We’re Listening!
We’re building SWAA from the ground up, in collaboration with Alberta social workers!
SWAA recently shared our first survey to begin connecting with social workers in Alberta. Thank you to everyone who took time to participate. Your responses are helping us build a social work association that will meet your needs!
We asked about hopes and dreams for the new Social Workers Association of Alberta.
We heard that professional development is important. There is a desire for a conference and other events, a hope to see diverse topics on offer, and the need for affordable options.
The importance of promoting our profession was also highlighted. We heard that social workers want to put our collective advocacy skills to work advocating for ourselves and our profession.
An association that supports its members is important. We envision an association that is equitable, empowering, practical and confidential , and see that there is value in employment support for rural, urban, clinical and generalist practices.
Community is key! We want to feel a part of the social work community, and have a place to communicate, connect and network.
There is a need for public advocacy and social justice. A social work association can and should work for the well-being of Albertans.
Survey respondents told us there is strength in diversity. SWAA should value, integrate and support all social workers. This includes students and of course, retired social workers!
The survey also asked what benefits are most important to you. Top priorities include:
Professional development
Promotion of the profession
Membership in the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW)
Collective advocacy
Prioritizing Benefits (Overall)
Professional updates and opportunities to network were mentioned as well. We heard that all of the potential benefits have value to our potential members.
Thank you again to everyone who took part. To be notified of future surveys and opportunities to engage and shape the new social work association, subscribe to our email list today!