Social Work Month 2025: Holding Space in a Divided World

At my core, I am a clinical social worker—rooted in the values that first called me to this profession. No matter what role I’ve held—whether in therapy, supervision, leadership, or advocacy—I have always approached my work with a deep belief in social justice, mindfulness, and the dignity and self-determination of all people.

Social work isn’t just about what we do—it’s about how we show up. It’s about how we hold space for others, how we listen with intention, and how we create environments where healing and resilience can emerge. And in today’s world—one that often feels fractured by division, systemic injustice, and uncertainty—our role as social workers has never been more important.

Why I Became a Social Worker

Long before I earned my degrees or became a therapist, I saw what it meant to care for others. Some of my earliest memories are of my mom quietly and generously helping neighbors in need. She didn’t call it social work—it was just how she moved through the world.

She rented out the other side of our house to a mother and her young children at a rate they could afford, knowing they needed a safe place to land. She shared food, clothes, and kindness with neighbors without hesitation. No fanfare, no expectation of anything in return—just a simple, unwavering belief that when someone is struggling, you help.

That shaped me. It taught me that compassion is an action, that community is built through care, and that dignity isn’t something people should have to earn. It was never about saving someone—it was about walking alongside them, honoring their strength, and ensuring they had what they needed to move forward.

And really, that’s what social work is all about.

The Role of Social Workers in a Fractured World

Social workers have always been at the forefront of equity, access, and advocacy. But right now, the work feels heavier. Policies that limit healthcare access, marginalize communities, and threaten fundamental rights continue to shape the reality for so many of the people we serve.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) continues to challenge policies that restrict access to care and harm vulnerable communities. When executive orders restricted immigration, NASW responded, reinforcing that social work is about ensuring safety, dignity, and justice for all (NASW Statement).

In times like these, our profession calls us to show up with both compassion and courage. We can’t turn away.

This Social Work Month, I’m reflecting on what it means to be a social worker today—and the values that continue to guide us:

🔹 Social Justice – Using our voice to push back against systemic inequities and advocate for policies that uplift and protect.
🔹 Dignity and Worth of the Person – Holding space for healing and resilience, knowing that every person has a right to be seen and heard.
🔹 Service and Integrity – Showing up, even when it’s hard, and ensuring our work aligns with our values.
🔹 Mindfulness and Human Connection – Recognizing that healing happens in relationships, through deep listening, and in spaces where people feel truly safe.
🔹 Radical Acceptance – Meeting people where they are, without judgment, and staying grounded in my own values—even when engaging with those who believe differently.
🔹 Action and Advocacy – Stepping up when people are in need, using my voice, my knowledge, and my presence to push for justice and compassionate care.

Holding Space in a Divided World

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by polarization, trauma, and burnout right now. Caregivers, healthcare professionals, and social workers are holding so much, often without enough support themselves. But if there’s one thing I know, it’s this:

We don’t fix people.
We stand with them.
We hold space for their healing.
We help them reconnect to their own resilience.

For me, that means:

🌿 Creating spaces for healing, growth, and reflection.
🌱 Staying grounded in my values while engaging with those who see the world differently.
📚 Integrating mindfulness, resilience, and radical acceptance into my work.
💙 Honoring grief, the complexities of loss, and the dignity of every experience.
✊ Stepping up to take action for those in need, advocating for justice and compassionate care.
🧘‍♀️ Helping others reconnect, find balance, and move through life with greater presence and intention.

A Call to Action for Social Workers

As we honor Social Work Month 2025, let’s not just reflect on what we do—let’s think about how we show up:

✔️ Stay informed about policies impacting mental health, social justice, and human rights.
✔️ Use your voice—in advocacy, in education, and in your daily work.
✔️ Prioritize your own well-being—because social workers deserve support too.
✔️ Lead with compassion—for your clients, your community, and yourself.

The world needs more healing, more connection, and more social workers who show up with presence and heart. This month, I’m celebrating our profession by recommitting to listening deeply, advocating boldly, and showing up with kindness.

Be well,
Kristin