March is Social Work Month, a time to honour social workers and make the public more aware and appreciative of their work.

Every year there is a specific theme for the month and this year it's "racism and ethnic harmony''.

President of the Bermuda Social Work Council Jacquelyn Basden said social workers encourage people to "unlearn'' racist beliefs.

"Social workers see racism as a form of violence that people need to eliminate,'' she said.

"Here in Bermuda we are blessed with different cultures who contribute to this society. It is each family's responsibility and that of the schools, churches and other community organisations to take time out to educate their members about the cultural and ethnic groups that are perceived to be different.

"People need to talk to one another and unlearn racist and ignorant myths that have kept our society apart. Social workers support an inclusive society in which racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, social and gender differences are valued and respected.'' This month, in an effort to heighten public awareness of the services available in Bermuda, social workers and other professionals will be addressing the public via means of the media, PTA meetings and open house visits.

"Social work is a profession that will be in demand for years to come. As long as there are people and families with problems to solve, as long as there is disease, as long as there is social injustice, there will be a need for social workers.'' In 1962, the National Association of Social Work in Washington DC initiated National Professional Social Work Month. In 1968 NASW initiated a Social Worker of the Year award to publicly honour an outstanding member of the profession.

And in 1984, President Reagan officially designated March as Social Work Month.

Last year, the Bermuda Social Work Council honoured Ida James as Social Worker of the Year. This year's nominations are currently being submitted.

Social Workers are graduates of accredited schools of social work who use their knowledge and skills to provide services for individuals and families.

The practice of social work requires an understanding of human development and behaviour, of social, economic, and cultural institutions, and the interaction of all these factors.

"Since 1750 BC in Babylonia, efforts have been put forward that require people to help one another during times of hardship,'' Miss Basden said.

She added the first school of social work was established in 1898. It was known as The New York School of Philanthrophy (later to become Columbia University School of Social Work). Today, social work programmes can be found in the most universities around the world.

A professional social work career requires formal college or university training. All basic social work education includes courses on human behaviour, family dynamics, social policy and services, social work methods, knowledge of community resources and skills to use them.

"Contrary to the perceived stereotypical role of social workers as people who take children away, social workers are employed in schools, hospitals, child welfare agencies, departments of probation, substance abuse facilities, government welfare agencies, EAP programmes, the prison system and private practice agencies,'' Miss Basden said.

She added: "Social workers can work directly with individuals and families, as well as indirectly with public policy, administration, research, community organising and in advocacy roles.

"Advocacy includes lobbying for legislation to improve health, welfare, and other human service programmes,'' she said.

"When a terminally-ill person cannot benefit from social security contributions made when in good health, the social worker is faced with the challenge to not only provide comfort and support to the individual and his family, but must find alternate financing to take care of rents, mortgage payments, medications and child care.'' Miss Basden also said terminally-ill people were further stressed by eligibility requirements needed for financial assistance.

"Bermudians take pride in fostering a strong work ethic and maintaining stable employment, but emergency situations may force them to apply for public assistance.

"When a health crisis arises, and a loved one requires an air ambulance to be flown overseas for treatment, it is the medical social worker who rises to the occasion and co-ordinates the transfer.'' She added: "Social workers in child welfare strive to keep families together where possible. Sometimes, the support needed to accomplish this, taking into consideration the safety of the child, cannot always be found.

Hence, temporary foster placement may be an alternative.'' SOCIAL WORK MONTH -- March is social work month pictured are some of the Bermuda Social Work Council members from left Miss Lakila Wade, Mrs. Rhita Love Daniels, Miss Lisa Cann, Mr. Lyndon Jackson and president Miss Jacqui Basden.