The British Columbia Association of Social Workers
BCASW is a voluntary, not-for-profit membership association that supports and promotes the profession of social work and advocates for social justice. BCASW is one of eight provincial/territorial social work associations belonging to the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW). Through CASW we support the work of the 78-nation International Federation of Social Workers. BCASW was incorporated in 1956 and has branches and members (including students) throughout BC.
Membership in BCASW creates a synergy that strengthens your voice, supports your practice and builds a solid foundation for advocacy and social action. We provide information and support to social workers, leadership in professional and social advocacy and outstanding professional development opportunities. Ours is a strong collective voice that advances the interests of social work, communicates the vital contribution of social workers to their communities, and enhances the contribution of social work to social justice.
As a professional member services association, BCASW is distinct from the regulatory body for social workers in British Columbia, the BC College of Social Workers, whose role is to protect the public. Though they share common interests and work collaboratively, BCASW and BCCSW are separate and distinct organizations with different yet complementary mandates.
Our Mission
“We are the professional association of social workers in British Columbia and promote the profession of Social Work. We advance Social Work practice and values to create a just and compassionate society.”
The BCASW Logo
Our logo incorporates two symbols: the dove, which expresses freedom, peace and hope; and the hand, which expresses help, humanity and caring, the qualities embedded in BCASW’s mission.
