Latest News & Events for {firstname} {lastname} on April 28, 2025. |
|
|
May Spring Into Savings: Join or Renew Now and Save Big!
Moving as a Collective. One Voice – A Stronger Collective.
As we say goodbye to April and step into May, we continue turning connection into meaningful action. Our focus remains on building a stronger, more unified community of social workers, aligned in purpose, grounded in values, and united by one voice.
At the Social Workers Association of Alberta (SWAA), we know that building a stronger collective takes more than intention; it takes participation, collaboration, and a commitment to act as one. As we carry the momentum of Social Work Month forward, we deepen our commitment to not just standing together, but moving forward together, taking action on the issues that matter most to our profession and communities.
From peer support to advocacy, from community impact to professional growth, we know that collective progress is built on the strength of relationships. When we move as a collective, we amplify our voices, strengthen our support systems, and expand our reach across Alberta.
Spring Into Savings!
Enjoy 25% off your SWAA membership renewal or new registration during the month of May!
- If you haven’t yet, now is the perfect time to join or renew your SWAA membership for 2025 with May spring savings.
- If your membership has lapsed, or is about to, renew this spring and stay connected to a growing movement shaping the future of social work in Alberta.
Let’s keep the momentum going, fostering connection, strengthening our voice, and moving forward as one.
Follow us on social media to stay updated on upcoming events, advocacy efforts, and professional opportunities. Thank you for being part of this journey.
Together, we are stronger. Together, we are one voice.
|
|
|
*Student subsidized membership category is not eligible for the upcoming 25% Membership discount. |
| |
|
Invitation for Board Applications. Call for director applications for our Board!
Do you work in rural Alberta? Are you a member of a Queer, Indigenous or other diverse community? Are you trained with a BSW or have a diploma? SWAA is looking to diversify our board to reflect the diverse cultural, religious, sexualities, genders, geographical areas, educational levels and areas of practice of our membership. Regardless of your identities, if you are passionate about your work and our profession, you are encouraged to apply
SWAA is committed to promoting the profession, advocating together for what matters, and supporting social work in Alberta. Diversity, anti-oppression and member involvement are key foci for SWAA. Do you have a passion to be involved in shaping and leading the future direction of the Social Workers Association of Alberta? We invite you to consider applying for the Board of Directors!
Who is eligible? A voting member of SWAA who is in good standing. For more information, or to apply please follow this link or visit the new page on our website. |
The ACSW is creating practice guidance regarding Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy and as part of that process has established a consultation process.
The guidance document can be found on SWAAs website as well as on SWAAs Member portal
The ACSW is inviting feedback from SWAA members. Please participate in their survey: Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy Feedback Survey.
The survey will remain open until May 23, 2025. |
Explore special articles that highlight significant days and important initiatives, reflecting our commitment to advocacy and representation. Please read more below: |
|
|
World Autism Awareness Day 2025: Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals
The theme for this year’s World Autism Awareness Day 2025, ‘Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Development Goals’, highlights the connection between neurodiversity and global sustainability efforts and how inclusive policies and practices such as eliminating barriers for autistic peoples, promoting inclusive policies and recognizing the contributions of autistic individuals in society can create positive change for both autistic individuals worldwide as well as help achieve the goals of the the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Visit Advocacy & Representation. Read the Article Here. |
| International Transgender Day of Visibility 2025 - Mar 31
Each year, March 31 marks the commemorative day for the International Transgender Day of Visibility or TDOV. On this day, we celebrate and uplift the accomplishments, diversities and stories of transgender, non-binary, two-spirit and gender non-conforming peoples and offer them our support and solidarity. This day also aims to raise awareness and draw attention to the disproportionate levels of poverty, discrimination, and violence that the community faces in comparison to cisgender (non-transgender) communities.
Visit Advocacy & Representation Read the Article Here |
|
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. March 21st is an annual day to reflect, learn, and take action towards the elimination of racial discrimination. Established in 1966 by the United Nations, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination was created in response to tragic events that occurred at a peaceful protest against apartheid “pass laws” in Sharpeville, South Africa in 1960 (SDG. 2015).
Visit Advocacy & Representation Read the Article Here |
|
|
Share Your Voice: Contribute to Our Advocacy and Representation Work. |
We welcome social workers to contribute their written work or articles for publication on our website as part of our advocacy and representation efforts. If you have insights, experiences, or perspectives to share, we encourage you to submit your work and help amplify important voices in the field. Visit The Hub-Newsletter-Content Submission-Form |
|
|
Countering Violent Extremism Evolve Program (Organization for the Prevention of Violence) + SWAA Presenters: Peter Smyth MSW, RSW, MSM | Laura Stolte, MSW, RSW. Description: While vulnerable youth are more at risk, other youth can be caught up in harmful violent hate groups leaving parents, teachers, community members, and those in the helping professions wondering what to do and where to turn.
Countering violent extremism is a lesser-known area of practice for social work, but one that is emerging. Social work has a vital role to play both in developing casework practices to help youth and adults disengage from violent extremism, and in identifying and addressing extremist-related topics as they arise in various settings and areas of practice. Laura and Peter will address comments, insights and questions arising from participants about the documentary, as well as offering thoughts and strategies from their work of countering violent extremism.
Learn More and Register Here Learn More: Evolve Program Learn More: Organization for the Prevention of Violence (OPV) |
|
|
Rescheduled to Oct 2025: Allies For Youth Connections Conference Theme: Empowering Hope through Authentic Connections.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Allies for Youth Connections Conference originally scheduled for May 12–13, 2025 has been rescheduled to October 6–7, 2025. All existing tickets will be honored for the new conference dates.
If you’ve registered for the Pre-Conference Training with Peter Smyth and Heather Peddle on May 11, 2025, please note that this session will proceed as planned. Keep an eye on your inbox for important updates and further details.
The Allies 4 Youth Connections Conference will bring together service providers, researchers, experts, and the youth to focus on the growing population of young people (12+) with increasingly complex needs. This conference will specifically focus on youth homelessness, indigenous youth & social justice, ethnocultural youth & trauma, and the voice of youth. We keep in mind that all youth, deserve the opportunity to live their lives in a meaningful way, to feel safe, and experience a sense of inclusion and belonging.
This work with our youth incorporates the most recent research, literature and trends in areas such as trauma, attachment and brain development in children and youth; harm reduction; resilience; strength-based practice; collaborative, multi-disciplinary practice; trauma-informed intervention.
New Dates: October 6-7, 2025 Location: Fantasyland Hotel, West Edmonton Mall. Tickets are now on sale! Click Here to Register
For More Details: A4YC.ca | SWAA-Events |
|
|
Purple Stream: Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills (In-Person). Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute
Event Description: This certificate program offers specialized training in therapeutic play skills for those working with children and/or families. The program focuses on play-based strategies and techniques and introduces participants to a variety of play modalities and theories of play interventions based on principles of child development.
Purple Stream Flyer Registration
Website |
| |
|
Advanced EMDR Training: Recent Traumatic Episode Protocols.
Presenter: Dr. Judy Moench.
Enhance your trauma intervention skills with Dr. Judy Moench’s advanced EMDR training, covering: - Recent-Traumatic Episode Protocol (R-TEP)
- Group Traumatic Episode Protocol (G-TEP)
-
Self-Care Traumatic Episode Protocol (STEP)
Learn structured protocols for early trauma intervention, helping individuals and groups stabilize after distressing events. Develop techniques to enhance self-care and prevent burnout. Training includes real-world applications for clinical and crisis settings.
Ideal for mental health professionals looking to expand their EMDR skills. This interactive workshop includes lecture, discussion, video, and hands-on practice. Credits: 13 EMDRIA CEC
Early Bird Rate available until April 30th. Dates: June 24-25, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Location: Edmonton Registration Link: Prepped for Learning
For More Details: Learn More | SWAA-Events
Inquiries only: Email Prepped For Learning |
|
Momentum Empowerment Coach Training: A Trauma-Informed Approach
Facilitator: Selena Murillo (CEC, PCC) Event Description: Momentum’s Certified Empowerment Coach Training is a Level 1 ICF accredited training program that uses a Trauma-Informed Approach to coaching.
This tuition-based, 70-hour program is delivered over 4 months and designed to help you learn the skills required to support your clients/staff in making profound changes in their personal and professional lives, achieving their goals, and actualizing their potential.
This training takes a trauma-informed approach to coaching, equipping you with the understanding and knowledge to use the appropriate tools to move your clients forward in the coaching process.
This program begins May 9th and runs until August 15th. Delivered via weekly scheduled sessions, Friday mornings online.
Check out our info package to learn more! Date(s): May 09, 2025 to August 15, 2025 Time: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM (MST) Learn More/Website
Registration Link |
|
|
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Facilitator: Colleen E. Clark, MSW, RCSW | Clinical Social Worker | Clinical ART Specialist | RCRR Lead Certified Trainer Canada Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a drug-free, non-hypnosis therapy that transcends modern therapeutic methods by treating adults and children with depression, anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, sexual abuse, obsessive compulsive disorder, addictions and many other mental and physical conditions resulting in remarkable benefits starting in as little as one session. *This training may be eligible for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant. Click here for details.*
Click here to View Available Dates
Click Here to Register (see dates below) Learn More Order Colleen's new book: Come Passion: The Soulful ART of Healing Trauma
Click here for Colleen's Interview with Authority Magazine |
|
|
Researchers: Submit your request to recruit participants for your study. Participants: Explore and complete surveys or questionnaires from available research studies.
Visit The Hub: Surveys, Forms, & Resources to Submit your request for research respondents, or complete surveys/questionnaires from available studies
Available Studies |
|
|
Factors Influencing Mental Health Professionals’ Case Conceptualization and Treatment Planning Processes for Psychotherapy. Researcher: Vanessa Tombolini, Doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology program at Adler University (Vancouver Campus). For more information or questions, please email Vanessa at Email Vanessa
See: The Hub: Participate in Research - SWAA's website |
| | |
|
Current Job Postings: The following employers are currently recruiting social workers and you can find details at myswaa.ca/socialworkcareers:
- Home Study Practitioner: Calgary Region Foster Kinship Association - Calgary, AB
- Mental Health Therapist: Recovery Alberta - Taber, AB
-
Instructor, Community Social Work - Portage College, Lac La Biche, AB
- Family Engagement Worker: ABC Head Start Society - Edmonton, AB
-
Domestic Violence Counsellor - Adult: Discovery House Family Violence Prevention Society, Calgary, AB
- Clinical Instructor - Field Education: University of Regina - Faculty of Social Work, Regina, SK
-
Summer Volunteer Program Coordinator: Grasslands Regional Family and Community support Services (FCSS), Brooks AB
- Social Worker: The Alexandra Community Health Centre, Calgary AB
|
|
|
Copyright © 2025 The Social Workers Association of Alberta PO Box 464, Edmonton Station Main
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2K1 CANADA |
|
|
|
