Senate Resolution No. 498

BY: Senator SALAZAR

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
March 2023, as Social Work Month in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the conviction of this Legislative Body that those
individuals who faithfully serve the needs of the community and its
citizens with diligence and compassion profoundly strengthen our shared
commitment to family and community life; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
efforts of social workers who, in providing essential care and support
to people in the communities across New York State, serve to enhance the
quality of life for some of our most vulnerable residents; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concerns, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2023, as Social Work
Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of
National Social Work Month; and

WHEREAS, The theme for Social Work Month 2023 is "Social Work Breaks
Barriers"; and

WHEREAS, During Social Work Month take time to learn more about the
many positive contributions of the profession, and use the items in our
toolkit to celebrate all the social workers you know; and

WHEREAS, More than 600,000 social workers across the Nation confront
some of the most challenging issues facing individuals, families,
communities and society; and

WHEREAS, Social Workers are the largest group of mental health care
providers in the United States and tirelessly work to help people
over-come depression, anxiety, substance abuse and other disorders so
they can lead more fulfilling lives; and

WHEREAS, More than 12,000 professional Social Workers are employed
by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, helping to bolster
our country's security by providing support to active duty military
personnel, veterans, and their families; and

WHEREAS, Social Workers know that poverty and trauma can create
life-long social and economic disadvantages, and they realize that
discrimination of any kind limits human potential and must be
eliminated; and

WHEREAS, Social Workers travel across the United States and the
world to assist people in crisis, helping them overcome issues such as
death and grief, epidemics, environmental pollution, and natural
disasters such as wildfires, hurricanes, and floods; and

WHEREAS, At the forefront of social justice for decades, Social
Workers push for equal rights for women, African Americans, Latinos,

individuals with disabilities, the LGBTQ community, and various ethnic,
cultural, and religious groups; and

WHEREAS, Social Workers are proud to stand up for individuals and
support diverse families in every community; these remarkable caregivers
help people in every stage of life function better in their
environments, improve their relationships with others, and solve
personal and family problems; and

WHEREAS, For more than a century, the social work profession has
been on the cutting edge of helping to create changes to make the
society of the United States a better place to live, including expanded
voting rights, improved workplace safety, and the establishment of a
minimum wage and social safety net programs that ameliorate poverty and
hunger; and

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize the
efforts of direct caregivers who, in providing essential care and
support to people in the communities across New York State, serve to
enhance the quality of life for some of our most vulnerable residents;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 2023, as Social Work
Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.