March is National Social Work Month
Introduction
“Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform” is the theme of the 2026 Social Work Month, first celebrated in March 1963 to build public support for the profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social work is one of the fastest growing careers in the United States, projected to grow by 6% to 9% over the next decade. As of 2024-2025, there were more than 810,900 social workers employed in the U.S.
The 2026 Social Work Month theme honors the prime mission of the social work profession – to enhance human well-being, meet the basic needs of all people, and put special attention on the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed and living in poverty, said the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). The ability of social workers to uplift, defend, and positively transform the millions of people they work with each day is needed now more than ever, the NASW said.
Social workers are on the front lines, helping individuals and communities so they can overcome personal and societal challenges and even thrive. They are adept at bringing people and communities together – no matter their political affiliation – so they can find common ground and work to improve the welfare of all.