2025 Senate Resolution 15

Whereas, People have entered the social work profession for generations because they genuinely care about helping improve the welfare of people, families, communities and our nation; and

Whereas, This year’s social work month theme, “Social Work: Compassion + Action,” embodies the fact that social workers go through years of education and training, so they have the skills and expertise to transform their care for others into action that brings positive results; and

Whereas, The social work profession has worked for generations to improve living conditions in our nation, with social workers successfully pushing for Social Security, a 40-hour work week, Medicare, and a minimum wage; and

Whereas, Social workers have helped this nation live up to its values by successfully advocating for equal rights for all people, no matter their race, sexual identity, gender, gender expression, culture, or religion; and

Whereas, Social workers follow a code of ethics, which sets the primary mission of enhancing human well-being and meeting the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of those who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty; and

Whereas, In the United States, social work is one of the fastest growing professions, with more than 800,000 people expected to be employed as social workers by 2033; and

Whereas, There are more than 30,000 licensed social workers in the state of Michigan alone, while 6,500 social work students are slated to join the workforce; and

Whereas, Social workers work in all parts of our society – including schools, social service agencies, veteran centers, and government – helping people, families, and communities secure services and policies they need to thrive; and

Whereas, They are also at the forefront of pressing issues our nation is addressing, including increased needs for mental health care, especially for children and adolescents, substance use disorder treatment, and increased economic and political division; and

Whereas, Social workers are one of the largest groups of mental health care providers in the United States and are pushing for a Social Work Interstate Licensing Compact that will improve mental health care delivery in our nation; and

Whereas, They help protect millions of children from abuse and neglect and provide services and support, which help strengthen families that are under stress, and help create new families through adoption; and

Whereas, Research proves that social workers in schools, hospitals, and assisted living facilities improve education and health outcomes, as well as the quality of life for students, patients, and residents; and

Whereas, Social workers stand ready to assist our nation in overcoming present and future challenges, including ending gun violence, improving health care and mental health care for all, and urging lawmakers to adopt immigration reforms; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body commemorate March 2025 as Social Work Month; and be it further

Resolved, That in recognition of the numerous contributions made by America’s social workers, we call upon all citizens to join the National Association of Social Workers in celebrating Social Work Month.