Date
Wednesday
Mar
19

March 19

World Social Work Day

Honor World Social Work Day by supporting those in the profession who work tirelessly to make a positive difference in our communities!

Yearly Date
Third Tuesday in March
Type
Day

Introduction

Let's all show our appreciation for social workers on World Social Work Day, which falls on the third Tuesday of March! This day is a powerful reminder of the important work that social workers do every day to improve and enrich the lives of individuals and communities. Social work has been around since the 19th century and is now practiced in over 100 countries worldwide. By celebrating this day, we can recognize the tremendous impact that social workers have in making our world a better place.

World Social Work Day Timeline

1800s
Social Work Origins
Social work as a profession began in the 19th century with the emergence of settlement houses and charity organization societies in Europe and the United States.
1920
School Social Work
The inception of school social work happened in the United States, aiming to prevent dropouts and to support students' academic success.
1952
IFSW Establishment
The International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) was established to be the global professional organization for social workers.
1983
First Social Work Day
The United Nations declared March 20th as the first Social Work Day to acknowledge and celebrate the work of social workers around the globe.
2003
New Date: Third Tuesday in March
IFSW changed the date for World Social Work Day to the third Tuesday in March, more accurately reflecting the varied schedules of international social workers.

How to Celebrate World Social Work Day

1

Attend a seminar

Look for any seminars or talks related to social work that are happening in your area on World Social Work Day. Attend the seminar and learn about the current issues and challenges in the field of social work.

2

Volunteer

Volunteer at a local organization or nonprofit that focuses on social work. This is a great way to help out and make a difference while learning more about the field of social work.

3

Connect with peers

Connect with your peers who are also involved in social work. Exchange ideas, talk about your projects, and get inspired by their work.

4

Share resources

Share resources and information about social work with your friends and colleagues. Share articles, books, organizations, websites, etc., that can help them learn more about social work.

5

Organize an event

Organize an event to celebrate World Social Work Day. Invite your peers and colleagues to come together and discuss the importance of social work in our society.

Why World Social Work Day is Important

A

Raises awareness about social work and its value

World Social Work Day is an opportunity to raise public awareness and understanding of the crucial role that social workers play in our society. It's also a chance for people to appreciate and highlight how their own lives have been impacted by social work services.

B

Promotes collaboration between different agencies

The day brings together different organizations, government departments, academic institutions, non-profit organizations, health care providers, and volunteers –all with the purpose of promoting collaboration and recognizing the importance of global citizenship when it comes to improving standards of living around the world.

C

Provides an opportunity to recognize work being done

World Social Work Day celebrates exceptional individuals who dedicate their lives to helping those in need. It's a chance to recognize people working on diverse projects such as providing mental health support to refugees or advocating for prisoners’ rights. It's an opportunity for communities to come together in support of social workers all over the world!

World Social Work Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Mar 20
Monday
2024
Mar 18
Monday
2025
Mar 17
Monday
2026
Mar 16
Monday
2027
Mar 15
Monday