03/15/2026
Social Work has a dark past, as
historically Social Workers supported and willingly participated in oppressive systems. Often doing the frontline work of racist policies, such as during the time of residential schools and the 60s scoop.
Over the decades, there have been radical shifts in our profession towards critical thinking, self-reflection, and anti-oppressive practice. Social justice is part of our code of ethics, and advocacy against the very systems we work within has become is a key tenant of Social Work practice.
Of course there is more work to be done, but many of you show up every day in the grey areas, working as a bridge between oppressive systems and your clients.
Trying to weave goodness and compassion into cold, unfeeling colonial structures.
Seeing these policy changes around
Social Work, makes me want to celebrate Social Workers even more. I'm tired of watching you be overlooked, overworked and underpaid.
You deserve so much more for what you do.
* Thank you for being the person in the room who sees others' struggles within context, rather than only seeing individual failing.
* Thank you for naming and resisting discrimination of all kinds - at work, in your home, in your community, and in your country.
* Thank you for sending kindness and compassion out into the world, even when you are surrounded by hate.
* Thank you for acting for the good all, rather just the benefit of yourself.
* Thank you for that big beautiful, empathetic heart of yours!
Being a Social Worker can be an exhausting and thankless job most days.
But please know, that each act of care you provide matters, and it makes a bigger difference then you realize. You are so appreciated!!
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