Social work is a regulated profession committed to making society more equitable and inclusive. Social work is dedicated to improving the functioning of individuals, families, and communities. Social workers can work in a variety of settings such as healthcare, education, child welfare, public policy, non-profits, and the judicial system.

The Board is currently working on electing a new President and want to do so with intention. An announcement about the new leadership will be coming in the next weeks as we look to the future potential of this amazing association.

As social workers committed to promoting social justice and well-being, we reaffirm our dedication to advocating for policies and initiatives that prioritize health equity and empower individuals to claim their rights to health. We recognize that achieving health for all requires collaborative efforts from governments, organizations, communities, and individuals alike.

On March 31st, as we mark International Day of Transgender Visibility, let us shine a bright light on the beauty and strength of gender diverse individuals and communities.

Social workers are essential in upholding human rights and acknowledging the structural marginalization that racialized communities face in Canada. From colonial slavery to police brutality, social workers have a responsibility to serve Black communities and to oppose anti-Black racism. March 21st is a stark reminder of the injustices faced by racialized peoples around the world.

Celebrating International Women's Day

As we celebrate International Women's Day, it's crucial to take a moment to reflect on the progress made towards gender equality and the work that still lies ahead.

Professional development with The Social Workers Association of Alberta (Spring 2024).

It seems that every generation has lamented the changes in the world that have left them feeling adrift in a relentless and rocky sea with no safe harbour in sight. Social workers have always been called to navigate these murky waters, to somehow fix or solve or do.

SWAA Action Groups are dynamic teams of at least five SWAA members who share a common goal - to collaborate with SWAA and actively represent the interests and actions of social workers across Alberta. If you're ready to make a real impact, this is your opportunity to contribute to meaningful change in our profession and community.

Social Work Week is the ideal time to reflect on our social work ethics. As professional social workers, our practice is grounded in our shared values and ethics. Our professional standards for practice guide our work with our clients, whom are often the most vulnerable members of our society.

Here at The Social Workers Association of Alberta (SWAA), we are thrilled to celebrate Social Work Month throughout the month of March, culminating in Social Work Week from March 4th to March 10th. This year’s theme, “Social Work Practice: Grounded in shared values and ethics,” aligns with the Canadian Association of Social Workers' (CASW) overarching theme of “7 Points of Unity – Many Possibilities,” with a particular focus on the new code of ethics.

The Women’s Memorial March is a powerful expression of collective grief, resilience, and resistance. It is a call to action for systemic change and a commitment to creating a society where Indigenous women can live free from violence and fear. As social workers, we play a vital role in this movement, working tirelessly to support survivors, challenge oppressive systems, and promote gender diversity.

We encourage all social workers (and all healthcare professionals) to engage with the government at every opportunity to encourage evidence-based and compassionate policies as the government works to disaggregate Alberta’s healthcare system.

SWAA calls on Alberta’s government to fully rescind its plan to implement regressive transgender legislation.

The Social Workers Association of Alberta agrees with medical organizations, like the United Nurses of Alberta that gender-affirming care is the best evidence-based, safe, and compassionate approach for the well-being of all trans and non-binary people, especially when working with and supporting young people.

We call upon the City of Edmonton, Edmonton Police Services, the provincial government, and all Alberta municipalities to cease encampment closures and to divert focus to the prevention of poverty, increased funding for social services, and to ensure there are adequate shelters in place that will meet the immediate needs of unhoused Edmontonians.

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.

“Everyone, everywhere should have access to quality, affordable health care.”

Universal Health Coverage advocates “raise their voices to share the stories of the millions of people still waiting for health coverage, champion what we have achieved so far, and call on leaders to make bigger and smarter investments in health”.

All social work practitioners, regardless of role or field of practice, seek to ensure that human rights are protected and advanced. As social workers we most often assist those experiencing multiple barriers and face daily acts of violence and discrimination for simply being who they are. Social workers have an ethical imperative to challenge these oppressions and to take action to address them.

The Social Work Association of Alberta (SWAA) recognizes the urgent need for government funding to prevent violence against women and to support survivors of GBV. Domestic violence shelters must be adequately funded, yet these measures alone, are not enough. As social workers we understand that safety for women can only be assured when essential services are well resourced and progressive policies are developed.