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      March 11 - News Letter (Members)
As we step into March, we are proud to celebrate Social Work Month, a time to recognize the dedication, resilience, and impact of social workers across Alberta and beyond. This year's theme, Connections, reminds us of the vital relationships that strengthen our profession—the bonds between colleagues, the trust built with clients, and the collaborations that drive meaningful change.
 
      
      Submit your Content for Social Work Week!
Social Work Month is here, and we want to hear from YOU!
Join us in celebrating the incredible work of social workers by submitting your stories, media, and recognitions to be featured during Social Work Week!
Here’s how you can participate:
 
      
      February 28 Newsletter (Non-member)
Farewell February, Hello March! Celebrating Connections & Social Work Month!
As we say farewell to February, we step into March with momentum, ready to celebrate Social Work Month—a time of recognition, advocacy, and engagement. This year’s theme, Connections, highlights the relationships that strengthen our profession and the impact we make in communities every day. This is a is a time to chart new paths and embrace fresh opportunities for growth and impact.
 
      
      February 25 Newsletter (Members)
As we bid Farewell to February, with the importance of relationships and meaningful connections in mind, we are reminded of the strength and resilience within our Social work community. At the Social Workers Association of Alberta (SWAA), we continue Marching forward…together as we welcome March, Social Work Month—building bridges, fostering relationships, and creating opportunities that support and elevate our profession.
We continue to celebrate the connections that unite us, the collaborations that sustain us, and the collective impact we make through our work. Stay tuned for updates, resources, and opportunities to engage as we move forward—together.
 
      
      Canada Student Loan Forgiveness - List of Occupations - Canada Gazette, Part 1
As announced in Budget 2024, the Government of Canada has committed to expanding the list of occupations eligible for Canada Student Loan Forgiveness
 
      
      Social Work Month: March 2025
Social work thrives on building relationships, fostering networks, and creating meaningful connections that drive positive change. Whether through advocacy, collaboration, or direct support, the power of connection is what strengthens individuals, families, and communities.
Theme: Connections - Fostering Networks & Driving Positive Change;
 
      
      Social Work Week: March 17 - 21, 2025
March marks Social Work Month 2025—a time to honor the invaluable contributions of social workers who uplift individuals, families, and communities every day. This year, SWAA’s Theme is Connections—together, we embark on a journey of discovery, strengthening relationships, fostering collaboration, and celebrating the profound impact of social work.
Social Work Week with SWAA is March 17–21, 2025. Each day, we’ll bring you engaging activities designed to inspire, connect, and uplift the social work community. Get ready to participate in:
 
      
      February 11 Newsletter (Members)
As February unfolds, a month that highlights the importance of relationships and meaningful connections, we are reminded of the strength found within our community...our Social work community. The Social Workers Association of Alberta (SWAA), continues to grow —building partnerships, strengthening networks, and creating opportunities that support and elevate our profession. We’re excited to share important updates, reflections, and opportunities to engage as we move forward—together.
 
      
      Invitation for Board Applications.
Do you have a passion to be involved in shaping and leading the future direction of the new Social Workers Association of Alberta? We invite you to consider running as a candidate for the Board of Directors!
Executive Director Update
We are excited to welcome Angela Fawcett to the Social Workers Association of Alberta team!
 
      
      2024 SWAA AGM Meeting Minutes Now Available
The Social Workers Association of Alberta (SWAA) held its Second Annual General Meeting on September 24, 2024. See here for meeting minutes and answers to questions asked.
 
      
      Welcome to the new directors!
We shared some exciting updates at our Second Annual General Meeting on September 24, 2024.
The Board of Directors is thrilled to welcome Arlene Eaton-Erickson, Levis Kabahizi, Roshan Kunjachan, and Julia Nicholls, who were elected by acclamation, as well as our incoming Executive Director, Angela Fawcett. We’re eager to work together as we continue to move the association forward.
 
      
      Annual General Meeting
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the 2024 annual general meeting (the “AGM”) of The Social Workers Association of Alberta (“SWAA”) is scheduled to take place on September 24, 2024.
 
      
      A Conversation with Dr. Linda Kongnetiman-Pansa
We are excited to share a conversation with our esteemed guest speaker for our second AGM, Dr. Linda Kongnetiman-Pansa, written by our valued board member Cardinal Fomradas.
 
      
      Executive Director Update
Harold Pliszka is exiting the position of Executive Director on July 22, 2024. Harold was The Social Workers Association of Alberta’s first executive director, and SWAA’s board of directors would like to thank him for his efforts in operationalizing our professional association.
 
      
      From the Desk of the Board
We are excited to introduce "From the Desk of the Board". This monthly update is designed to keep you informed about key developments, decisions, and insights from the Board of Directors.
 
      
      Are you prescribing nature yet?
PaRx is Canada’s national, evidence-based nature prescription program. With a network of more than 13,000 Canadian healthcare providers prescribing nature, The Social Workers Association of Alberta is proud to endorse this nature-health initiative.
 
      
      A Union Perspective
Unionizing Alberta social workers will yield significant benefits, particularly in terms of addressing job-related stress, improving working conditions, ensuring fair compensation. A union could advocate for manageable caseloads, mental health support, and professional development opportunities, enhancing job satisfaction and retention.
 
      
      Paid vs. Unpaid Practicums
The issue of whether practicums should be compensated remains contentious. This report examines the current cost of living crisis in Canada, the hidden costs of practicums, the conflicts that unpaid practicums have with the CASW code of ethics, and a recommendation for a federally paid practicum program for Canada's social work and public service students.
 
                        