Calgary Social Workers for Social Justice are an ACSW member interest group working towards social justice and social change in Calgary, provincially, and federally by increasing the visibility of social justice issues and systemic solutions by supporting, educating and encouraging social workers to be social justice advocates. In support of these goals the group shares knowledge, ideas and action plans at monthly meetings, hosts speakers and workshops, and has an active policy sub- committee whose members represent the group on key community actions. The group has a small communications team that shares information on events that promote social justice.
The group have continuously focused on poverty elimination. They took a lead role in advocating for the introduction of Basic Income in Alberta. Having joined a steering committee of some of the major organizations in Calgary that support this policy, the group engaged in building community awareness and support. Many other efforts have been directed to help alleviate poverty, including maintenance of the low-income transit pass, approval of secondary suites, support for the increase in minimum wage and pressing for an increase in social assistance rates. The group followed the work of the Child and Youth Advocate and the responses of the Ministry of Children’s Services to the concerns raised in his reports. They supported the progressive steps of government, including the Minister of Education’s defence of LGBTQ+ rights in schools; including attending a rally in support of not outing students.
In addition, members of the group hosted an Anti-Racism, Anti-Colonization and Social Justice Learning Series in partnership with the Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary; Alberta Network of Immigrant Women, Migrated Social Workers for Indigenous Social Justice and Alberta Men’s Network. This five-part experiential and relational learning series was a response to the rising tide of emboldened racism in our Canadian context. There was a focus on Indigenous and intercultural exchange, knowledge sharing, the critical retelling of his/herstory, learning/unlearning, accountability and relationships.