color, the LGBT community, people who 
        are disabled, and various other ethnic, cultural and religious groups;
Whereas social workers have continued to advocate for legislation and policies 
        that address racial and ethnic justice, including renewal of the Voting 
        Rights Act, the Violence Against Women's Act, the Civil Rights Act, the 
        Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, unemployment insurance, workplace safety, 
        and Social Security benefits;
Whereas social workers are the largest group of mental health care providers in 
        the United States, and work daily to help people overcome substance use 
        disorders and mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety;
Whereas social workers know from experience that poverty and trauma can create 
        lifelong social and economic disadvantages;
Whereas social workers know from experience that discrimination of any kind 
        limits human potential and must be eliminated;
Whereas thousands of child, family, and school social workers across the country 
        provide assistance to protect children and improve the social and 
        psychological functioning of children and their families;
Whereas social workers help children find loving homes and create new families 
        through adoption;
Whereas social workers in schools work with families and schools to foster 
        future generations by ensuring students reach their full academic and 
        personal potential;
Whereas social workers work with older adults and their families to improve 
        their quality of life and ability to live independently as long as 
        possible and get access to high-quality mental health and health care;
Whereas veterans and their families need community support to ensure successful 
        transitions after service;
Whereas access to mental health treatment and health care services saves 
        millions of lives;
Whereas research has shown that all people, no matter their circumstance, may at 
        some time in their lives, need the expertise of a skilled social worker;
Whereas social workers celebrate the courage, hope, and strength of the human 
        spirit throughout their careers; and
Whereas social workers have helped the United States and other nations overcome 
        earthquakes, floods, wars, and other disasters by helping survivors get 
        services such as food, shelter, and health care, and mental health care 
        to address stress and anxiety: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) supports the goals and ideals of 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 
        Social Work Month and World Social Work Day;
            (3) encourages individuals to engage in appropriate 
        ceremonies and activities to promote further awareness of the 
        life-changing role that 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.
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