By CMSA Staff

Social workers play a crucial role in society by working to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities. They are often on the front lines, addressing societal problems, advocating for social justice, and eliminating obstacles to access and opportunity.

In honor of Social Work Month, we want to highlight just a few of the ways that social workers break barriers and make a difference:

Addressing Systemic Inequalities
Social workers are trained to recognize and address the root causes of social problems, including systemic inequalities that can create barriers to equity. They work to empower individuals and communities to advocate for change and challenge existing social structures that perpetuate injustice.

Providing Support and Resources
Social workers connect individuals and families to the resources and support they need to overcome barriers and improve their lives. This can include providing counseling, case management, and advocacy services, as well as connecting people to food, housing, transportation and other essential resources.

Fostering Social Inclusion
Social workers help to create more inclusive communities by improving the ability of disenfranchised individuals to take part in society and by promoting diversity and acceptance, building relationships and connections across differences, and challenging stigma and discrimination.

Empowering Individuals and Communities
Social workers help individuals and communities to develop the skills, resources, and support they need to overcome barriers and achieve their goals. They work to empower people to advocate for themselves and others, build stronger relationships, and navigate complex systems and structures.

Advocating for Social Justice
Social workers are often at the forefront of advocating for social justice, working to break down barriers and promote equiy and opportunity for all. They may work to influence policy and social change, engage in community organizing, or advocate for individual rights and needs.

These are just a few examples of the countless ways that social workers break barriers and make a difference in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Social work is an essential profession that has the power to create positive change and improve the well-being of people and communities around the world.

Don’t miss our other March blogs written by and about social workers:

"Social Workers in Case Management" by Celinda Carr, LCSW-C, CCM
Celebrating the social workers who currently provide case management services and educate others who are unfamiliar with the high-level of satisfaction and fulfillment we receive being case managers!

"The Art of Talking Story" by Raine Arndt-Couch, JD, MSW, LCSW, CCM
"Growing up in Hawai’i, I learned at a very early age the importance of 'talking story.' At its heart, talking story is a way in which people find commonality and develop rapport," — an essential skill for social workers.

"It's Social Work Month!" by CMSA President, Dr. Colleen Morley, DNP, RN, CCM, CMAC, CMCN, ACM-RN, FCM
Social work case managers’ knowledge of the social determinants of health, gap finding, resource provision, wholistic care coordination and providing emotional and mental health support through the continuum of care make them indispensable members of the inter-professional care team, regardless of the care setting.

In honor of Social Work Month, we have curated a selection of our most popular SW courses for you! Go to https://cmsapmg.wpenginepowered.com/monthlyed/ to get started!

For more SW CEs on current trends and topics, don’t miss the 2023 CMSA Annual Conference, Jun 27-30, at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas! View the comprehensive schedule at https://cmsa.societyconference.com/conf/#sessions/conf10003