February is Black History Month, and I love that we celebrate the often overlooked, forgotten, or stolen achievements of Black people all month long, but February is also the longest shortest month there is. Winter seems to drag on during the month of February. March excites me because spring is on the way and my birthday is in less than 40 days!!!
March is also National Social Work Month and Women’s History Month! Cue “It’s My Time”, by Kelly Price. I’m ready to celebrate!
Social Work Month – The Right Time For Social Work
One benefit of a social work degree is that the job possibilities are endless. It pays to think outside the box and define success on your own terms! Social workers are not required to take a vow of poverty. I love social work but let’s be clear that we are in this for the income and the outcome. We are no longer normalizing being overworked, underpaid, and unappreciated. Energized, well-paid, and appreciated is the only acceptable option.
Shout out to Marvin Toliver, LCSW, co-founder of Melanated Social Work, who has deemed the first week of March Black Social Work Week. He is challenging professionals to celebrate and/or show up for Black social workers in the field and honor the Black social work elders and folks who are often overlooked.
Melanated Social Work was built to decolonize mental health practices by shifting the dialogue around wellness and healing in communities of color. Founded by four Black and Brown therapists, they host a podcast, provide workshops for current and soon-to-be clinicians, lead trainings on wellness support for Black and Brown communities, host healing spaces, and keep culture all in the service of collective care and liberation.
Women’s History Month – Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope
The 2022 theme, “Providing Healing, Promoting Hope,” is both a tribute to the ceaseless work of caregivers and frontline workers during this ongoing pandemic and also a recognition of the thousands of ways that women of all cultures have provided both healing and hope throughout history. This year, in particular, we are reminded of the importance of healers and caregivers who are helping to promote and sustain hope for the future.
Shout out to Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman nominated to the Supreme Court. Judge Jackson currently serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Prior to this, the D.C. native and two-time Harvard graduate was district judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia from 2013 to 2021.
How will you commemorate Social Work Month and Women’s History Month?
Nicki Sanders, MSW, ushers high-performing women of color in mid-level social work and human services leadership through promotion to senior leadership. As Founder and CEO of Nicki Sanders Leadership Consulting, her mission is simple – to eliminate toxic workplaces by developing skilled, empathetic, and goal-oriented leaders who have the vision, support, and resources to create a culture where business prospers, and employees thrive individually and collectively. Nicki has an extensive background in nonprofit management leading high-functioning, multi-disciplinary teams. She is an accomplished professor, coach, trainer, and group facilitator who has combined her gift for authentic relationships, Master of Social Work degree, and over 20 years of diverse work experience to create a life and career aligned with her values and purpose. Nicki is a lover of cupcakes, travel, and 80’s hip hop and R&B music.
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