NASW Celebrates Jane Addams Day

Social Justice Pioneer and Progressive Era Advocate RememberedWashington, D.C. –The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is proud to celebrate Jane Addams Day today, December 10, 2007. This anniversary showcases the achievements of the first American woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize and a leader of the 19th and 20th century progressive movement in the United States.

Jane Addams devotion to those in need and to their achievements as founder of Chicago’s Hull House mirror the commitment and dedication found throughout the field of social work,” NASW Executive Director Elizabeth J Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH said. “NASW is pleased to honor Jane Addams, an advocate who embodies the ideals held by our profession.”

Jane Addams helped found the Settlement House movement in the United States. With a community-focused approach, settlement houses emerged as a center for social reform activity and served as sanctuary for those in need. As one of the most prominent leaders in the country’s progressive era, Jane Addams pioneered community-based initiatives as a means to achieve social justice.

Her achievements are commemorated in schools and programs throughout the social work discipline. The ideals held by Jane Addams can be found in NASW’s current mission to reinvest in community advancement initiatives, and to promote the contributions of the profession to a wider audience.

“It with great pride that we acknowledge this special day within the field of social work as we honor a woman who helped shape this country’s position on social issues,” Dr. Clark said.   “NASW will pursue its goals to advance the profession with the same commitment and dedication as practiced by Addams in her pursuit of social justice as an attainable ideal.”