Declare Social Work Month

Assembly Resolution No. 173 BY: M. of A. Jackson MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2025, as Social Work Month in the State of New York WHEREAS, It is the conviction of this Legislative Body that those individuals who faithfully serve the needs of the community and its citizens with diligence and compassion profoundly strengthen our shared commitment to family and community life; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the efforts of social workers who, in providing essential care and support to people in the communities across New York State, serve to enhance the quality of life for some of our most vulnerable residents; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concerns, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2025, as Social Work Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Social Work Month; and WHEREAS, The theme for Social Work Month 2025 is "Social Work: Compassion + Action"; and WHEREAS, During Social Work Month take time to learn more about the many positive contributions of the profession, and use the items in our toolkit to celebrate all the social workers you know; and WHEREAS, More than 600,000 social workers across the Nation confront some of the most challenging issues facing individuals, families, communities and society; and WHEREAS, Social Workers are the largest group of mental health care providers in the United States and tirelessly work to help people over-come depression, anxiety, substance abuse and other disorders so they can lead more fulfilling lives; and WHEREAS, More than 12,000 professional Social Workers are employed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, helping to bolster our country's security by providing support to active duty military personnel, veterans, and their families; and WHEREAS, Social Workers know that poverty and trauma can create life-long social and economic disadvantages, and they realize that discrimination of any kind limits human potential and must be eliminated; and WHEREAS, Social Workers travel across the United States and the world to assist people in crisis, helping them overcome issues such as death and grief, epidemics, environmental pollution, and natural disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes, and floods; and WHEREAS, At the forefront of social justice for decades, Social Workers push for equal rights for women, African Americans, Latinos, individuals with disabilities, the LGBTQ community, and various ethnic, cultural, and religious groups; and WHEREAS, Social Workers are proud to stand up for individuals and support diverse families in every community; these remarkable caregivers help people in every stage of life function better in their environments, improve their relationships with others, and solve personal and family problems; and WHEREAS, For more than a century, the social work profession has been on the cutting edge of helping to create changes to make the society of the United States a better place to live, including expanded voting rights, improved workplace safety, and the establishment of a minimum wage and social safety net programs that ameliorate poverty and hunger; and WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the efforts of direct caregivers who, in providing essential care and support to people in the communities across New York State, serve to enhance the quality of life for some of our most vulnerable residents; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2025, as Social Work Month in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.