Title
Proclamation of March 2023 as Social Work Month
Memorandum
Proclamation
March 2023 is Social Work Month
WHEREAS, Social Workers enter the profession because they have a strong desire to help empower individuals, families, communities, and our nation overcome issues that limit their full potential; and
WHEREAS, Social Workers have worked for more than a century to improve and enhance the well-being of all people, and follow a Code of Ethics that calls them to fight social injustice; and
WHEREAS, Social Work as a profession has upheld institutions of oppression and discrimination, as most professions have, but with the help of our Code of Ethics, strive to dismantle inequity within our profession and within society; and
WHEREAS, Social Workers positively touch the lives of millions of Americans each day in schools, hospitals, the military, child welfare agencies, community centers, and in federal, state and local government; and
WHEREAS, The 2023 Social Work Month theme, “Social Work Breaks Barriers” embodies social workers ability to empower individuals, families, communities, and society; and
WHEREAS, Social Workers are the largest group of mental health care providers in the United States, and help to dismantle inequity through work in policy, community organizing, and research; and
WHEREAS, Social Workers help individuals and communities cope with trauma and the impact of inequitable systems; and
WHEREAS, Social Workers have bettered our nation by focusing on intersectionality and advocating for equal rights for all marginalized populations; and
WHEREAS, The Social Work Profession is one of the fastest growing careers in the United States, with approximately 708,000 social workers today and more than 60,000 more expected to enter the profession over the next decade; and
WHEREAS, Ann Arbor and greater Washtenaw County have benefitted from the service and focus on alleviating inequity that social workers in leadership positions.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Christopher Taylor, mayor of Ann Arbor, in recognition of the numerous contributions made by Social Workers to our community, proclaim the month of March 2023 as National Social Work Month and call upon all citizens to celebrate and support the Social Work Profession.
I hereby set my hand and seal
This 20th day of March 2023
Christopher Taylor
Mayor of the City of Ann Arbor