March is Social Work Month in Newfoundland and Labrador. The theme for 2025 “Social Work is Everywhere” celebrates the diversity of the social work profession.
A range of continuing professional education (CPE) events will be occurring throughout the month. NLCSW registrants and non-practicing members can access full event details under the Upcoming Events page. These events not only provide valuable education, but they also highlight the knowledge and expertise of social workers.
Social Work Month Message from NLCSW Board Chair, Stephanie Mealey –
“ March is National Social Work Month. This year’s theme, Social Work is Everywhere, captures and promotes the diversity of the social work profession, and the multitude of practice areas in which social workers are employed.
Newfoundland and Labrador currently has over 1900 registered social workers who are committed to providing high quality social work services to assist individuals, families, groups and communities in achieving optimal health and social well-being.
Many often ask what it is that social workers do? As a regulated profession, we do have a legislative definition of social work:
social work means the assessment, remediation and prevention of psycho-social problems and the enhancement of the social, psycho-social functioning and well being of individuals, families, groups and communities by using social work knowledge, theory and skills to
(i) provide direct counselling and therapy services to a client,
(ii) develop, implement, manage or deliver human service programs, including those done in collaboration with other professions,
(iii) contribute to the development and advancement of health and social policy, and
(iv) conduct research in the science, technique and practice of social work.
You can read more specifically about the role of social work in diverse areas of practice at https://nlcsw.ca/practice-areas/.
While social work is a diverse profession, social workers are united by a Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Throughout this past year, social workers have embraced the new Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) Code of Ethics and have renewed their commitment to this Code for the 2025-26 registration year. Whether it is through the delivery of counselling, therapy and social work interventions, managing programs and services, informing and advancing social policies, or engaging in research, social workers demonstrate their accountability to the Code of Ethics.
Through their practices, social workers demonstrate their dedication and passion for helping others with competence and integrity. I have learned from, and have been inspired by, my social work colleagues. Social work is a growing and thriving profession that continues to make a positive impact, provincially, nationally and internationally.
During March, I encourage all social workers, regardless of their specific job title, to take time to reflect on the important work they do and to promote social work at every opportunity. Be proud to call yourself a Registered Social Worker.
As Chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador College of Social Workers, I wish all social workers throughout the province a Happy Social Work Month.”
Stephanie Mealey MSW, RSW
NLCSW Chair, Board of Directors
CASW Distinguished Service Award: Joan Davis-Whelan MSW, RSW
NLCSW Pride in the Profession Award: Natasha Fennelly BSW, RSW
NLCSW extends congratulations to the 2025 award winners. Learn more about these deserving recipients by visiting https://nlcsw.ca/2025-award-winners/.
A virtual awards ceremony was held on March 26 to recognize both Joan and Natasha. Stay tuned for the July edition of Connecting Voices as speeches from both award winners will be published.
Ideas for Recognizing Social Work Month:
In addition to availing of the extensive range of CPE opportunities available throughout the month, the following are some further ideas for recognizing the profession and the month:
- Display the Social Work Month poster in your office/workplace.
- Engage with NLCSW on social media- https://twitter.com/NLCSWca https://www.youtube.com/c/NLCSW
- Share the information contained in NLCSW Practice Area Series on social media and/or display your area of practice in your workplace. The series has been informed by practicing social workers and currently covers 28 practice areas, from acute care to veteran affairs.
- Participate in job/career fairs to showcase all that the social work profession has to offer.
- Organize a proclamation signing with your town/municipality. Connect with the NLCSW office for a template.
- Check out the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) website for details regarding national events.
