Ideas to Celebrate Social Work Week

This list of suggestions was inspired by activities hosted by agencies/organizations in the past. This list has been modified for Social Work Week 2021 for virtual considerations due to the COVID19 pandemic.

Choose a topic that highlights the profession's relevance
Utilize online conferencing platforms such as Zoom or GoToWebinar.
Topics might include: negotiating the role of caregiver with adult siblings; identifying when you should encourage a family member/close friend to consider counselling; etc.

This can include a message from the director/CEO recognizing social workers
Simple ideas to cover costs of display/posters/recognition gifts
Reach out to potential sponsors & community partners to fund small gift bags or reception
Contribute $2 to $5 each for a small fund*

Develop a post on your website main page about social work programs/services for various community sites
Develop an article for publication in the newsletter within your agency/hospital/organization which highlights the role and contribution of social work as an allied profession within the overall health system

Host a virtual “Lunch and Learn” seminar or a brown bag speaker for the profession on a timely topic
View and discuss a workshop/presentation on OASW’s website (e.g., Professor Robert Solomon speaking on legal issues).

Invite a key leader of your organization/agency to virtual lunch to celebrate and talk about the role of social workers
Organize a virtual information session on social work services or programs to other professionals or the public using an online webinar platform.
Offer a public information webinar. Talk about the role of social work in the community
Submit an article to the local newspaper on a timely topic that underlines services provided by the profession

Organize a virtual Social Work Appreciation Breakfast or a Social Work Staff Celebration Lunch (for smaller agencies/organizations, join with other agencies in your area)
Plan a virtual networking luncheon and invite colleagues from other agencies.

Approach community partners to donate lunches and raffle gift baskets for social workers
Request that municipality declare Social Work Week and announce it by email and bulletin

Approach a local business to donate an item that can be raffled during Social Work Week with proceeds to be donated to a charitable organization that is addressing issues of concern to the profession, etc.