SR0148 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0148 LRB100 11208 MST 21519 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance the well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people, especially the most vulnerable in society; and

WHEREAS, Social workers embody this year's Social Work Month Theme, "Social Workers Stand Up!", by serving, advocating for, and empowering millions of Americans each day; and

WHEREAS, World Social Work Day is observed on March 21, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Social workers embody the theme of this year's World Social Work Day, "Promoting Community and Environmental Sustainability", by working with individuals, organizations, and local and federal governments to improve communities and protect the environment; and

WHEREAS, Social work is one of the fastest growing careers in the United States, with almost 650,000 members of the profession and over 20,000 in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Social workers work in all areas of our society to improve happiness, health, and prosperity, including in government, schools, universities, social service agencies, communities, the military, and mental health and health care facilities; they also own and operate numerous private practice small businesses throughout the State of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Social workers have pushed for decades to ensure equal rights for all, including women, African Americans, Latinos, people who are disabled, people who are LGBTQ, and various ethnic, cultural, and religious groups; and

WHEREAS, Social workers have supported and continue to advocate for legislation and policies that reduce racial discord, including renewal of the Voting Rights Act, the Violence Against Women Act, the Civil Rights Act, the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, unemployment insurance, workplace safety, and Social Security benefits; and

WHEREAS, Social workers are the largest group of mental health care providers in the United States, and work daily to help people overcome substance abuse disorders and mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety; and

WHEREAS, Social workers are deployed across the United States and the world, helping people overcome earthquakes, floods, wars, and other disasters and return to peace and prosperity; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate the month of March of 2017 as Social Work Month in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the National Association of Social Workers-Illinois Chapter with our sincere appreciation for their efforts.