WHEREAS, March 2018 is recognized nationally as Social Work Month, and this years theme is, Social Workers: Leaders. Advocates. Champions.; and

WHEREAS, The social work profession has its roots in the 1889 Chicago settlement house movement led by the Mother of Social Work, Jane Addams; and

WHEREAS, The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance and meet the basic needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs of, and empowerment through social action and social justice for, those who are poor, oppressed, and living in poverty; and

WHEREAS, Today, there are over 630,000 professional social workers in the United States, over 65,000 of whom are in California; and

WHEREAS, There are approximately 8,000 graduate students in the social work pipeline in 23 accredited California State University, University of California, and private programs throughout the state; and

WHEREAS, Professional social workers train in an intensive combination of classroom and community experiences focused on individuals, families, and communities in crisis and in need of help; and

WHEREAS, Professional social workers provide services across the age spectrum, from prenatal to end of life services; and

WHEREAS, Professional social workers serve in diverse settings, including schools, courtrooms, health clinics, hospitals, senior centers, homeless shelters, nursing homes, the military, disaster relief, prisons, corporations, and in political office; and

WHEREAS, Professional social workers who have served in Congress include the Honorable Ron Dellums, MSW, the Honorable Barbara Lee, MSW, the Honorable Karen Bass, MSW, and the Honorable Susan Davis, MSW, and professional social workers who have served in the California State Legislature include the Honorable Mary Salas, BSW, the Honorable Patty Berg, B.A. in social work; and the Honorable Mariko Yamada, MSW; and

WHEREAS, Professional social workers who have combined their leadership skills and knowledge of community development into distinguished positions include Arturo Rodriguez, MSW, President of the United Farmworkers Organization, and Caitlyn Ryan, LCSW, Director of the Family Acceptance Project; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, That March 2018 is proclaimed Social Work Month in the State of California, and the Assembly commends the California Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers for its role in advancing professional social work and promoting the well-being of the people of California, and also encourages all Californians to take part in March Social Workers: Leaders. Advocates. Champions. events throughout California; and be it further

Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.

Date of Hearing: March 1, 2018

ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON RULES

Ken Cooley, Chair

ABPCA Bill Id:HR 79

Author:(Eggman) – As Introduced Ver:February 8, 2018

SUBJECT: Social Work Month

SUMMARY: Proclaims March 2018 as Social Work Month in the State of California and commends the California Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers for its role in advancing professional social work and promoting the well-being of the people of California. Specifically, this resolution makes the following legislative findings:

1. March 2018 is recognized nationally as Social Work Month and this year's theme is, "Social Workers: Leaders. Advocates. Champions.”
2. The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance and meet the basic needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs of, and empowerment through social action and social justice for, those who are poor, oppressed, and living in poverty.
3. Currently there are over 630,000 professional social workers in the United States, over 65,000 of whom are in California.
4. There are over 8,000 graduate students in the social work pipeline in 23 accredited California State University, University of California, and private programs throughout the state.
5. Professional social workers train in an intensive combination of classroom and community experiences focused on individuals, families, and communities in crisis and in need of help. They provide services across the age spectrum, from prenatal to end of life services.
6. Professional social workers serve in diverse settings, including schools, courtrooms, health clinics, hospitals, senior centers, homeless shelters, nursing homes, the military, disaster relief, prisons, corporations, and in political office.

FISCAL EFFECT: None

REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:

Support

National Association of Social Workers, California Chapter (NASW-CA)

Opposition

None on file

Analysis Prepared by: Nicole Willis / RLS. / (916) 319-2800