Reflections of the season…

There is no other time of year when we can so readily see our social work values and principles reflected in our communities. All around us we see signs of love, generosity, and compassion. There is a sense that people are somehow kinder and more considerate. Calls to give, to care, and to remember those in greatest need are all around us.

For social workers, care and compassion are not virtues saved for the month of December. Every day we respond to the suffering of others and act on the key principles of our profession: service to humanity, the pursuit of social justice, integrity, and respect for the inherent dignity and worth of all persons.

Our work often goes unnoticed. There is no breaking news story when someone doesn’t commit suicide, when someone stays sober for one more day, when a family doesn’t fall apart. There is no audience when families are comforted through death, loss and grief. Social workers strive to care for those on the margins of our society who live lives of isolation, fear and loneliness. We do this work to the best of our ability, regardless of how under-resourced we are: how extended the waitlists, how many people are in crisis or how few hours there are in a day. Social workers take on some of the most complex, challenging issues that exist in society. We bring innovative critical thinking to these problems - and we often do so on a shoestring budget.

In a time of year that can be mired in conflict and sorrow, we must also take time for reflection. We must remember the many successes we have achieved, the hope we have inspired, and the care and compassion we provided. We hope all social workers will take the time to rest, reset and celebrate their efforts in building connection, community, and compassion.

For all of you, however you may celebrate, the staff and board members of the Social Work Association of Alberta (SWAA) wish you all the joy and peace of the season. We look forward to serving you in 2024.

Sincerely,

Joan Farkas, President, SWAA