Stand Tall: Honoring and Celebrating Social Work’s Uniqueness

by Kathy Elpers, Ed.D, LCSW, MSW, LMFT

     Social work is often a profession that is misunderstood by society. As a social work instructor, I often ask my students to tell me how they describe their profession. Most are confused as to how to answer this question. They say they want to help people and do therapy, but they narrow their lens to the noble work that the social work profession embodies.

     How is social work unique from other professions? Consider the following four questions: 

1. Do you truly believe systems do not have an impact on your life? 
2. Do you believe that anyone can succeed in our society with enough drive and determination?
3. Do you believe that our nation is free from oppression and social injustice?
4. Do you believe that our culture is free from prejudice, hatred, and stigma?

     If you answered no to any of these questions, thank a social worker. They are your advocates working in the arena at all levels: micro, mezzo, and macro practice, bringing hope for a better society and a better world. Social work is a needed and vital profession. We provide the lens to bring about social change on all levels of systems. Social work is unique in that we encompass a larger lens in understanding individuals as part of their environment, culture, communities, and the impact on them. Social workers are guided by the values of the profession, which include “service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence,” as stated in the NASW Code of Ethics. We acknowledge how systems, policies, and social agencies can hinder or promote the welfare of all human beings, age groups, and individuals. We promote the right of individuals to have a quality of life through our advocacy, by challenging unjust systems, and by believing in the need to have access to services. We are the social conscience of our society in holding the mirror to one another. This often makes others uncomfortable, so social work is not always valued or welcomed.

     The myth of social workers as do-gooders and overly idealistic about society is a societal defense for what we do. Social workers are the bell ringers in their communities, advocating and changing lives on all levels.  

     So, we stand tall in fulfilling our duties and responding to the needs of our communities. We need to:

• Be proud of our profession.
• Support one another.
• Educate other professions, legislatures, individuals, and society about what we do.
• Market our profession.
• Support and advocate for our profession.
• Keep current on research, policy, and the law.
• Become the best version of ourselves through professional and personal development.
• Practice self-care.

     Stand tall, social workers! Take a step back and honor yourselves this month. Keep the vision, keep the dream, and continue to be a beacon for our communities and hold all of us accountable. Our profession is making lives better, and you are a partner in this never-ending change! 

Dr. Kathy Elpers is an Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of Southern Indiana Social Work Department. She serves as the chair of the Indiana NASW ethics committee and is a member of the national ethics committee of the National Association of Social Workers. She can reached at kelpers@usi.edu