For Immediate Release
June 15, 2011

Each year the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) sets a theme to celebrate and promote the social work profession in the month of March and this year is no different.

However what is different this year is that CASW is offering up to $500 of sponsorship to the continuing education of a social worker that wins the 2012 ‘Name that Theme ‘contest.

“There are no set criteria for the theme entries” states CASW President, Morel Caissie “However the CASW Board is seeking a theme that promotes our profession while recognizing the strength of collective action.”

The rules are simple. Send your theme suggestion along with your name, e-mail address and the name of your provincial/territorial to casw@casw-acts.ca or simply fill out a one-question survey by clicking here. Group entries will be accepted however only one $500 sponsorship will be awarded.

All theme entries will be sorted, compiled and sent (without any identifying contact information) to the CASW Board for review and decision. Only the winning entrant will be contacted directly.

“This is an enormous opportunity to shape the social work celebrations in your community, province and nation” stated Caissie. “While at the same time, the social worker that has their theme adopted will receive financial support to complete a continuing education course, workshop or conference that benefits their practice.”

As background for entrants, recent NSWM themes include:

2011: Social Workers for Dignity and Inclusion: Upholding Human Rights
2010: Social Workers Speaking Up: Poverty Costs
2009: Social Workers Making a Difference in Seniors' Lives
2008: Human Rights in a Diverse Community

The ‘Name that Theme’ contest will end at 12:00 noon (DST) July 15, 2011.

CASW will reimburse the successful entrant up to $500 upon confirmation of enrollment and/or completion of chosen continuing education course, workshop or conference. (No retroactive payments for continuing education courses completed prior to the contest deadline will be made. CASW must receive confirmation of enrollment and/or completion within one year of being notified.)

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For more information:
Fred Phelps, MSW, RSW
casw@casw-acts.ca
Tel.: 613.729.6668