The Time is Right for Social Work: Thank You for Your TIME
by Dr. Veronica L. Hardy, LCSW
Each year, we are excited for the month of March! Why? It is a special time to celebrate social work and the legacy of contributions and services provided across the globe. The 2022 Social Work Month theme has been “The Time is Right for Social Work.” As a result, through this Vision. Intention. Strategy. Your Social Work Mentor series, I would like to use this space to celebrate you and all your achievements during this TIME.
Over this past year, you have supported many in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has included new strains. You have developed programming to enhance awareness and prevention, as well as navigating grief. In school environments, you supported students and families in continuing their education in both virtual and face-to-face methods. In medical settings, you served as coordinators for services and advocates in navigating the healthcare system.
Over this past year, you have stood on the front lines for social justice in confronting inequalities, including economic, racial, and gender, to name a few. You raised your voices to pursue policies that promote change and made yourself present during opportunities for advocacy. Furthermore, your reach stretched across waters to address global issues, including immigration, countries coping with war, and those affected by natural disasters. Through your knowledge, skills, and abilities, you have actively engaged in activities in pursuit of global justice.
Over this past year, you have represented and elevated social work through mainstream media outlets. You used your voice to communicate about the profession through news appearances, YouTube channels, podcasts, and so much more. You immersed yourself in conducting research and publishing so your colleagues and the broader community could stay informed about best practices, contemporary intervention techniques, and even forecasting community needs that may be on the horizon.
Over this past year, you have been an innovator, an influencer, and a creator in ways that contribute to the health and well-being of yourself and others. This is just a glimpse into how you have represented social work! Throughout history, many social work pioneers have laid immeasurable foundations and paved the way for our efforts today. They have built incredible legacies that strongly represent social work. Just as with our admirable social work pioneers, you also are creating legacies during a time that is right for social work. In closing, I say, thank you for your TIME and contribution toward the longstanding legacy of the social work profession!
Dr. Veronica L. Hardy, LCSW, is a Professor of Social Work at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Dr. Hardy is a social justice advocate, professional consultant, author, and mentor to new social workers and junior faculty members. She is the creator of The Social Work Lounge, a mentorship group facilitated via Facebook.