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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Brain Story emphasizes supporting children and families throughout all stages of development, including prenatal development. It explains how early childhood trauma and toxic stress affect neural connections and lifelong health, leading to issues such as emotional dysregulation, depression, anxiety, impaired executive function, chronic illness, and addiction.

The Alberta Government is contemplating pulling Alberta out of the Canada Pension Plan to create an Alberta Pension Plan (Coulter & Zapata, 2024). It is imperative that Albertans learn more about the Canada Pension Plan and the proposed Alberta Pension Plan. Last week, CPP Investments gave a presentation to SWAA members.

Indigenous peoples have been the original caretakers of this land for thousands of years, and their contributions continue to shape our society in profound ways. The unique and strong connections social workers make with communities provide us the opportunity to encourage all Canadians to join us in the continued learning and education about Indigenous history.

This is the places for Summer 2024 professional development opportunities.

As we commemorate the 2024 International Day of Families theme of “Families and Climate Change” (United Nations, n.d.), we underscore the urgency of raising awareness about the profound impacts of climate change on families.

In recognition of Mental Health Week, The Social Workers Association of Alberta stands alongside individuals, families, and communities in advocating for mental health awareness, support, and understanding.

At the Social Workers Association of Alberta, we are excited to celebrate Asian Heritage Month—a time dedicated to honoring the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions from Asian communities worldwide. In Canada, the theme for this year is “Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future: Amplifying Asian Canadian Legacy”.

We are excited to announce that Rasheal Charles has been elected as the President of the Board of Directors of The Social Workers Association of Alberta. Rasheal brings with her a wealth of experience, dedication, and passion for advancing the profession of social work in Alberta.

On April 16, 2024, Canada’s federal government released it’s 2024 Federal Budget. Here are a collection of budget highlights and insights from partners, media, and the Government of Canada.

Social work is a regulated profession committed to making society more equitable and inclusive. Social work is dedicated to improving the functioning of individuals, families, and communities. Social workers can work in a variety of settings such as healthcare, education, child welfare, public policy, non-profits, and the judicial system.

The Board is currently working on electing a new President and want to do so with intention. An announcement about the new leadership will be coming in the next weeks as we look to the future potential of this amazing association.

Celebrating International Women's Day

As we celebrate International Women's Day, it's crucial to take a moment to reflect on the progress made towards gender equality and the work that still lies ahead.

Professional development with The Social Workers Association of Alberta (Spring 2024).

It seems that every generation has lamented the changes in the world that have left them feeling adrift in a relentless and rocky sea with no safe harbour in sight. Social workers have always been called to navigate these murky waters, to somehow fix or solve or do.