1. Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW)

2. About CASW Federated organization
10 provincial/territorial member organizations
Represents over 16, 000 social workers
Mission Statement
“As a federation of the 9 provincial and one territorial social work organizations, the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) provides a national leadership role in strengthening and advancing the social work profession in Canada.”
Federated Organization
Does not have individual members
Rather is a federated model so CASW membership consists of member organizations
9 provincial member organizations and one territorial organization representing all 3 territories
Currently represents over 16, 000 social workers

3. CASW Member Organizations
Member Organizations Include:
British Columbia Association of Social Workers
Alberta College of Social Workers
Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers
Manitoba Association of Social Workers
Ontario Association of Social Workers
New Brunswick Association of Social Workers
Nova Scotia Association of Social Workers
Prince Edward Island Association of Social Workers
Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Social Workers
Association of Social Workers of Northern Canada (encompasses all three territories)
- currently the only social work organization in Canada that is not a CASW member is l’Ordre Professionnel des travailleurs sociaux du Québec (referring to organizations not regulatory bodies)

4. History of CASW Founded in 1926 197 Charter Members
A network to address working conditions
Guided by a commitment to social justice
Past CASW Presidents and the current CASW President and
Executive Director celebrate the 80th anniversary of the CASW in
Halifax. June, 2006.
On March 20, 1926, in Montreal, 60 social worker from Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax and Montreal met and agreed to form the Canadian Association for Social workers and on September 1, 1926 the constitution was approved
CASW had 197 charter members from across the country
The goal at that time was to develop a network to address working conditions while at the same time there was a commitment to social justice
Shortly after they decided to form branches in communities where at least five members were present
In 1927 there were branches in the following areas: Montreal, Toronto, Hamilton
1928 BC Mainland branch
1930 Manitoba branch

5. CASW Governance Model CASW Board of Directors
Appointed representative from each member organization
Elected President
CASW Executive director sits on both Board and Executive as an ex-officio
CASW Board of Directors
The president is elected at the Annual general meeting, as well as the vice-president and secretary –treasurer
Now have CASW’s 34th president

6. CASW Office and Staff
CASW national office located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
CASW office has 5 staff positions including:
Three administrative staff positions
Two social work positions
CASW has a national office located in Ottawa where federal government is as well as many other national professional associations

7. About CASW CASW Strategic Directions 1) To advance social justice
   2) To strengthen and promote the social work profession
   3) To support the regulatory and non-regulatory work of member organizations
“Social workers promote social fairness and the equitable distributing of resources, and act to reduce barriers to expand choice for all person with special regard for those who marginalized, disadvantaged, vulnerable, and/or have exceptional needs.”
CASW Code of Ethics (2005)
Strategic Directions reflect the purposes and object of the organization and guide the activities of the organizations
The strategic directions were initially adopted in 2003
In the spring of 2007 the CASW board began the process of reviewing the strategic directions and reconfirmed them
The advancement of social justice is the primary strategic direction based on the values and ethics of the social work profession
The pursuit of social justice is a value of the CASW Code of Ethics – obligation to provide resources, services and opportunities for the overall benefit of humanity and to protect people from harm.
CASW activities based on each direction are discussed further in the presentation.

8. CASW Today CASW Social Policy Principles Dignity and Respect Equality
Equity
Comprehensiveness
Quality Services
Constitutional Integrity 
Subsidiarity 
Social Dialogue
CASW Social Policy Principles are available in full on the CASW website (
Approved by board in March 2003
is a framework for social policy analysis and CASW initiatives
the social policy principles reflect the values and ethics of the social work profession
Available on CASW website; document includes the principles with a brief explanation and conenction to social work values/ethics

9. Examples of CASW Activities Advancing Social Justice
Advocacy and Lobbying
Consultation and meetings with federal government
Press releases
Policy analysis and research reports
Coalitions
23 formal coalitions
Range of issues (example: children, poverty, adoptions, health, seniors, human rights)
Informal and formal opportunities to collaborate
For detailed information on CASW activities please read the CASW Annual Report
available on the CASW website.
Review some of the activities and initiatives that the CASW are involved in that reflect the Strategic directions.
These are just some examples of CASW activities. For further information or a detailed review please read the CASW Annual Report which is available on the CASW website.
Advocacy and Lobbying :
∙ CASW is involved in and initiates a number of activities that aim to advocate for change, lobby government and increase awareness of social issues relevant to social work.
∙ following are some of the advocacy and lobbying activities of the CASW
Consultation with federal government:
includes writing letters on specific issues, sending copies of media releases, sending copies of CASW reports, responding to requests for information
Meetings with politicians
Presenting to Parliamentary and Senate Committees
Press Releases:
prepares press releases, both independently and in collaboration with others to raise awareness about particular issues
press releases are sometimes in response to current events, sometimes in advance of international/national days of relevance to social work
CASW Reports and Policy Analysis:
publishes reports that analyze issues and policies relevant to social work
most recently CASW has published a series of reports on women and poverty
Coalitions
∙ currently the CASW is a member of 23 formal coalitions
∙ range of coalitions include children’s issues, poverty, mental health, health, seniors, housing, violence and bullying
∙ a complete list of coalitions can be found on the CASW website, including information about the coalition and links to the coalition’s website
∙ in addition of formal coalitions, CASW takes advantage of opportunities to collaborate with others on specific issues and topics.

10. CASW Gets Political
In 2007 and 2008 CASW presented to 2 Parliamentary Committees and 3 Senate Committees:
Standing Committee on Finance
Standing Committee on Human Resources, Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities
Standing Senate Committee on Agriculture and Forestry
Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology
Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs
Some examples of our direct involvement and social justice activity within the federal government.

11. What Politicians Are Saying To CASW
“Publications such as yours are a valuable asset to the development of our communities. Truly, your generous gift is a valuable resource for me to share with my constituents. I appreciate you keeping myself and my colleagues well informed on the contributions and concerns of the Canadian Association of social Workers.” ~ Tina Keeper, MP
““I am very interested in the work the Canadian Association of Social Workers is doing on women’s poverty in Canada.
I will find this report very useful in my work. I appreciate you sharing it with me.”
~ Hon. Mobina Jaffer
Examples of some of the feedback received from politicians regarding CASW publications.

12. What Other Organizations Are Saying To CASW
“We are very impressed with your organizations social justice work. ” “Thank you do much for the report. We will be looking at it carefully and using it to help inform our work” ~ Advisory Council on the Status of Women
“Excellent press release. Thank you so much to CASW for bringing forth these issues.” ~ National Network for Mental Health
Examples of some of the feedback received from external organizations regarding CASW publications and its social justice work.
Demonstrates the effectiveness of publications and activities in both raising awareness and promoting social work knowledge and expertise as well as social work’s values and ethics.

13. What Social Workers Are Saying To CASW
“Thank you for your work on a National level advocating for aboriginal people. Each one of us is important – no one should be disadvantaged.”
~ Social Worker
“Just want to say I truly appreciate your efforts and it makes me proud to be a social worker for 40+ years. Thank you for all your work. So thank you again and keep up the good and much needed advocacy.” ~ Social Worker
Examples of what social workers are saying about CASW activities.

14. Examples of CASW Activities Strengthen and Promote the Profession
Publications
Canadian Social Work
Bulletin
Reporter
CASW Policy Papers/Research Reports
CASW Website
Interest Groups
Children Issues Interest Group
Health Interest Group
Aboriginal Social Workers Interest Group
Intersectoral Initiative
CASW/CASWE Memorandum of Understanding
Publications:
CASW has several publications that aim to strengthen the profession
Canadian Social Work (CSW)
an academic journal
published annually (last working day of October)
CSW is available for free to members of CASW member organizations on the Members’ Site of the CASW website, also subscriptions to CSW can be purchased
for more information about submitting an article, see the Writer’s Guidelines on the CASW website
Bulletin
published twice per year (April and August)
provides detailed information about CASW initiatives, news from Member Organizations, news from schools
available electronically for free on the Members’ Site of the CASW website
Reporter
a 1 -2 page publication
published monthly (the last working day of the month)
highlights CASW activities over the past month as well as news, information and resources relevant to social workers
circulated electronic to social workers and posted on the Members’ Site of the CASW website
CASW Policy Papers/Research Reports
reports, analysis of federal budget
Website
increasingly active, updated and new information added regularly
almost 300,000 visitors in 2008 viewing 1,300,000 pages
Interest Groups
∙ the purpose of the interest groups is to provide a forum to advocate for interests of social work practice and to advise the national association on issues pertaining to policy, practice, education and research
∙ groups are composed of one representative for each CASW provincial/territorial member organization, the CASW Executive Director or alternate, and a CASW Board Liaison
∙ more details on the group membership, terms of reference are available on the CASW website
Intersectoral Initaitive
Brings together three sectors (education, regulation, professional associations)

15. Examples of CASW Activities Strengthen and Promote the Profession
National Social Work Week
Celebrated nationally the first week of March
National Social Work Conference
Every two years
CASW Awards
CASW Award for Outstanding Service
National Social Work Week Distinguished Service Awards
Related Services of Individual Social Workers
Insurance Programs
AON/CASW Scholarship
National Social Work Week (NSWW)
∙ celebrated in the first full week of March by the CASW (member organizations choose a week that suits them best)
∙ CASW develops and circulates a proclamation that acknowledges the week,
∙ CASW develops a list of suggested and activities and provides tools that individual social workers can use throughout NSWW (examples: on-line lobbying letters, information kits, electronic greeting cards)
National Social Work Conference
∙ national conference is every second year
∙ the conference is hosted by a CASW member organization
CASW Awards
Information about each is available on the CASW website or through member organizations
CASW Award for Outstanding Service are given in conjunction with National Conference
NSWW award given each year
Related Services to Individual Social Workers
Insurance Programs
∙ CASW works with AON Reed Stenhouse so social workers who are members of provincial/territorial associations can access a variety of insurances including liability insurance, health insurance etc
AON/CASW Scholarship
given in conjunction with National Conference, scholarship is awarded to assist members of CASW provincial/territorial member organizations attend the CASW bienneal conference

16. CASW Website
In 2007 the CASW website had over 290,000 visitors viewing over 1,304,897 webpages
That equals 800 visitors per day, who viewed almost 3,500 webpages.
Demonstrates the use of the CASW website.
Statistics also show that the number of visitors to the CASW website has been significantly increasing over the past few years (since 2005).

17. CASW in the Media
From 2006 to 2008 CASW Participated in over 20 radio/television interviews including:
•CBC Radio North • CBC Radio NL
• CJCD Radio – Yukon • Mix 100 Radio Yellowknife
• CBC Radio One – The Current • CBC Radio – Sydney
• CBC Radio – Calgary • CBC Radio – St. John’s
• CBC Radio – Saint John • CBC Radio – Quebec City
• CBC Radio – Yellowknife • CBC Radio – Windsor
• CBC Radio – Thunder Bay • CBC Radio – Winnipeg
• CBC Radio International – The Link • CBC Television, Yellowknife
• CKNW Radio Vancouver
- Demonstrates some of CASW success in raising awareness of social justice issues and the profession in the media.

18. CASW in the Media
From 2006 to 2008 CASW Materials were printed in the following media:
• Ottawa Sun • The Guardian (PEI)
• Telegraph Journal (NB) • The Daily Gleaner (NB)
• Vancouver Sun • Ottawa Citizen
• Montreal Gazette • Edmonton Journal
• Windsor Star • Calgary Herald
• Leader Post
Demonstrates some of CASW success in raising awareness of social justice issues and the profession in the media.

19. Examples of CASW Activities Support Regulatory and Non-Regulatory Work of Member Organizations
Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Ethical Practice (2005)
Support to Member Organizations
Membership with CNNAR
Presidents of Member Organizations and CASW
Sign CASW Code of Ethics (June, 2005)
regulation of the profession is a the responsibility of provincial regulatory body
there is no national regulatory body
Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Ethical Practice
since the early 1930s CASW has been involved in developing ethical guidelines that guide social work practice
the most recent edition of the CASW Code of Ethics was published in 2005
at that time all CASW member organization endorsed the Code of Ethics
Support to Member Organizations
at the request of member organizations, the CASW supports efforts of member organizations
CNNAR
a federation of national organizations whose provincial and territorial members are identified in legislation as responsible for protection of the public through the self-regulation of professions and occupations
mandate to support the self-regulation of professions and occupations through a variety of means including: facilitating collaboration, increasing awareness and understanding of the benefits of self-regulation, monitoring and responding to appropriate federal legislation and policies, and developing and sharing resources and information.

20. Examples of CASW Activities Support Regulatory and Non-Regulatory Work of Member Organizations
Assessment of Foreign Trained Social Work Degrees to determine equivalence to Canadian social work degrees (provided to all provinces/territories with the exception of British Columbia and Quebec)
The application procedure as well as answers to frequently asked questions is available in detail on CASW website
Details and information are available on the CASW website

21. CASW on the International Stage
Member of the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW)
On-going CASW representation on IFSW Executive
CASW representatives to IFSW meetings and membership in international working committees
Provide on-going consultation to IFSW
Clearinghouse for international information
Connection between CASW social workers and the IFSW and vice versa
Memorandum of Understanding with NASW (US)
CASW is a member of the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW)
What is IFSW:
∙ The IFSW is a global organisation striving for social justice, human rights and social development
Aims of the IFSW:
∙ to promote social work as a profession
∙ to promote the establishment of national organisations of social workers or professional unions for social workers
∙ to support Social Work Organisations in promoting the participation of social workers in social planning and the formulation of social policies, nationally and internationally, the recognition of social work, the enhancement of social work training and the values and professional standards of social work.
IFSW is divided in five geographical regions: Africa
Asia & Pacific
Europe
Latin America & Caribbean and
North America.
Each region has one Vice President.
∙ Currently there are national organizations in 84 countries and with more the 470,000 members in IFSW
Memorandum with NASW (US)
In 2006 signed MOU with NASW (US); this was an agreement to meet regularly, keep informed of each other’s activities and priorities, to share resources when applicable and to make joint statements when applicable.

22. Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW)