The annual NASW-NY C.A.R.E.S. Social Work Month Series is more than a celebration — it’s a movement.
Each March, in honor of Social Work Month, the National Association of Social Workers - New York State Chapter (NASW-NY) brings together social workers, students, advocates, and community leaders from across the state for its largest community engagement initiative of the year. Designed to complement flagship events like Capitol Action Day and the Annual CE Conference, the NASW-NY C.A.R.E.S. annual Social Work Month Series stands apart by making the majority of its programming free and accessible, ensuring that every voice in our profession has a seat at the table.
Built around the official annual Social Work Month theme (released every fall/winter), the series weaves that theme across advocacy, professional development, student engagement, and community conversations. Every event is intentionally aligned to elevate member needs, spotlight policy priorities, strengthen professional growth, and deepen public understanding of social work’s impact.
C.A.R.E.S. is a hybrid experience, primarily virtual to maximize statewide accessibility, with in-person regional meet-ups that foster meaningful local connection. Whether you’re logging in from a rural community, joining from New York City, or gathering with colleagues in your region, this series is designed to unite social workers across New York in shared purpose and action.
Social Workers: Uplift. Defend. Transform.
Social Work Month was first celebrated in March 1963 to build public support for the profession. Today, it is recognized by hundreds of thousands of social workers and supporters nationwide.
This year’s theme highlights the powerful role social workers play in uplifting individuals and communities, defending human rights, and transforming systems.