III 117th CONGRESS 2d Session S. RES. 567 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES March 30, 2022 Ms. Stabenow (for herself and Ms. Sinema ) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions RESOLUTION Supporting the goals and ideals of Social Work Month and World Social Work Day on March 15, 2022.

Whereas, since its founding more than a century ago, the social work profession has been dedicated to improving human well-being and enhancing the basic needs of all people, especially the most vulnerable among us; Whereas the theme of Social Work Month 2022, The Time is Right for Social Work , embodies how social workers have been an essential workforce in responding to the COVID–19 pandemic, even as the Nation continues to grapple with systemic racism, gender-based violence, homophobia, transphobia, economic inequality, climate change, and other challenges; Whereas social workers are a large, racially and socioeconomically diverse mental and behavioral health workforce in the United States, and social workers provide culturally competent, evidence-based services in the community in a broad range of settings, including healthcare, schools, community clinics, private practice, child welfare agencies, and correctional facilities; Whereas social workers continue to advocate for social justice and equal rights for all, especially for vulnerable, underserved, and marginalized people; Whereas social work is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States, with more than 700,000 social workers today and a projected increase to 800,000 by 2028; Whereas social workers are leaders in creating and implementing public policies that improve health and well-being, strengthen the social fabric, and ensure a more just society; Whereas social workers serve in all levels of government, including Congress, where there are 5 social workers currently in office; Whereas social workers develop evidence-based interventions that address a number of the most vexing problems facing society, and social workers conduct cutting-edge research that informs both policy and practice; Whereas there is a need— (1) to ensure accuracy of workforce data surrounding the social work profession so that data projections adequately reflect the depth and breadth of social work practice across settings, as well as the needs of the clients and communities served by the profession; and (2) to make meaningful investments in the social work profession to address challenges associated with recruitment and retention in recognition of the pressing need for such professionals and the crucial services they provide; and Whereas social workers meet individuals no matter where those individuals are in their life circumstances and empower those individuals to fulfill their potential: Now, therefore, be it

That the Senate— (1) supports the goals and ideals of Social Work Month and World Social Work Day on March 15, 2022; (2) acknowledges the diligent efforts of individuals and groups who promote the importance of social work and observe Social Work Month and World Social Work Day; (3) encourages individuals to engage in appropriate ceremonies and activities to promote further awareness of the life-changing role that social workers play; and (4) recognizes with gratitude the contributions of the millions of social workers who have advanced individual, family, and community well-being since the founding of the social work profession more than a century ago.