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 the provincial/territorial social work associations in partnership with the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW). Through CASW we support the work of the 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.
View slides with more information about BCASW.
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.
We acknowledge that our office is in the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations and that our members live and work in unceded territories across British Columbia. We acknowledge territory and Indigenous Peoples and commit to genuine and ongoing work to forge real understanding, and to challenge the legacies of colonialism. We respect the histories, languages, and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and all First Peoples, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant communities.
BCASW Logo
Our logo incorporates two symbols: the dove, which expresses freedom, peace and hope and the hand.