Tuesday the 20th March 2018 will be a day that social workers worldwide celebrate the achievements of the profession and take the theme message into their communities, workplaces and to their governments to raise awareness of the social work contributions and need for further action.
International Federation of Social Workers Secretary-General Rory Truell said, “Each year World Social Work Day expands. We see people that use social work services and community members side-by-side with social workers highlighting the important issues of the Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development. The Global Agenda has bound social workers together globally as advocates for social justice and transformation that enhances social, human and environmental rights”.
In their submission to the NSW Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill (2017) the Australian Association of Social Workers advocated for equity of access to palliative care before voluntary assisted dying, writing:
“In the absence of equitable resources throughout rural, regional and remote NSW, and for people from culturally and linguistically diverse populations, introduction of the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill [2017] may see decisions made based on lack of resources. Access and equitable distribution of resources would be necessary before the introduction of the Bill”.
And in their submission to the current Inquiry into the Quality of Care in Residential Aged Care Facilities the AASW advocated for improved human rights outcomes for older people by increased involvement of social workers:
“In their commitment to human rights and social justice, social workers advocate for the rights of older people against the discrimination, reduced opportunities and abuse they can experience…Embedding social work systematically into the aged care system, will greatly assist the sector in its capacity to achieve its objective of equitable access for older Australians”.
Celebrate World Social Work Day with your social worker this Tuesday 20th March!
Click here for more information from the IFSW on World Social Work Day 2018.
Pic: Decorative Landscape, Lawren Stewart Harris (1917)