March 2024: Social Work Month

WHEREAS, Social Work is a profession dedicated to helping people; and,

WHEREAS, the primary mission of Social Work is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic and complex needs of all people; and,

WHEREAS, Social Workers put a particular focus on helping people who are vulnerable, oppressed, or living in poverty; and,

WHEREAS, Social Workers follow a Code of Ethics that calls on them to fight social injustice, and respect the dignity and worth of all people; and,

WHEREAS, Social Workers meet people where they are and help people and communities reach their full potential; and,

WHEREAS, the Social Work profession for more than a century has worked to improve this society, with Social Workers playing a role in establishing a minimum wage, Social Security, and Medicare and working to ensure equal rights for all Americans; and,

WHEREAS, Social Workers work in all facets of our society, including schools, hospitals, community organizations, the military, mental health centers, social service agencies, corporations, and local, state and federal government; and,

WHEREAS, Social Workers are on the frontlines in helping this nation solve pressing social problems, including an increased demand for mental health services; an opioid addiction crisis; and economic inequality; and,

WHEREAS, Social Workers are in high demand, with some states reporting shortages in Social Work staffing and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting Social Work will be one of the fastest growing professions in our nation during this decade; and,

WHEREAS, a public opinion survey from Ipsos said Social Work has a public approval rating of more than 80 percent and more than half of Americans say Social Workers deserve higher pay; and,

WHEREAS, the 2024 Social Work Month theme, “Empowering Social Workers” embodies the need for society to support Social Workers so they can continue to do the life-affirming work they do and help address societal needs; and,

WHEREAS, Social Workers in turn empower people, communities and our nation, helping everyone achieve their full potential; and,

WHEREAS, There are over 30,000 licensed social workers in the state of Michigan;

NOW THEREFORE, in recognition of the numerous contributions made by America’s social workers, I Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim March 2024 as Social Work Month.