Stay informed on the advocacy efforts shaping Social work. This space highlights important initiatives driving change, and representation efforts that impact the profession and the communities we serve.
Stay engaged, stay informed, and be part of the movement!

Mar 8: International Women’s Day
Every year on March 8th, people from around the globe unite in solidarity for International Women’s Day (IWD). Created in 1911, this annual day of advocacy and action is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of all women, to increase awareness of the barriers and discrimination women continue to face, and to promote gender equity for all people who identify as women.

Pink Shirt Day - February 26, 2025
Since 2007, Pink Shirt Day or Anti-Bullying Day has been officially recognized and commemorated on the last Wednesday of February each year in Canada in order to raise awareness, stand up and take action against bullying.

World Day of Social Justice, February 20th
Officially designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007, World Day of Social Justice takes place every year on February 20th. This years theme is “Strengthening a Just Transition for a Sustainable Future” and will “explore how inclusive policies can ensure that climate action leads to more and better jobs, reduces inequalities, and fosters sustainable development.”

Black History Month: February 2025
“Black Legacy & Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History & Uplifting Future Generations”
Every month in February, Canada celebrates Black History month and seeks to honour and amplify all of the voices, achievements and stories of resilience of Black Canadians. Black Canadians and their communities have shaped Canada’s history and enriched Canada’s cultural diversity and compassion that have helped lead to the growth of a more equitable and inclusive nation. Black History month was first officially recognized in Canadain December 1995 in the House of Commons when this motion was put forward by Dr. Augustine and carried unanimously.

World Hijab Day.
February 1st is the 13th annual World Hijab Day, a global event inviting “people of all backgrounds to stand in solidarity with Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab and to challenge the prejudice and misconceptions they often face because of this choice” (World Hijab Day Organization, 2025). Founded in 2013, this annual event was created by Bangladeshi-American Nazman Khan who had the idea to promote better cultural understanding by inviting women from all backgrounds to wear hijabs on that day. This movement has grown to include the participation of over 150 countries around the world, who engage by holding their own education, advocacy, and community building events to amplify the voices and highlight the stories of these women.

International Universal Health Coverage Day 2024
In comparison to other commemorative days proposed by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, the acknowledgement of International Universal Health Coverage Day is relatively newer but equally as important. On December 12, 2012, the UN General Assembly proposed that every member state of the UN work towards the goal of implementing the concept of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) into their respective national health policies. Five years later in 2017, the UN declared the 12th of December as the International Universal Health Coverage Day

International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future
Since its inception in 1992 from the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities has been commemorated every year when December 3rd comes along. The purpose of this day is to promote the rights and well-being of people living with disabilities in all areas of life (ie. social, political, economic, cultural, etc.) within society and to raise awareness into the lives they live, including both their struggles and the achievements, and to strive towards creating a world that is more accepting and inclusive where they can live freely. The hope is that with increased accessibility and accommodations to meet the needs of people living with disabilities worldwide, that they can participate fully, equally and just as effectively in society in comparison to people who do not face these barriers throughout their lives.

International Day for Tolerance
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) proclaimed 1995 as the “Year for Tolerance”, as a way to address global tensions worldwide regarding rising political issues surrounding cultural, religious and social differences in society. The following year in 1996, it was decided by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly that moving forward, the International Day of Tolerance would be commemorated and celebrated annually on November 16th.

Remembrance Day Recognition
On the eleventh day... of the eleventh month... at the eleventh hour, we take a moment to acknowledge and remember the brave individuals that have served and sacrificed for our freedom. Their courage and commitment to serve is inspirational and heroic.

National Indigenous Veterans Day
November 8th is National Indigenous Veterans Day, an annual celebration of First Nations, Inuit and Métis veterans that happens across what is colonially known as Canada. May we recognize the resilience and sacrifices made by Indigenous people and communities as they faced, and continue to face, ongoing systemic challenges and exclusion from Canadian society.

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2024
We can honour this day by raising awareness about the ongoing fight against poverty and the constant need for action from everyone to address this injustice.

World Mental Health Day 2024: Mental Health At Work
Every year on this commemorative day, there is a new focus or theme, and for this year in 2024, Alberta celebrates World Mental Health Day with the theme of ‘Mental Health at Work’.

Celebrating World Teachers' Day: Honouring the Role of Educators and Social Work Instructors
This year’s World Teachers’ Day highlights the importance of addressing systemic challenges faced by educators and fostering an inclusive dialogue about their role in shaping education.

Celebrating Women’s History Month
October is Women’s History Month, an annual celebration of women and girls happening across Canada since 1992. The 2024 theme is Women at Work: Economic Growth Past, Present and Future.

National Seniors Day 2024
October 1st is National Seniors Day in Canada, which also coincides with the United Nations International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP). Join us in celebrating the older adults in our lives and communities.

Truth and Reconciliation Week 2024
As recognized by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (TRC), the week of September 25-30, 2024, is Truth and Reconciliation Week.
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is dedicated to honouring the Indigenous children who were forcibly removed from their families and communities through the residential school system, as well as recognizing the tragic experiences of their families and communities.

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
As we approach the 10th World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on 30 July 2024, it is vital we unite to take a stand against this human rights and social justice issue. This year's global campaign, "Leave No Child Behind," urges accelerated action to end the trafficking of children.

International Day for Countering Hate Speech
Today, the Social Workers Association of Alberta (SWAA) joins the global community in celebrating the third International Day for Countering Hate Speech. This year's theme, "Empowering Youth," is a clarion call to recognize the vital role young people play in shaping a world free from hate, bigotry, and intolerance.

National Indigenous Peoples Day
SWAA invites social workers to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, by coming together, reflecting on and celebrating the unique heritage, traditions, and knowledge of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.

Pride Month
Pride Month, celebrated each June, commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Riots, a landmark event in the 2SLGBTQ+ rights movement. This month, we honor the bravery and resilience of 2SLGBTQ+ communities while acknowledging the progress made and the work still needed.