Title
Social Work Month Proclamation 2024: Empowering Social Workers
Memorandum
WHEREAS, Social Work is a profession truly dedicated to helping people; and 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 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 women, African Americans and people who are LGBTQIA2S+; 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, a public opinion survey from Ipsos indicated that 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
NOW THEREFORE, I, Christopher Taylor, Mayor of Ann Arbor, Michigan, in recognition of the numerous contributions made by Social Workers to our community, proclaim the month of March 2024 as National Social Work Month and call upon all citizens to join the City of Ann Arbor in celebration and support of the Social Work Profession.
I hereby set my hand and seal
This 18th day of March 2024
Christopher Taylor
Mayor of the City of Ann Arbor