National Day

(Monthly) National Social Work Month

Celebrated on 03/01/2026

Quick Fact

National Social Work Month, observed every March, was first proclaimed by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. The month celebrates the contributions of over 700,000 social workers in the U.S. who help millions of people annually.

Origins and Establishment of (Monthly) National Social Work Month

National Social Work Month was first officially recognized in March 1984 when President Ronald Reagan issued a proclamation designating the month to honor the contributions of social workers. The effort was spearheaded by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), which sought to raise public awareness about the profession's vital role in society. The month was chosen to coincide with the NASW's annual Social Work Month campaign, which had been informally celebrated since the 1960s.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Over the decades, National Social Work Month has grown into a major awareness campaign. In the 1990s, the NASW introduced themed campaigns each year, such as "Social Work: Making a Difference" and "Social Workers: Strengthening Communities." Today, the month is marked by events like conferences, award ceremonies, and community service projects. Social media campaigns using hashtags like #SocialWorkMonth and #SWMonth help amplify the message, and many organizations host webinars and workshops to highlight the impact of social work.

Facts & General Observations

  • There are over 700,000 social workers in the United States, making it one of the largest professions in the mental health and human services sectors.
  • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of social workers is projected to grow 12% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
  • Social workers provide more mental health services than any other professional group, including psychologists and psychiatrists, with over 60% of mental health treatment delivered by social workers.

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