November
8, 2005
The
Role of Social Workers in Europe
IFSW
Europe has decided to highlight the Social Work Profession in Europe celebrating
a Social Work Action Day every year.
Social
Work Action Day is an annual event. It started in 1996. All the member
organisations of IFSW Europe are invited to celebrate and promote Social Work
through local, regional and national activities. In 2003 the subject of Social
Work Action Day (SWAD) was Disability,
Human Rights and Social Work and in 2004 Violence and Trafficking: Social Workers
Against Exploitation. More then 20 European countries were involved with
actions.
The
Delegates Meeting 2004 decided to highlight in 2005: The Role of Social Workers in Europe.
It is a part of the project
“Social Work Promoting Social Cohesion” of IFSW Europe. This topic was chosen as
many member organisations are concerned about the increasing amounts of new
legislation and changing expectations of social workers as well as the severe
financial constraints placed on the social sphere in many countries.
Promoting
greater public awareness of the difficulties faced by social workers is a key
aim, as often the profession does not receive the recognition it deserves from
both politicians and the general public. The privatisation of many aspects of
social care is also a new challenge faced by the profession.
The
Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe
recognized in 2001 that “that social work has made and continues to make a
significant contribution to the response of economic and social changes and to
the support of vulnerable people and communities during periods of change.” They
are also “recognizing that social work promotes the social welfare of
individuals, groups and communities, facilitates social cohesion in periods of
change and supports and protects the vulnerable members of the community,
working in partnership with service users, communities and other professions.
For some people, personal misfortune or change will affect their ability to act
for themselves. Some need help and guidance. Some need care, support and
protection. Social workers respond to those needs: they make an essential
contribution to the promotion of social cohesion, both through preventive work
and their response to social problems. Social work is therefore an investment in
the future welfare of Europe”.
Member
organizations of IFSW Europe planned activities on Social Work Action Day 2005
focused on:
-
Local
meetings and seminars;
-
Advertisement
campaign in magazines;
-
Meetings
with politicians;
-
Activities
about the code of ethics and ethical dilemmas;
-
Information
sent out about the daily work of Social Workers in Europe.
On
Social Work Action Day 2005 the member organisations will work together
with:
-
The
social institutions and agencies
-
The
User groups
-
The
Schools of Social Work and Universities
-
The
Trade Unions
-
The
governmental and non-governmental Organisations.
Actions
will be held in the following countries in whole Europe:
Austria
– Denmark – Croatia – Finland – France –Germany - Iceland - Italy – Malta –
Norway – Portugal – Spain – Sweden – Switzerland – United
Kingdom
The
NASW International Chapter will also develop actions on the European SWAD
2005.
There
are other member organisations of IFSW Europe celebrating Social Work Action Day
on November 8.
The
International Federation of Social Workers is the global federation of
professional organisations representing around 450,000 social workers in 78
countries. The European Region
covers almost all of Europe with member organisations in 35 countries and around
165.000 members. IFSW has special
consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations,
UNICEF, and the Council of Europe and is involved in consultations with the
European Union. IFSW is also on the International Labour Organisation special
list of non-governmental organisations. In addition to regular publications,
IFSW develops instruments in core areas of social work to inform practitioners
globally. Individuals and organisations can affiliate to IFSW through our
"Friends of IFSW' programme".
October
2005
IFSW
Europe