Across Canada, the profession of social work is Bringing Change to Life. In front-line, community-building, policy, advocacy, and research roles, social workers are social justice professionals: outspoken advocates for the people and communities we serve, and champions for positive change.
Beyond helping to bring positive change with those we serve, the profession of social work is continuing to bring change to life from within our profession as well. In recognition of the complex relationship between Indigenous people and communities and the land we now call Canada, the three pillars of the profession have chosen the theme Bringing Change to Life to open space for the social work profession to reflect and act on reconciliation.
Affirmation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and deep regret for the profession’s role in inflicting harm on Indigenous people and communities through colonizing narratives, policies, and practices, are just the beginning. Action is required to transform our colonial reality for a better future.
The three pillars of the profession commit to Bringing Change to Life within the social work profession by:
- continuing to provide ethical, responsible, and high quality service to the public;
- supporting Schools of Social Work in Canada in making reconciliation a priority in shaping the next generation of Canadian social workers;
- and by bringing humility and accountability to social justice efforts.
The three pillars further commit to amplify and lift up Indigenous voices and causes and to ensure that social workers have access to education and information to help advance reconciliation and decolonization in their own practice.
As helpers, listeners, and leaders, social workers are committed to reconciliation and to bringing positive change to the lives of the people and communities we serve.
|
Jan Christianson-Wood, MSW, RSW |
Susan Cadell, PhD President, CASWE-ACFTS |
Lynn Labrecque King, MSW, RSW President, CCSWR |
The Canadian Council of Social Work Regulators (CCSWR) represents provincial/territorial social work regulatory authorities in Canada.
The Canadian Association for Social Work Education – L’Association canadienne pour la formation en travail social (CASWE-ACFTS) is a bilingual, Canadian association with a social justice focus that promotes excellence in social work education, practice and scholarly activities. It does this through the enrichment of social work education, the accreditation of social work educational programs in Canada, advocacy, research, publication, consultation and collaboration at both Canadian and international levels.
The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) is the national professional association. CASW promotes and strengthens the profession, supports its members, and advances issues of social justice.
Honouring Jordan’s Principle: Putting Kids First
Unsettling Ourselves: Settler Engagement with Truth and Reconciliation
