Social Workers

Annual Conference

ACSW's annual conference highlights innovation and fresh ideas focused on ethics and professional practice. Our conference is one of the largest gatherings of social workers in North America. Approximately 1000 social workers have attended each year for the past 5 years. Each year a theme is selected which is illuminated through the 50+ workshops and keynote presentations.

Conference goals are to:

  • Provide a forum to share practice experiences
  • Showcase recent developments and innovations in social work
  • Highlight best practices that promote caring, self-fulfillment, autonomy, participation and independence for diverse populations
  • Celebrate ethical practice
  • Rejuvenate and refresh social workers through self-care workshops
  • Connect with colleagues

Each year a group of volunteers form the Conference Planning Committee. The committee is supported by staff through the Manager, Professional Affairs.

This committee consists of a core group that oversees delegated conference functions from theme selection, conference format to evaluation roll-ups post conference. Sub-committees, with specific tasks and more limited time commitments contribute. There are a range of volunteer opportunities.

This committee functions to support professional development and connections amongst social workers. Meeting related expenses are reimbursed. Members interested in becoming involved with conference planning are encouraged to indicate this on their renewal form or contact the ACSW office.

The Alberta College of Social Workers operates under the legislated requirements of Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act. Any personal information collected through the process of registering for the ACSW annual conference is safeguarded with appropriate security measures and used only.

  • Registrations will NOT be processed until full payment is received.
  • You registered and are subsequently unable to attend the conference, you may substitute someone to attend in your place. Please advise ACSW of the changes.
  • Due to the greatly reduced rate for our conference no refunds for cancellation will be given.
  • Regarding circumstances of an extreme nature, please contact ACSW.

ACSW Conference 2016 is in the planning stages. The dates for the conference are March 31 – April 2, 2016. More information will be posted as it is available. Stay Tuned.

2015 Annual Conference Brochure

2015 Annual Conference

More Information

Honouring Our Own

2014 Awards

The Nominations and Recruitment Committee have reviewed the nominees and Council has approved the following recipients:

John Hutton Memorial Award

Excellence in Social Work Practice

Honourary Membership

Dr. Mary Valentich

June Yee
Carolyn Barker

Dr. Austin Mardon
Audrey DeWit

Awards - Call for Nominations

ACSW members are invited to submit nominations for the following awards:

The John Hutton Memorial Award for Social Action/Policy recognizes a Registered Social Worker in good standing who has made an outstanding contribution to the profession of social work and the community through social action/policy.

The ACSW Award for Excellence in Social Work Practice recognizes Registered Social Workers in good standing who have exhibited exemplary skills and commitment to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice of the ACSW in a variety of practice settings.

Honourary Memberships may be awarded to a person or group that has made a significant contribution to the values and ideals inherent in the profession of social work and who have advanced the goals of the ACSW. Nominees in this category are not Registered Social Workers.

Nominations must be submitted to the ACSW office by January 16, 2016.

Submissions should include: Submissions should include:

  • a clear rationale for your nomination
  • the nominee's resume
  • any supporting documentation

Email: noreenm@acsw.ab.ca
FAX: (780) 421-1168

The Nominations and Recruitment Committee will review the nominees and make recommendations regarding award recipients to Council for approval. The awards will be presented at the Awards Luncheon in Edmonton on April 01, 2016.

For further information contact the ACSW office at (780) 421-1167 or 1-800-661-3089.


Nominations for the ACSW 2016 Awards will open in late fall 2015. This will be shared in the ACSW newsletter and mass email.

Adopted December 10, 2010

The administration of nominations will be the responsibility of the Nominations Committee. A call for nominations will be published annually in The Advocate. Any member of the ACSW may nominate a member in good standing for this award. Nominations must be made in writing and should include a rationale for the nomination, along with supporting comments and a description of the nominee's contribution to social action/policy. Nominations should be submitted to the Nominations Committee. The Nominations Committee will review the nominees and make recommendations to Council for approval. The award will be presented to the successful recipient at the Annual General Meeting or Annual Conference. The Nominations Committee with the assistance of the ACSW office will facilitate the arrangements for the award ceremony.

Adopted December 10, 2010

Nominations must include:

  • Letter outlining reasons for specific award nomination
  • Current resume of nominee
  • Two RSW nominators
  • Relevant supporting documents
Adopted December 10, 2010

This award recognizes outstanding contribution to the profession of social work and the community through social action/policy.

  • What was the unmet community need?
  • What was the social action/policy?
  • What makes the achievement outstanding?
  • What was the impact on the community?

Description :

The ACSW established the John Graham Hutton Award for Social Action/Policy following his untimely death on December 24, 1990. John Hutton had worked tirelessly for ACSW, serving on many committees, including Council and as President from 1984 - 1985. At the time of his death, John was a full time instructor with the Social Work Program at the Grant MacEwan Community College, where he had taught since 1978. John was a champion of social justice, advocating endlessly for clients, students and the profession. He had specific expertise in social policy, community practice and direct practice, always encouraging the profession to enhance social and political environments. John had particular interest in working with seniors and aboriginal peoples and students. John was a founding board member of Operation Friendship and Pioneer Place and had been instrumental in the development and delivery of several off-campus social work diploma programs to aboriginal students in their home communities. At the time of his death he was in the process of completing his dissertation/Doctorate in Social Work from Columbia University. One way in which John's spirit and vision of our profession live on is through this award.

Criteria:

Outstanding contribution to the profession of social work and the community through advocacy, social action, policy development/analysis (including work completed on behalf of ACSW), program development or political action aimed at enhancing social functioning, service delivery systems and the environments in which we live and work with our clients. Nominees for this award must be members in good standing of the ACSW.

 Adopted December 10, 2010
John Hutton Memorial Previous Awardees

This award recognizes exemplary practice and commitment that has been demonstrated over time.

  • What was the exemplary practice?
  • What examples of commitment to the Code of Ethics & Standards of Practice were demonstrated?
  • What was the impact on clients, workplace, community?

Description:

The ACSW Award for Excellence in Social Work Practice recognizes Registered Social Workers who have exhibited exemplary skills and commitment to the Code of Ethics and mission of the ACSW while engaged in providing direct service to clients.

Criteria:

  • Nominees must be Registered Social Workers in good standing with the ACSW;
  • Nominees must have exhibited exemplary skills and commitment to the Code of Ethics and mission of the Alberta College of Social Workers;
  • Preference will be given to nominees engaged in providing direct service to clients;
  • Nominees working in a variety of practice settings will be considered so that, over time, social workers from a variety of practice settings will be recognized.

 Adopted December 10, 2010

Excellence in Social Work Practice Previous Awardees

This award recognizes non-social workers who have made a significant contribution to the values and ideals of social work and who have advanced the goals of ACSW.

  • What was/were the significant contribution(s)?
  • Which values and ideals of social work were involved?
  • Which ACSW goals were advanced?

Description:

Honourary memberships may be awarded to a person or group of persons (non-social workers) who have made a significant contribution to the values and ideals inherent in the profession of social work and who have advanced the goals of the ACSW.

Criteria:

There will be a maximum of one honourary membership awarded per year with ACSW Council having discretion to approve more on the recommendation of the Nominations Committee.

  • This recognition is not limited to Albertans.
  • Honourary memberships will be awarded only when there is a nominee who meets the criteria for selection.
  • Honourary Members will be presented with a framed Honourary Members' Certificate and have their name engraved on the Honourary Membership plaque that will be kept on display in the ACSW office.
Adopted December 10, 2010

Honourary Membership Previous Awardees

Area Coordinators/Regional Activities

Area coordinators are the local contacts for social workers and social work activities throughout Alberta. Area coordinators host continuing competence workshops, Social Work Week events, social events, provide networking opportunities and let ACSW know about issues of concern in their communities.

Area Coordinators Committee Forum

This site is for you to communicate with each other and discuss issues relevant to area coordinators. Coming soon....

Please contact:

Charity Lui, Membership Activities Coordinator - North: charityl@acsw.ab.ca

Heather Johnson, Membership Activities Coordinator - South: heatherj@acsw.ab.ca

Member Interest Group

ACSW has several member interest groups which provide support to social workers in their fields of practice and interest. These groups undertake advocacy activities, host continuing competence events, arrange Social Work Week activities and provide networking opportunities. If you are interested in joining one of these groups or developing a new group in any field of practice, please contact the staff lead.

Professional Affairs - Manager

The Child & Youth Interest Group - Edmonton meets regularly to discuss issues related to children. Below are some of the past events that were hosted by the Children’s Issues Edmonton Group. Also below are reports related to children’s issues. For further information contact charityl@acsw.ab.ca .

Child & Youth Interest Group - Edmonton Forum

This forum is for members to discuss relevant topics. Coming soon...

 

Current Meetings

Meetings will be on the first Wednesday of every month, excluding September. Here are the dates for the upcoming year.
  • September 9, 2015/ October 7, 2015/ November 4, 2015/ December 2, 2015/ January 6, 2016/ February 3, 2016/ March 2, 2016/ April 6, 2016/ May 4, 2016/ June 1, 2016
  • Time : Noon - 1:00 PM
  • Location : East Edmonton Health Centre - Room #1, 11240 79 Street

 

Report - Achieving the Promise: Ending Poverty in Alberta (PDF)

A new report on child and family poverty outlines the challenge Alberta faces if we are going to eliminate child poverty in five years and reduce poverty for everyone in ten years, as promised by Premier Redford during the recent provincial election.

 

Employee well-being key to job satisfaction and commitment for government social workers

The Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) commissioned a study to learn the reasons some social workers flourish in child protection while others falter. Study author Val Kinjerski, PhD and principal consultant with Kaizen Solutions, is a leading authority in the field of employee engagement and former senior manager and social worker in child protection. Her study shows that a two-pronged approach is needed to increase the number of social workers who flourish in government child protection work—one directed at improving working conditions and the other at increasing employee engagement or what she calls “spirit at work.” “Together, these two factors contribute to two-thirds of social worker well-being at work,” she said. “When social workers are fully aware of and feel good about the contribution they are making to society, feel recognized and valued for the work they do, and are wholly supported by their supervisors and managers, child protection work can be most fulfilling and meaningful.”

Lori Sigurdson, ACSW Professional Affairs Coordinator, says the ACSW is excited about the results because government social workers represent about one-quarter of the College’s membership. “Action on this study’s recommendations can dramatically improve the work lives of many of our members,” she said. “This will lead to better results for vulnerable Alberta children and their families.”

Download the media release here.

Download the report - Flourishing in Child Protection: Creating Environments that Helps Social Workers Thrive , A Report to the Alberta College of Social Workers by Val Kinjerski, MSW, PhD, RSW

Past Events

The Edmonton Children's Issues Interest Group is hosting A MORNING WITH RICK MILLER (4 Category A Credits)

Rick will be presenting Introduction to Kids at Hope, Unleashing the Power of Kids at Hope, Module 1, Hopeology explores the science of hope, optimism and success and how it can be instilled in all children.

  • Date: Friday, April 12, 2013 / Time: 8:30 am - 12:30 pm
  • Location: Jeerson Room - Prince of Wales Armouries, 10440 108 Avenue NW, Edmonton
  • Fees: $25 for ACSW member / $50 for non member

Social Action/Social Justice Interest Group in Edmonton meets regularly to discuss and advocate for social justice. For further information contact charityl@acsw.ab.ca .

Current Meetings

New Members are Welcome to join the first Social Action/Social Justice - Edmonton Interest Group.

  • Date: Last Monday of the month at 5:00 PM
  • Location: ACSW Boardroom, Suite 550, 10707 100 Ave NW
  • RSVP: to ilonac@acsw.ab.ca

Response to Developing a Social Policy Framework for Alberta : Discussion Guide

The Edmonton Social Action/Social Justice (SASJ) committee of the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) commends the government’s efforts to develop a Social Policy Framework for Alberta. The ACSW has developed a Social Policy Framework: Visioning a More Equitable and Just Alberta. We will attach a copy. The SASJ committee is submitting comments on the “Discussion Guide” that has been issued by Human Services Alberta. We are responding to the key questions in the Guide.

Membership Activities Coordinator - North

Charity Lui - charity@acsw.ab.ca

The Edmonton Retired Social Workers meet a few times per year for a lunch and speaker. For further information, please contact Charity Lui, Membership Activities Coordinator (north) at charity@acsw.ab.ca or 780.421.1167.

The Northern Alberta Gerontology Social Work Interest Group meet regularly to discuss issues related to seniors. From policy shifts and changes to day-to-day work with the senior population. For further information contact Charity Lui, Membership Activities Coordinator at charityl@acsw.ab.ca .

Meeting Minutes

The Private Practice Committee is an Interest Group of ACSW concerned with matters relating to the private practice of social work and to social work private practitioners and their clientele. Its primary mandate is to promote and maintain Best Practices for Social Workers in Private Practice.

Private Practitioners are advanced level Social Workers registered to practice in the Province of Alberta under the Alberta College of Social Workers. They provide services directly to clients and, either wholly or in part, practice their profession independently of any governmental or voluntary agency. They take sole responsibility for their practice and establish their own conditions of payment with their clients. Their professional identity in their private practice is social work.

The Alberta College of Social Workers is obligated by the Health Professions Act to serve and protect the public interest. To this end, it is reasonable that the public should expect that RSWs in Private Practice have sufficient experience and competence that enables them to practice without supervision.

For further information, to find out when this Committee meets next or to RSVP for the next meeting contact Charity Lui, Membership Activities Coordinator (North) at charity@acsw.ab.ca .

More Information

The Social Workers in Health Interest Group meets monthly over the lunch hour, on the last Wednesday of the month, through telehealth - Alberta Health Services teleconferencing service. These meetings join social workers throughout the province to network and collaborate around best practice. For more information contact Charity Lui, Membership Activities Coordinator at charityl@acsw.ab.ca.

Upcoming Meetings

  • Date: Wednesdays
  • Time: Noon – 1:00 PM
  • Location: AHS Telehealth or telephone line
  • RSVP: to charity@acsw.ab.ca 

Meeting Minutes

Membership Activities Coordinator - South

Heather Johnson - heatherj@acsw.ab.ca

Calgary Social Workers for Social Justice take action and advocate for social justice. The group hosts workshops, events, attends rallies and addresses local issues that affect the citizens of Calgary throughout the year. For further information, please contact Heather Johnson, Membership Activities Coordinator at heatherj@acsw.ab.ca.

Facebook - Calgary Social Workers for Social Justice 

Website - http://www.calgaryswsj.com/

 

Past Workshops

Understanding Economics as a Tool for Advocacy

The Calgary Social Workers for Social Justice committee invite you to attend this workshop led by David Campanella. David is the Public Policy Research Manager for the Parkland Institute.

  • Date: Wednesday, October 2, 2013
  • Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm
  • Location: University of Calgary, Faculty of Social Work, Room 3257
  • Fee: $25 for ACSW member

Poverty Reduction Strategy/Children’s Charter Workshop

Social Workers for Social Justice and Action to End Poverty in Alberta, in co-operation with ACSW are hosting a workshop/consultation session in Calgary for social workers and individuals with experience living on low-incomes. This is a Category A credit workshop for RSW’s, and is free to all attendees. Also there is money available to cover childcare and transportation costs.

  • Credits: 3 Category A Credits
  • Event: Poverty Reduction Strategy/Children’s Charter Workshop
  • Date: Tuesday, August 27, 2013
  • Time: 9:00 am - Noon (12:00 pm)
  • Location: Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Centre - 1320 5 Ave NW, Calgary

Meeting Minutes

The Child & Youth Interest Group - Calgary is currently recruiting social workers who work in or are interested in child & youth issues to join the group. For more information contact Heather Johnson, Membership Activities Coordinator (South) at heatherj@acsw.ab.ca .

Report - Achieving the Promise: Ending Poverty in Alberta (PDF)

A new report on child and family poverty outlines the challenge Alberta faces if we are going to eliminate child poverty in five years and reduce poverty for everyone in ten years, as promised by Premier Redford during the recent provincial election.

The Gerontological Social Work Action Group (GSWAG) focuses on issues related to seniors. GSWAG focuses on day to day work with seniors, issues within long term care and support of seniors and overall policies related to seniors. For further information contact Heather Johnson, Membership Activities Coordinator (South) at heatherj@acsw.ab.ca .

Past Events

Lunch & Learn Session

The Gerontology Social Work Action Group is hosting a Lunch & Learn with Linda McFarlane MSW, ACSW Member. Linda will discuss her experiences, reactions and insights gained from visiting five different residential long-term care facilities in Copenhagan, Denmark.

  • Date: Thursday, June 26, 2014 / 12:00 - 1:00 pm
  • Location: Bethany Care Centre (North Boardroom), 916 18 A street NW
  • Pizza lunch will be provided

Long Term Care: Impact of Privatization on the Care of Older Adults

Gerontological Social Worker Action Group - Calgary invite you to attend this Category A workshop. This full-day workshop will be led by two high-profile speakers: Bill Moore-Kilgannon, Executive Director, PIA and Sandra Azocar, Executive Director, FOM.

  • Date: Saturday, November 30, 2013 / 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Location: University of Calgary, Rm 4259, Professional Faculties Building, 2500 University Dr NW, Calgary
  • Fee: $75.00 for ACSW member / includes lunch

The Indigenous Social Work Committee advises Council on matters related to Indigenous Social Work practice. Membership on the committee includes up to seven Indigenous Social Workers appointed by Council and up to three ex-officio members invited for their wisdom/expertise. For further information contact Heather Johnson, Membership Activities Coordinator (South) at heatherj@acsw.ab.ca .

Aboriginal Social Work Committee 2006 Strategic Plan

The International Social Work Interest Group meets via teleconference, allowing members throughout the province to participate. This Committee focuses on global social work issues. For more information contact Heather Johnson, Membership Activities Coordinator (South) at heatherj@acsw.ab.ca.

International Social Work Committee Forum

This forum is for you to communicate with each other and discuss issues relevant to International Social Work.
 

As the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), International Association of Schools of Social Work (IASSW), and the International Council of Social Welfare (ICSW) come together to develop "the agenda", take advantage of this opportunity to act collectively with others across the globe.

Please contact Erin Wanini at eskocy@hotmail.com for more information.

Have you wondered how your Social Work can be used in humanitarian work? Look no further. We have some exciting new opportunities that we wanted Social Work students & alumni to know about:

 

Past Events

ACSW's International Social Work Interest Group Networking Lunch

Please come join the International Social Work Interest Group for a Networking Lunch at the ACSW 2014 Annual Conference.

  • Date: Saturday, March 22, 2014 / 12:15 - 1:15 pm

More Information

Insurance

Home and Auto Insurance Program

TD Meloche Monnex Preferred Group Home and Auto Insurance Program is the main provider of home and automobile insurance services to members of professional, university and college organizations. To discover more about your insurance coverage options with TD Meloche Monnex visit their website or call 1-877-536-7755.

Subscribe to a free e-newsletter from TD Meloche Monnex, containing helpful information on a variety of lifestyle topics.

Practice Insurance

HDF Insurance is an independent full-service Alberta-based insurance broker, specializing in Association Affinity Programs for the past 20 years. HDF Insurance negotiated a comprehensive Insurance Program for ACSW members at the lowest premiums currently offered in the market place.

Please visit their website for information on pricing and options.

AON Reed is one of the largest providers of practice insurance to social workers across the country. View more information about this organization, and access their brochure .

HDF Insurance

HDF Insurance is an independent full-service Alberta-based insurance broker, specializing in Association Affinity Programs for the past 20 years. HDF INSURANCE was able to negotiate a comprehensive Insurance Program for ACSW members at the lowest premiums currently offered in the market place.

Please visit their website for infomation on pricing and options.

HDF Insurance Update!

On May 1/2014 the ACSW liability program provided by HDF Insurance is due for renewal.

This year your renewal can be completed on-line by visiting their website . They have added a feature so that you can complete the renewal application, pay for it, and print off your certificate on-line.

It is important to renew prior to May 1/2014 to avoid any lapse or gap in coverage.

For any questions on the renewal process contact Dave Douglas via email: Dave.Douglas@hdfinsurance.com or via phone: 780-488-0921.

AON Reed Insurance

AON Reed is one of the largest providers of practice insurance to Social Workers across the country. To view more information about this organization, and access their brochure, please click here . To view the application form, please click here .

Home and Auto Insurance Program

TD Meloche Monnex Preferred Group Home and Auto Insurance Program is the main provider of home and automobile insurance services to members of professional, university and college organizations. To discover more about your insurance coverage options with TD Meloche Monnex or visit their website or call 1-877-536-7755.

Subscribe to a free e-newsletter from TD Meloche Monnex, containing helpful information on a variety of lifestyle topics.

WHAT IS IT?

A program of confidential counselling, designed to help members and their families resolve personal and professional issues, stresses, and traumas and thus improve their overall health, well-being, and job performance.

WHY DO WE NEED AN EFAP?

Each of us faces difficult situations in our day-to-day activities. In most cases we are able to resolve these concerns. There are times, however, when a personal issue becomes too difficult to manage to the detriment of our families, our work, our relationships and our health.

Without assistance to reach a solution, difficult issues can often get worse over time. In many cases, professional assistance can help us develop options and strategies to resolve issues and thus prevent them from reaching a crisis.

The EFAP is a resource provided by ACSW and CMR Canada for members and their families to obtain confidential and professional assistance to identify and resolve difficult issues.

Professional Services

  • Professional counselling by private practice Registered Social Workers and Chartered Psychologists.
  • Province wide delivery in member's home community or closest community where service is available.
  • 24 hour toll-free access.
  • Continuation with same counsellor and same fee beyond limit of Benefits Plan.
  • Choice of time and location for service.
  • Invoicing Extended Medical Benefits carrier (Blue Cross).
  • Guaranteed confidentiality.

Counselling Services covered by this Program

  • Aging parents
  • Anger management
  • Bereavement
  • Career issues
  • Critical incident stress management
  • Emotional problems
  • Family problems
  • Fatigue
  • Harassment
  • Health concerns
  • Marriage preparation
  • Marital problems
  • Physical/sexual abuse
  • Relationship issues
  • Single parenting
  • Stress
  • Substance abuse/addiction
  • Trauma

What is a personal issue?

    A personal issue is any problem that adversely impacts your quality of life, at home or at work. How severely an issue affects each of us depends on the situation and how we perceive it. To determine if you have a problem consider the following:
  • The problem dominates your thoughts to the extent that your feelings of apprehension or worry take up much of your time during daily activities.
  • You lack energy and are often physically ill.
  • You expend considerable emotional energy, hoping the situation will improve and pretending it isn't really all that bad.
  • You know you should be doing something to improve the situation but don't know how to approach it.
  • You feel overwhelmed.

If you recognize this pattern consider using the EFAP.

How is your confidentiality assured?

  • Your are the only one to decide if you can benefit from counselling. Your employer is not involved in any way.
  • All client information is kept away from your place of work.
  • If needed, information will only be released upon your written approval.
  • As a client, your best interests are always served.
  • Your personal information is stored in CMR's computer which is safeguarded by the best security software and hardware. Only CMR Canada personnel have access to CMR' s computer system. See CMR Privacy .

Eligibility

    Members, spouses, and dependent children.

Cost & Funding

Services are provided at the REDUCED RATE of $95.00 per visit.
  • If you have Extended Health Benefits with Blue Cross the cost of your counselling services may be covered or partially covered. CMR will invoice Blue Cross for your benefit.
  • If you are covered through a benefit provider other than Blue Cross - you will pay the counsellor the full fee of $95.00 per visit (receipt issued) and claim reimbursement from your benefit plan.
  • If you do not have any coverage, counselling services are still available to you and your family at your cost at the REDUCED rate.
  • APPROVAL IS NOT NEEDED TO USE THE EFAP. IT IS VOLUNTARY AND STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL.

How do I register for Counselling and/or get more information?

    Simply contact CMR Canada at any time:
    Please provide the following information:
  • Your name, work and home telephone number, and your E-mail address.
  • Your employer.

Service Delivery

    After you register, CMR will call to confirm your request and to obtain “presenting” information. CMR will authorize the counsellor assigned to work with you to contact you directly to arrange a convenient time for your first visit. If your call is an emergency you will be contacted immediately or directed to a crisis centre.
    Professional services are delivered in your home community or the closest community where the service is available. Alternate locations of service delivery are available to safeguard your confidentiality.

More Information

Please click on the highlighted areas to learn more about ACSW's Regional Activities & Annual Conference.

To notify us of any changes in your work or home contact information please send an e-mail to Member Change/Update at the ACSW office with the following information:

  • Your full name
  • Your RSW number
  • Preferred e-mail address
  • Your new employer name & job title (if applicable) address, phone number, fax number, professional insurance information, etc.
  • Date in which the changes take effect

In March of each year we celebrate National Social Work Week in recognition of the contributions of social workers to society. Nationally, CASW celebrates National Social Work Month every March. Each province selects a week in March for Social Work Week.

The goals of Social Week in Alberta include:

  • Educating the public about the wide range of roles social workers perform
  • Heightening the professional profile of Registered Social Workers (RSWs)
  • Encouraging organizations who employ Registered Social Workers and the communities that benefit from their efforts, to celebrate the role and contribution of RSWs by hosting a wide variety of events.

Events held previously include: BBQs, proclamations by local, provincial and federal governments, articles published in the media, awards ceremonies, continuing competence workshops, information displays at workplaces, conferences, luncheons, and awareness raising mailouts.

Social workers across the province are encouraged to form planning groups to promote National Social Work Week. ACSW has resources available to assist in celebrating. Local Area Coordinators also have access to resources and may assist in planning events. Please call our office 1-800-661-3089 or in Edmonton 780-421-1167 for more information.

2015 Social Work Week Theme

ACSW National Social Work Week 2015

Theme :

Theme: The Art of Cultivating Communities
March 1 - 7, 2015
Twitter hashtag #ACSWSWW

The Art of Cultivating Communities

Social Workers work with communities every day.  The theme for Social Work Week is The Art of Cultivating Communities. Whether the community is interdisciplinary, a group of seniors, residents of a geographical location or a virtual group advocating for social justice, each in its own unique way, contributes to creating a healthy environment.  As renowned anthropologist, Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

 

 

2013 Social Work Week Theme

ACSW National Social Work Week 2013

Related Links:

All Applicants, please complete the " Applicant Qualification for Registration " survey. Based on your responses, you will be directed to the appropriate electronic application.

For further information please check the Frequently Asked Questions .