§§1,2 -
C.36:2-327 &
36:2-328
A Joint Resolution designating March of each year as "Professional Social Work Month" in New Jersey.
Whereas, Social workers utilize social theories to help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives and contribute a wide range of services to the communities they assist; and
Whereas, Social workers are trained to look at situations in a holistic way, bringing people together with others and their communities to find ways to address pressing individual, group, and societal problems, such as hunger, addiction, and affordable housing; and
Whereas, Social workers also enhance human well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty; and
Whereas, Social workers are present in times of crisis, helping people overcome issues, such as death and grief, and recover from natural disasters, such as floods and hurricanes; and
Whereas, Social workers have pushed for decades to ensure rights for all, including women, African Americans, Latinos, people who are disabled, people who are LGBTQ, and various ethnic, cultural, and religious groups; and
Whereas, Over the past century, the profession has helped bring about some of the most profound, positive changes in our society, including voting rights, improved workplace safety, minimum wage, and social safety net programs that help prevent poverty and hunger; and
Whereas, Because of the field's broad application, social workers are present in government, schools, universities, social service agencies, communities, the military, and in health care and mental health organizations; therefore, their work impacts diverse populations across many segments of society; and
Whereas, With such possibility, the field of social work is a fast-growing profession, with the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting the overall employment of social workers to grow 16 percent from 2016 to 2026, adding to the more than 80,000 social work professionals currently working in the United States, including over 1,000 located in the State of New Jersey; and
Whereas, The National Association of Social Workers commemorates the dedication and expertise of the social work profession by proclaiming March of each year as National Social Work Month, and encourages businesses, schools, and government organizations throughout the country to join them in their efforts to celebrate and support social workers; and
Whereas, As they do throughout the country, social workers in New Jersey help the State's citizens lead productive and rewarding lives by guiding individuals, families, and communities through complex personal and social issues, and these meaningful contributions to the State are worthy and deserving of recognition; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. March of each year shall be designated as "Professional Social Work Month" to promote and honor the crucial role of social workers in improving the well-being of the people of New Jersey and helping the State become a better place to live.
2. The Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing March of each year as "Professional Social Work Month" in New Jersey and call upon public officials and the residents of the State of New Jersey to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
This resolution designates March of each year as "Professional Social Work Month" to promote and honor the crucial role of social workers in improving the well-being of the people of New Jersey and helping the State become a better place to live.
Social workers utilize social theories to help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives and contribute a wide range of services to the communities they assist. They are trained to look at situations in a holistic way, bringing people together with others and their communities to find ways to address pressing individual, group, and societal problems, such as hunger, addiction, and affordable housing. Social workers also enhance human well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty.
Social workers have pushed for decades to ensure rights for all, including women, African Americans, Latinos, people who are disabled, people who are LGBTQ, and various ethnic, cultural, and religious groups. Over the past century, the profession has helped bring about some of the most profound, positive changes in our society, including voting rights, improved workplace safety, minimum wage, and social safety net programs that help prevent poverty and hunger.
Because of the field's broad application, social workers are present in government, schools, universities, social service agencies, communities, the military, and in health care and mental health organizations. Their work impacts diverse populations across many segments of society. With such possibility, the field of social work is a fast-growing profession, with the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting the overall employment of social workers to grow 16 percent from 2016 to 2026, adding to the more than 80,000 social work professionals currently working in the United States, including over 1,000 located in the State of New Jersey.
The National Association of Social Workers commemorates the dedication and expertise of the social work profession by proclaiming March of each year as National Social Work Month, and encourages businesses, schools, and government organizations throughout the country to join them in their efforts to celebrate and support social workers. As they do throughout the country, social workers in New Jersey help the State's citizens lead productive and rewarding lives by guiding individuals, families, and communities through complex personal and social issues, and these meaningful contributions to the State are worthy and deserving of recognition.
Designates March of each year as "Professional Social Work Month" in New Jersey.