Happy Social Work Month, Goddesses
Recently, I had the honor of explaining Social Work Month to a group of women who had no idea that social workers have an entire month dedicated to celebrating the work we do.
At first, I almost compared it to Nurses Week to make it easier to explain. But then I stopped myself. I wanted our month to be just about our month, not comparing us with other professions, not measuring impact, but simply acknowledging the many ways social workers show up in the world and why that work deserves to be recognized.
Happy Social Work Month, Goddesses! I hope that everywhere you go you receive blessings upon blessings, acknowledgement after acknowledgement, and know that what you do is important. Thank you for showing up in the world, thank you for answering the call.
Community Spotlight: Advocacy in Action
One of the things I love about social workers is that we don’t just care privately; we show up publicly when it matters.
On Wednesday, March 5th, I will be attending Alabama Advocacy Day at the State House, an event focused on strengthening dementia-specific support across Alabama.
If you attend at least four (4) hours, this will meet your 4-hour supervision requirement for the month of March.
For alumni who are no longer in supervision, you are warmly invited to join as well. Advocacy is one of the ways we continue to show up for the communities we serve.
Alabama Advocacy Day Wednesday, March 5, 8:15 AM – 3:15 PM CST
During this day, advocates from across the state will:
• Meet with state legislators• Learn about the Alzheimer’s Association’s policy priorities• Advocate for critical supports for individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer’s and related dementias
We will also be “painting the Alabama State House purple” in recognition of the 103,600 Alabamians currently living with Alzheimer’s or related dementias, along with the many caregivers who support them.
Register here:https://alz-al.quorum.us/event/29812/
Please feel free to share the link and invite others who may be interested.
New Scholarship Opportunity
In honor of Social Work Month, a member of our extended circle reached out with the desire to sponsor a scholarship for one of the Goddesses currently in supervision. As we talked, she shared stories about her mother, Cindy Brown, who had a deep love for supporting individuals and families affected by dementia.
When Cindy cared about something, she found a way to support it.
Every year for the Alzheimer’s Walk, she went all out. Cindy organized and hosted entire spaghetti dinners and silent auctions filled with donated items, raising thousands of dollars for the cause. What I love most about that story is that Cindy didn’t have much herself, but her generosity was simply part of who she was. And now that generosity continues as part of her daughter’s legacy.
That same spirit of giving will now continue forward through the Cindy Brown Legacy Scholarship for Social Workers.
Scholarship Invitation
In honor of Social Work Month, current Goddesses are invited to apply for this scholarship.
Applicants are asked to submit a short reflection responding to the following:
What has supervision meant to your growth as a social worker this year, and how would financial support impact your professional journey moving forward?
Your reflection can be submitted as a Word document or PDF. It does not need to be formal but simply thoughtful and sincere.
Submission deadline: March 27. Scholarship support: Applied toward April supervision fees.
Reflections can be emailed directly to me @ [email protected]
Honoring a Previous Act of Generosity
This scholarship moment also gave me the opportunity to reflect on a beautiful act of generosity that took place in our community late last year.
Last year, one of our former Goddesses, Corisa Davis, LICSW, sponsored a social worker’s supervision as a way of paying forward the support she once received along her own journey.
She asked that this sponsorship be recognized in honor of her aunt and uncle, Allie and Shirley Davis, who supported her financially throughout her college years. Each month they quietly helped her continue her education with one simple request: that when she was established, she would one day give back to someone else.
Their legacy of generosity now lives on in this space.
In honor of them, we are recognizing this act of support as The Allie & Shirley Davis Pay-It-Forward Sponsorship, a reminder that none of us walk this professional path alone.
Moments like these remind me that the work we do as social workers is never carried alone. It is supported by the people who invest in us, believe in us, and encourage us to keep going.
To those who continue to pour into this community with generosity and care, thank you.
Current Goddesses:
The March supervision calendar is attached for your reference. Please continue sending me the dates you plan to attend, just as you’ve been doing.
From the Podcast
The Goddesses of Social Work Podcast continues to be a space for reflection, truth-telling, and shared wisdom, and I’m always excited to welcome new voices.
If you’re a Goddess who feels called to share your story, your work, or your perspective, I invite you to join me on the podcast. This is an open and welcoming space, and your voice matters.
Schedule a podcast conversation here:https://calendly.com/illuminated-expressionsllc/goddesses-of-social-work-podcast-interview-clone-1
Book Club
Our next Goddesses of Social Work Book Club meeting is currently on hold. We are still planning to discuss 107 Days by Kamala Harris. This is my year of Yes, and traveling has not slowed down quite yet, so y’all be patient with me.
More details will be shared soon as we finalize the date and format.
Community Spotlight: Goddess Wins
One of the most beautiful things about this community is watching Goddesses continue to grow long after supervision ends.
I would love to highlight Alumni Goddesses and the incredible work you are doing in the world.
Alumni, want to be featured in an upcoming spotlight?
Share your wins here:Submit Your Goddess Wins
Sharing your win is simple: click the link, fill in a few quick details, and check the box that says “I’m ready to shine!”
Whether it’s a new role, a completed project, a presentation, a publication, or simply a moment of growth you’re proud of, we would love to celebrate it.
Employment Updates
Current Goddesses:If your employment has changed from what we submitted to the Board, please let me know.
Stay Connected Between Sessions
Our GroupMe continues to be the most active gathering space for:
• quick check-ins• resource sharing• asking questions• celebrating wins• receiving support from past and present Goddesses
If you’re not in the GroupMe yet and would like to be added, just let me know.
As always, I’m grateful to walk alongside each of you in this journey. Happy Social Work Month, Goddesses.
