5 years ago · Leah Fogt · 0 comments
Happy World Social Work Day!
March 19, 2019 is World Social Work Day, a time to celebrate the achievements of social workers world wide and take a message to communities to raise awareness about the contributions of the profession as well as needs for further action.
This year’s theme is “Promoting the Importance of Human Relationships” emphasizing a particular core value of the profession that is of great importance. There are seven core values of the social work profession:
• Service
• Social Justice
• Dignity and Worth of the Individual
• Importance of Human Relationships
• Integrity
• Competence
These values guide our efforts as social workers and must be central to all that we do.
As I reflect on this year’s theme for World Social Work Day, I find it particularly relevant at a time when fear and division dominate our communities. Relationships are essential to what makes us human beings. Relationships create opportunities for growth, support, discovery, and healing. They also can lead to hurt, hate, division, and oppression. Particularly here in the United States, many relationships are becoming strained and even severed, families are being divided over disagreement and polarization. Politics, religion, and race have become hotter topics than they’ve been in years, and as a society we seem to be losing the ability to build healthy and fruitful relationships if there is any disagreement whatsoever.
It’s time we extend the value of the importance of human relationships beyond the social work profession and related professions. Let’s work toward respectful connection and partnership, even when we don’t see eye-to-eye. It is in relationship that we grow and flourish as people.
One of my favorite authors, Brené Brown offers some very useful suggestions on navigating relationships, forging connections, and finding true belonging in her book “Braving the Wilderness.” She tells us, “People are hard to hate close up. Move in.” If we take the chance to get closer to those with whom we have differences, it is easier to find mutual respect. You can read my review of the book HERE. I highly recommend it for those looking to more deeply connect despite today’s challenges.
So much of what we do in our lives cannot exist without relationship. Business, art, sports, therapy, family…virtually every human activity involves some type of relationship. We are at our best when our relationships are healthy and strong. So today I am especially grateful for the healthy relationships in my life:
• I am grateful for the relationship I have with our Creator, who sustains me every day.
• I am grateful for my spouse who fills my life with love, laughter, and adventure.
• I am grateful for my family who encourage and teach me, each in a unique and special way.
• I am grateful for my colleagues and coworkers who help me hone and practice my craft.
• I am grateful for my client’s who honor me with the chance to witness to their amazing journeys of healing and resilience.
• I am grateful for my friends and neighbors who make me smile and bring joy to everyday life.
What relationships enrich your life? I invite you to join me and the rest of the social work profession in celebrating human relationships, enhancing positive relationships, and improving those that are strained.
Categories: Awareness and News
