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A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
21-178
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
March 1, 2016
To declare the month of March as “Social Work Month” in the District of Columbia in order to recognize professional social workers and their service to the residents of the District of Columbia.
WHEREAS, the primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance the welfare of communities, promote social justice, and to assist the most vulnerable in our society meet their basic needs;
WHEREAS, social work is one of the fastest growing careers in the United States, with more than 4,500 licensed social workers in the District of Columbia;
WHEREAS, social workers enrich all areas of our community by improving the happiness, health, and prosperity in our government, schools, universities, social service agencies, military, and mental health and health care facilities;
WHEREAS, social workers daily exhibit the characteristics that inspired this year’s Social Work Month theme, “Forging Solutions Out of Challenges,” by helping individuals, communities, and society tackle and solve issues they are confronted with;
WHEREAS, social workers have helped this nation live up to its ideals by successfully advocating for equal rights for all, including women, African Americans, Latinos, people who identify as LGBTQ, and various ethnic, cultural, and religious groups;
WHEREAS, social workers are the largest group of mental health care providers in the United States and work to help people overcome depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other disorders so they can lead more fulfilling lives;
WHEREAS, social workers work with families across the District of Columbia to protect children and improve their social and psychological welfare;
WHEREAS, social workers 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, their ability to live independently as long as possible, and to get access to quality mental health and health care services;
WHEREAS, social workers work with individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the District of Columbia to help ensure that homelessness is a rare, brief, and non-recurring experience; and
WHEREAS, the DC Metro Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers has been providing services to and advocating on behalf of local social workers since 1975.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this resolution may be cited as the “Social Work Month Recognition Resolution of 2016”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes the many contributions made by social workers in the District of Columbia, declares the month of March 2016 as “Social Work Month” in the District of Columbia, and calls upon all residents of the District to join with the National Association of Social Workers DC Metro Chapter in celebration and support of the social work profession.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon the first date of publication in the District of Columbia Register.
