Join us as we celebrate this year’s Social Work Month theme, “Social Work Breaks Barriers.” We honor this month to highlight how social workers have enriched our society by empowering people and communities to overcome hurdles that prevent them from living life to the fullest.
Social workers have been breaking barriers for generations. The profession can trace part of its origins to Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Star, who in 1889 opened Hull House in Chicago to provide social services to the area. Thanks to the paths paved by such pioneers, social work is now one of the fastest-growing professions in the United States. There were 715,000 social workers in the nation in 2020 and that number is expected to grow to more than 800,000 by the end of this decade.
Throughout March, we recognize and uplift social workers and their life-affirming contributions. From advocacy, leadership, education, and beyond, social workers are on the frontlines of change. NASW-CA is proud to honor and uplift social workers who have continued to push for changes that have made our communities stronger and more resilient, and we invite you to celebrate Social Work Month with us.
Connect and Get Involved with NASW-CA
- Follow NASW-CA on social media to engage with us throughout the month.
- Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest social work news and all upcoming events.
- Be the first to know about upcoming live and online CE events by signing up for our EmpowerEd Program Updates
- Share your expertise by requesting to speak at one of our Chapter events on a variety of topics – ranging from professional development to social work trends.
- We’ve created 4 new digital Zoom backgrounds to help you uplift the power of social work and to remind yourself the innovative ways in which social workers support individuals and communities to overcome challenges. Browse and download your favorites to use during March and throughout the year!
View instructions for uploading a Zoom background here, and be sure to click “Mirror My Video” so text displays correctly on the screen.
Social Work Month Events
All throughout March, join us to celebrate our profession, recognize how social workers break barriers in all communities, earn CEUs at free or discounted rates, and practice self-care and receive support.
Region I Social Work Month Mixer
March 1 | 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm PT | Artesia, CA
NASW-CA Board President, Victor Manalo, and Region I invite you to an in-person Social Work Month 2023 Mixer!
Meet social workers from the Greater Los Angeles Area. We will be gathering at Julio’s Pizza in the city of Artesia. Space is limited to 30 people. Free to attend.
Registration is required. Please note that NASW-CA requires all attendees to fill out the COVID-19 Waiver form during event registration.
New Opportunities for LCSWs to be Key Providers in the Workers Compensation Medical Provider Network – Session A
March 3 | 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm PT | Virtual
SB-1002 was recently passed and will add LCSWs to workers’ compensation provider networks as part of the solution to the increased mental health needs of injured workers and provider shortages.
NASW-CA and Ascellus are hosting two informational webinars introducing the workers’ compensation system and offering insight into navigating the requirements.
Free to attend.
LGBTQ+ Virtual Support & Consultation Group
March 8 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm PT | Virtual
Join the LGBTQ+ Council for an evening of socializing, connecting, and supporting your fellow social workers.
This virtual space will offer social workers a safe place to discuss the various challenges and opportunities they face as LGBTQ+ practitioners.
Free to attend.
Region H and I Social Work Month Soiree
March 9 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm PT | Culver City, CA
What is a better way to enjoy Social Work Month than connecting in-person with others in your field? Please join fellow social workers as we mingle and celebrate Social Work Month! All are invited, so bring a friend after work and join us for some dining and fun. We will be meeting at Rush Street in Culver City.
Ticket includes appetizers, non-alcoholic beverages, and a chance to win in one of our raffles! Free for members.
Registration is required. Please note that NASW-CA requires all attendees to fill out the COVID-19 Waiver form during event registration.
Mindfulness Time for Social Workers
March 14 | 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm PT | Virtual
Social workers are often a support for other people, and NASW-CA is offering a virtual space to make sure your needs are met as well.
We invite all NASW members to engage in self-care practice at our upcoming Mindfulness Time for Social Workers. We will continue to practice and develop healthy ways to decompress and unwind from our professional work. Let’s learn to take care of ourselves and our well-being.
APISW Council March Networking Forum – Reflections on Social Working with a Social Justice Lens
March 15 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm PT | Virtual
Join the Asian Pacific Islander Social Work Council, Northern California for their free monthly networking forum!
Ashley Mika Decena, LCSW will reflect on her experiences as a social worker who is committed to incorporating a social justice lens to her practice.
Free to attend.
New Opportunities for LCSWs to be Key Providers in the Workers Compensation Medical Provider Network – Session B
March 17 | 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm PT | Virtual
SB-1002 was recently passed and will add LCSWs to workers’ compensation provider networks as part of the solution to the increased mental health needs of injured workers and provider shortages.
Join us for Part 2 of our two-part webinar series to learn about SB-1002 and the implications for LCSW’s. We will begin exploring a new opportunity to serve folks in need of mental health support.
Free to attend.
Vicarious Trauma: Developing Skills for Increased Resilience (2 CEU)
March 17 | 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm PT | Virtual
NASW-CA recognizes the dedication and contributions social workers have made to break barriers for individuals, communities, and society. We understand that being a social worker can be heartfelt and at times challenging.
We invite you to CE workshop where you can can engage in intentional self-care practice and develop a self-care plan that can be implemented as a daily practice.
Free for NASW members!
Monterey County Unit 13th Anniversary Celebration of the CSUMB Department of Social Work
March 17 | 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm PT | Seaside, CA
NASW-CA Monterey County Unit and CSUMB MSW program invite you for an evening of celebration! Join us for light snacks and hear founding stakeholders share about the creation of the Department and MSW Alumni discuss how they stay true to this year’s social work month theme, “Breaking Down Barriers” in their careers each day.
Free to attend.
Region I Social Work Virtual Support Group
March 18 | 11:00 am – 12:30 pm PT | Virtual
Being a social worker is rewarding, hard work. That’s why Region I’s virtual support group is here for you on!
Share space with other professionals in your field, make connections, and more. Join us to meet colleagues from all walks of life and learn from their perspectives.
Free to attend.
Motivational Interviewing: Client Engagement, Focusing Conversations, and Evoking Change (3 CEU)
March 25 | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm PT | Virtual
Motivational interviewing is a style of communication that helps individuals clarify and resolve ambivalence about the need for behavioral change.
Earn 3 CEU to discover how you can enhance your social work practice through motivational interviewing techniques.
- NASW Member: $20
- Nonmember: $40
NASW-CA Virtual Peer Support Group
March 27 | 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm PT | Virtual
Whether it’s professional, personal, or a little bit of both, the NASW-CA team is here for you every month to hold space for professional and/or peer support.
All social work students and professionals are welcome to join this support group, regardless of the area you are in!
Free to attend.
Mindfulness Time for Social Workers
March 29 | 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm PT | Virtual
Need time to decompress after a long day at work? NASW-CA invites all members to join us at our Mindfulness Time for Social Workers!
This will be a virtual space to support your mental and emotional well-being. We will be continuing to practice mindfulness techniques to reduce our stress and increase our capacity as social workers.
NASW Celebrates Social Work Month
National Professional Social Work Month is an opportunity for social workers across the country and their allies to turn the spotlight on the profession and highlight the important contributions they make to society.
The annual Social Work Month campaign in March is a time to inform public, policymakers, and legislators about how social workers have always broken barriers when it comes to the services they provide in an array of sectors, including hospitals and mental health centers, federal, state and local government, schools, community centers, and social service agencies.
People become social workers because they have a strong desire to help others and make society a better place. Social work is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). More than 700,000 professional social workers are hard at work nationwide, but that number is expected to rise to more than 800,000 by 2030, BLS said.
