March is Social Work Month, a time to honor and celebrate the incredible impact of social workers! The 2025 theme, "Social Work: Compassion + Action," highlights the dedication and advocacy that drive meaningful change in communities every day. This month is an opportunity to recognize the profession’s contributions, reflect on its impact, and get involved. Explore the many ways you can celebrate Social Work Month below! For more information on social work month visit https://www.socialworkers.org/news/social-work-month Looking for ways to celebrate Social Work Month? Download the How Can I Celebrate Social Work Month? guide for ideas on how to get involved, from attending Social Work Advocacy Day to spreading awareness online. Learn how you can help promote the social work profession and make an impact throughout March!
Message From NASW-TX Executive Director, Will FranCis, LMSWOur theme this year is a vital message in turbulent times – how can we pull the values that uphold our profession into all aspects of our work and lives. This country is facing an uncertain future under a new administration that may challenge how we practice and what protections we are able to extend to our clients and communities. We may find ourselves caught between rules and laws and our Code of Ethics, uncertain how to best carry out our mission. And there may be individuals within social work whose very identities are under attack, targeted simply for living as their true selves. I really believe that in order to maintain our strength and passion for our work it is vital that we take the time to think about how important compassion is to all that we do. I think this is best exemplified in the adage: To truly know your neighbor is to actively consider what they might need, not just what you can give them. We must listen to our clients, colleagues, friends and even those we disagree with in order to think about how we can uphold our values. We need to reflect on any privilege we may have, and what it means to thoughtfully use that to support others. And we need to ensure that we save compassion for ourselves, making sure we have the energy and ability to continue to work for a better future. In the uncertain days ahead, I hope that you’ll draw on compassion in all that you do and use it as a motivation in your work. Actions driven by compassion bring out the best social worker in all of us. They help us see how to listen and support our clients and colleagues and show why social work thrives on empathy and awareness. Thank you for all that you do, and for working in ways that continue to motivate and inspire all of us at NASW. Zoom BAckgrounds Social Media - Instagram Challenge (Texas only)Instagram Challenge Alert! Social Workers, how do YOU turn compassion into action? We want to see it! Show us your social work world—whether you're in the field, advocating for change, or attending an event. Let us know what "Social Work: Compassion + Action" means to you!
Don't forget to use our Social Work Month hashtags #SWMonth2025 #CompassionPlusAction and tag us @naswtexaschapter so we can highlight and share your amazing contributions. Let’s showcase the power of social work in Texas!
Social Media - Profile FRames Social Media - Did You Know? CampaignHelp spread the word about the vital role of social workers! Our Did You Know? Social Work Month campaign highlights key facts about the profession and its impact on communities. Share these posts to educate others, uplift the profession, and celebrate the incredible work of social workers everywhere! Click here to access all graphics and social media captions. NASW-TX MEmber spotlightsWe asked our members: How do you embody compassion and action in your work as a social worker? See their inspiring responses below!
If you’re ready to join or renew your NASW membership, now is the perfect time! Call Member Services at 800-742-4089 or visit socialworkers.org/Membership today!
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|  | | | | | "Although I'm retired from full time employment, I will always identify as a social worker. I continue to be concerned about the socioeconomic, social justice, and mental health issues of people, not only in my community, but around the world. My ways of taking action for the benefit of others is: 1. Engaging in advocacy at both the State and Federal levels (via letters, petitions, & direct contact with elected officials). This includes advocating on behalf of our profession, the various client/patient populations we serve, the environment, the ability to make a living wage, the ability to live freely, as well as against state or federal laws/policies which adversely affect people overall. 2. Donating financially to non-profit organizations which assist people with financial, legal, housing, etc. issues, and which file lawsuits to stop illegal or unethical practices whether in government or in business organizations. This not only assists people directly, but also can have an effect on laws/policies for the benefit of all. The amount of the donation is not as important as supporting the work that they do. I believe that it is important to recognize that these activities do not have immediate results, but take time, pushing forward bit by bit to achieve change on an incremental level, just as our work with our patients/clients takes time to achieve goals. But, I strongly believe that it is worth doing, and that we must do it! Helping to create change through individual actions, small or large, is vital to having our world be closer to what we want it to be." - Virginia D. Manuel, LMSW-AP
| | | | "As a member of NASW, I believe in the power of advocacy, empowerment, and meaningful change. I am committed to advancing equity, social justice, and well-being. NASW strengthens my ability to make an impact, ensuring every voice is heard and every individual can thrive." - Blanca McGee, DSW, LCSW-S | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |  | | | |  | | | | | "After studying abroad, I felt a strong urge to give back to Ghana, particularly to children in underserved communities. I noticed many children in rural areas lacked proper footwear, which impacted their health and ability to attend school. Motivated to make a difference, I launched a shoe drive to collect gently used shoes from friends, family, and organizations. Partnering with local schools and charities, we distributed the shoes to children who desperately needed them. The initiative not only provided comfort and protection but also inspired a sense of community and support among those who contributed. It became a powerful reminder that small efforts can make a big difference in the lives of others." - Fantasha Allen, BSW Student
| | | | "For me, compassion in action means not only being aware of the issues impacting my clients and fellow humans but actively working toward meaningful change. I do this by educating my community and colleagues about mental health and societal challenges. As a member of the SOGIE equity committee and a volunteer committed to preserving multicultural heritage in my city, I strive to create spaces where diverse voices are heard and valued. Whether through advocacy or direct action, I believe that compassion is most powerful when it leads to change." - Stacia Barrett, LCSW-S | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |  | | | | | | | | | "Compassion is more than a feeling - it's an action. At Stages of Recovery, we don't just treat substance use and mental health challenges - we build a community where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to reclaim their lives. Social work is about meeting people where they are, not where we think they should be. It's about listening before we speak, understanding before we act, and walking alongside those who have been dismissed, overlooked, or forgotten. I believe in breaking the mold of how treatment "should" be done because the old ways haven't worked for the majority of people. That means rethinking accessibility, affordability, and the systems that have left so many behind. It means challenging stigma, fighting for better resources, and making sure that our profession stays rooted in humanity - even when policies try to strip that away. Most of all, it means showing up. Not just for clients, but for colleagues, for community partners, for the next generation of social workers who will carry this work forward. And it means remembering that change happens not just in boardrooms or legislative halls, but in the quiet, everyday moments - when someone who though they were alone realizes they're not. Social work isn't just my profession. It's how I live my life." - Cole Watts, LCSW-S, LCDC, CSWM, PSS
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