We are excited to introduce "From the Desk of the Board". This monthly update is designed to keep you informed about key developments, decisions, and insights from the Board of Directors.

PaRx is Canada’s national, evidence-based nature prescription program. With a network of more than 13,000 Canadian healthcare providers prescribing nature, The Social Workers Association of Alberta is proud to endorse this nature-health initiative.

Unionizing Alberta social workers will yield significant benefits, particularly in terms of addressing job-related stress, improving working conditions, ensuring fair compensation. A union could advocate for manageable caseloads, mental health support, and professional development opportunities, enhancing job satisfaction and retention.

The issue of whether practicums should be compensated remains contentious. This report examines the current cost of living crisis in Canada, the hidden costs of practicums, the conflicts that unpaid practicums have with the CASW code of ethics, and a recommendation for a federally paid practicum program for Canada's social work and public service students.

Today, the Social Workers Association of Alberta (SWAA) joins the global community in celebrating the third International Day for Countering Hate Speech. This year's theme, "Empowering Youth," is a clarion call to recognize the vital role young people play in shaping a world free from hate, bigotry, and intolerance. 

SWAA invites social workers to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, by coming together, reflecting on and celebrating the unique heritage, traditions, and knowledge of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

Brain Story emphasizes supporting children and families throughout all stages of development, including prenatal development. It explains how early childhood trauma and toxic stress affect neural connections and lifelong health, leading to issues such as emotional dysregulation, depression, anxiety, impaired executive function, chronic illness, and addiction.

The Alberta Government is contemplating pulling Alberta out of the Canada Pension Plan to create an Alberta Pension Plan (Coulter & Zapata, 2024). It is imperative that Albertans learn more about the Canada Pension Plan and the proposed Alberta Pension Plan. Last week, CPP Investments gave a presentation to SWAA members.

Pride Month, celebrated each June, commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Riots, a landmark event in the 2SLGBTQ+ rights movement. This month, we honor the bravery and resilience of 2SLGBTQ+ communities while acknowledging the progress made and the work still needed.

Indigenous peoples have been the original caretakers of this land for thousands of years, and their contributions continue to shape our society in profound ways. The unique and strong connections social workers make with communities provide us the opportunity to encourage all Canadians to join us in the continued learning and education about Indigenous history.

As social workers, we witness firsthand the transformative power of cultural diversity in our communities. It is through embracing and fostering cultural diversity that we can promote intellectual and emotional growth, enhance moral and spiritual well-being, and drive sustainable development.

This is the places for Summer 2024 professional development opportunities.

IDAHOTB represents a crucial moment for us to reaffirm our commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of 2SLGBTQI folks. As social workers, we recognize the importance of creating inclusive environments where everyone feels safe, valued, and supported.

As we commemorate the 2024 International Day of Families theme of “Families and Climate Change” (United Nations, n.d.), we underscore the urgency of raising awareness about the profound impacts of climate change on families.

In recognition of Mental Health Week, The Social Workers Association of Alberta stands alongside individuals, families, and communities in advocating for mental health awareness, support, and understanding.

The symbolic red dress serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing crisis of violence and injustice faced by Indigenous communities. The Red Dress is a visual reminder reflecting the number of lives lost, and is often hung in public or natural spaces, as a way to raise awareness and display solidarity.

At the Social Workers Association of Alberta, we are excited to celebrate Asian Heritage Month—a time dedicated to honoring the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions from Asian communities worldwide. In Canada, the theme for this year is “Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future: Amplifying Asian Canadian Legacy”.

As social workers, we advocate for work environments that prioritize not only the physical safety of employees but also their mental health. By fostering cultures of support, providing resources for stress management and strength-based practices, and promoting open dialogue about mental health challenges, we create workplaces where workers can thrive within their chosen careers and communities.

We are excited to announce that Rasheal Charles has been elected as the President of the Board of Directors of The Social Workers Association of Alberta. Rasheal brings with her a wealth of experience, dedication, and passion for advancing the profession of social work in Alberta.

On April 16, 2024, Canada’s federal government released it’s 2024 Federal Budget. Here are a collection of budget highlights and insights from partners, media, and the Government of Canada.