NASW Foundation Kicks Off
National Professional Social Work Month with Gala

On the evening of March 8, 2002, the National Association of Social Workers Foundation (NASWF) and the Social Work Pioneers kicked off National Professional Social Work Month, as co-sponsors of a gala recognizing the unique contributions of the nation’s federal social workers. More than 150 people attended the event, held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Charles G. Curie, MA, ACSW, administrator for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, delivered the keynote address.

"I call on you — and on our fellow social workers around the country — to stand up with pride, declare our profession as social workers, and proclaim the passion and dedication with which we serve the American people," said Mr. Curie in his remarks.

This year’s Social Work Month theme—The Power of Social Work: Community Needs, Human Connections—focuses on an essential root of social work practice. The profession began in the community more than 100 years ago with the Settlement House Movement for immigrants. Social work pioneers worked with countless individuals, groups, and organizations to build a better nation.

Mr. Curie told the gala audience, "We are all in service for America. Our work makes the nation strong — one individual, one family, and one community at a time. Mahatma Gandhi taught that —‘Consciously or unconsciously, every one of us does some service or other. If we cultivate the habit of doing this service deliberately, our desire for service will grow strong and will make not only our own happiness, but that of the world at large.’"

"Our training as social workers has cultivated in us that ‘habit of doing service deliberately.’ And as a profession, through that deliberate service – in community, social welfare and health care programs, in schools, hospitals, jails and prisons, in government and the public health — we have touched and bettered the lives of millions of Americans."

Today, there are more than 500,000 professional social workers in the United States. These highly trained professionals provide assistance and guidance in schools, hospitals, community organizations, educational institutions, businesses, research organizations, and private practices.

Social workers employed in the federal government — those honored at the 2002 gala — work in a variety of settings and in diverse capacities. Some serve the country in the military, while many others help shape and implement public policies to support American families. Key areas of practice include health, mental health, labor, veterans, and human welfare services. In addition, two U.S. Senators and four U.S. Representatives are social workers.

The 2002 gala received strong sponsorship support from a number of groups and individuals:

Table Sponsors

• Mount Vernon Printing Company
• The NASW Insurance Trust

Patrons

• Local 2382 Communications Workers of America
• Delwin M. Anderson (in honor of Roger Cummings)
• Mark and Evelyn Battle
• Kenneth and Margery Carpenter
• Trammell Crow Company
• NASW Foundation Staff Members
• Ruth I. Knee
• Toby Weismiller

Supporters

• Elizabeth J. Clark
• Becky Corbett
• Elizabeth DuMez
• Virginia C. Karl
• Susan Rubin
• Donna M. Ulteig
• Joan O. Weiss
• Howard A. White

Donors

• Peggy M. Hanna
• John and Peggy Reibling
• Peggy W. Templeman