The Social Workers Association of Alberta - SWAA

08/31/2026

Join The Social Workers Association of Alberta - SWAA for our first in-person professional development event as we come together in the spirit of learning, reflection, connection, and community.

In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, this interactive workshop invites participants to explore spirituality, wellness, connection, and reconciliation through an Indigenous worldview and relational lens. Facilitated by Rhonda Barraclough and Elder Beverly Keeshig-Soonias, the day will include storytelling, guided reflection, discussion, and experiential activities focused on strengthening connections with self, others, community, culture, and land.

Together, we will consider reconciliation as an ongoing relational journey grounded in respect, reciprocity, responsibility, and action.

📅 October 1, 2026
📍 Kerry Wood Nature Centre, Red Deer
🍽️ Refreshments and a light lunch are included
🎟️ Registration required
https://members.myswaa.ca/public/event/details/0259b092de7f646c33001468798968cf429be963/1

Wellness is relational. Reconciliation is relational. Connection is where the journey begins.

We look forward to gathering with social workers and helping professionals from across Alberta for this meaningful day of learning and connection. 💛

08/10/2026

A few familiar SWAA faces enjoying the Edmonton Folk Music Festival this weekend! 🎶

SWAA is still a young and growing organization, and our volunteer Board contributes an incredible amount of time, thought and energy to helping build the Association - alongside their own professional and personal commitments.

Much of that work happens quietly behind the scenes, so we’re especially glad to see some time being made for music, connection and summer fun.

A big thank you to our entire Board for the care and commitment you bring to SWAA and Alberta’s social work community. 💛

07/16/2026

Virtual Event: Cultural Competency Through a Mind-Body Lens: An Experiential Approach

Join us for an interactive session exploring cultural competency through embodied and somatic practices. Through reflection and experiential learning, you'll deepen self-awareness, cultivate cultural humility, and strengthen your capacity to engage across difference in both your personal and professional practice.

Date: July 23, 2026 from 05:30 to 7:00 PM

Register today and be part of the conversation: myswaa.ca/events/cultural-competency-through-a-mind-body-lens

This interactive session will explore cultural competency through embodied and somatic practices that deepen self-awareness and cultural humility. Participants will be invited to move beyond intellectual discussions of identity and diversity by exploring how culture, social location, bias, privilege

06/24/2026

Join the Conversation!

What does truly affirming social work practice look like?

Join SWAA for an engaging panel discussion featuring q***r social workers as they share their lived experiences, professional insights, and perspectives on supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Together, we'll explore affirming practice, challenge misconceptions, and discuss the role of social workers in advancing equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Register today!

https://www.myswaa.ca/events/q***r-social-workers-panel-discussion

Overview:  Join SWAA for a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring q***r social workers who will share their lived experiences, professional journeys, and perspectives on affirming social work practice.

06/20/2026

Until Everyone is Safe - World Refugee Day, June 20

Today, we honour the courage of refugees and reflect on this year's theme, Until Everyone Is Safe.

Around the world, millions of people have been forced to flee their homes due to war, persecution, conflict, and human rights violations. World Refugee Day reminds us that safety, dignity, and protection are fundamental human rights, not privileges.

As we reflect on the experiences of refugees and displaced people, let us continue working toward communities where all people are welcomed, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive.

https://www.myswaa.ca/advocacy-representation/world-refugee-day

Every year on June 20, World Refugee Day recognizes the millions of people around the world who have been forced to flee their homes due to war, persecution, violence, conflict, and human rights violations. In 2026, the day carries particular significance as the world marks the 75th anniversary of t

06/19/2026

Following our Mentorship Reflection & Feedback Session, SWAA is exploring the possibility of creating a space for mentors to connect every two months to share experiences, exchange ideas, and build connections with fellow mentors. More details will be shared soon.

The SWAA Mentorship Community continues to grow, and registration for mentors is now open. We encourage social workers interested in mentoring colleagues and contributing to a supportive professional community to register today.

Register at: https://www.myswaa.ca/the-hub-mentorshipforms-mentors

05/21/2026

We are at the Prairie Child Welfare Symposium at MacEwan University in Edmonton!

If you’re here, come find us and say hello!

https://www.prairiechildwelfare.ca/conference

05/21/2026

We are at the Prairie Child Welfare Symposium at MacEwan University in Edmonton!

If you’re here, come find us and say hello!

www.prairiechildwelfare.ca/conference

05/20/2026

Have you registered?

Registration is still open for the Cultural Considerations in Addiction Treatment webinar happening on May 26!

Join us as we explore culture as a dynamic intersection of identities, and examine how diverse populations, including Indigenous communities, immigrant populations, and other racialized groups, experience addiction within unique historical, social, and political contexts.

www.myswaa.ca/events/cultural-considerations-in-addiction-treatment-swaa-sickkids-ccmh-learning-institute

Join us to explore how addiction treatment can be more culturally safe and responsive. Training Overview:  This session explores how addiction treatment can be strengthened by integrating culturally safe and responsive perspectives.

05/15/2026

The Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW) & the Canadian Council of Social Work Regulators (CCSWR) Member Survey

SWAA encourages members to participate in a national consultation on the Draft Best Practice Framework for Clinical Social Work. This work will help shape how clinical social work practice is understood and supported across Canada.

Your input helps ensure Alberta perspectives are part of this conversation.

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.