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Stand up for others; it’s Social Workers Month

March 23, 2017

Every year March is set aside as the time to recognize the hard work and contributions of social workers to the fabric of our country. Social workers help the most vulnerable and at-risk members of our society - whether it be children, older adults, families, victims of crime, or persons with mental illness and/or those differently abled. This year - the theme of Stand Up For Others  - as announced by the National Association of Social Workers is particularly pertinent.

Look around, we are truly a nation reflecting the tale of two cities. The dichotomy between those who have and those less fortunate continues to grow with incredible wealth concentrating in the top 2 percent of our fellow Americans. As a retired professional social worker, I spent a career standing up for others. I did this knowing that I would not attain financial wealth. I did it because it was the moral and right thing to do. Living on a social worker's salary and raising a family never upset me to pay my fair share of taxes. I knew what I paid in taxes went to defending our country, paying for Social Security, Medicare, educating our children, and helping those most in need.

Historically we are a nation that stands up for others time and time again. Many of us benefit, perhaps even disproportionately from the sacrifices and contributions made by our contemporaries and other Americans who came before us. The divisiveness of our elected leaders of our country is hard for me to watch. As different as we are as individuals and communities - we are one people who have always come together to solve big problems. Let's stand up for others in the weeks and months to come to ensure that every citizen has health care.

I am proud to be a social worker and a member of a profession that stands up for others. Please join me and thank a social worker you know for helping others. And please - stand up for others any way you can. Thank you.

Enrico De Gironimo, MSW
Lewes

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