Social workers are making a difference every day by supporting individuals and families, strengthening communities, and driving positive social change. Yet, the public doesn’t always understand the vital role social workers play, the impact they have, or how broad and diverse the social work profession really is.

Speak Up for Social Work! encourages social workers to make their voices heard by sharing their stories, expertise, successes, and the challenges facing the profession. This campaign is about helping more people understand what social workers do, the many roles they play, and the difference their work makes in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

Social workers have an important perspective to bring to conversations that affect the people and communities they serve. As the profession continues to evolve and face new challenges, it’s important that social workers are part of these conversations and recognized for the knowledge and expertise they bring.

Through social media, media conversations, writing, advocacy, and public education, Speak Up for Social Work! gives social workers ways to share their work, speak to the issues affecting the profession, and help people better understand the value of social work.

Every social worker has a story to tell, and there are so many ways to tell it. Share your experience, your expertise, your perspective, or the impact you see every day. What’s your story, and how will you share it?

Tell your story: Share the experiences and perspectives that show people what social workers really do.
Talk to the media: Help journalists and the public better understand social work and the people behind the profession.
Create content: Use social media, video, podcasts, and other platforms to share your knowledge and perspective.
Write op-ed and blogs: Put your expertise into words and bring social work into the public conversation.
Advocate: Speak up about the issues affecting social workers, the people we serve, and the communities around us.
Educate the public: Challenge misconceptions and help people see the depth, impact, and value of social work.

Have you recently shared something that helps tell the story of social work? We want to hear about it! Send us your social work stories, articles, blogs, op-eds, social media posts, videos, podcasts, news coverage, or other examples of social workers speaking up for the profession. Submit your story or resource through our online form, or email it to [email protected].
By submitting content through the online form or email, you grant NASW permission to use and share your submission for promotional purposes. 

You don’t have to figure out what to say or where to start. We’ve gathered tools and resources to help you share your experience, talk about your work, and bring social work into more conversations.

Media Tips
Guidance for talking with reporters, responding to media requests, and sharing your expertise. Download the Media Guide here.

Advocacy Guides
Tools to help you speak up about issues affecting social workers, the people we serve, and our communities.
Download the NASW Texas Advocacy Guide
Download the NASW Louisiana Advocacy Guide
Download A Social Work Advocate's Guide to Oklahoma

Campaign Logos
Download campaign logos to add to your content and help spread the word and show your support for Speak Up for Social Work!
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