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 and territorial social work associations in partnership with the Canadian Association of Social Workers. Through CASW, BCASW supports the work of the International Federation of Social Workers.
BCASW was incorporated in 1956 and has branches and members, including students, throughout British Columbia.
Membership in BCASW strengthens your voice, supports your practice, and builds a foundation for advocacy and social action. BCASW provides information and support to social workers, leadership in professional and social advocacy, and professional development opportunities.
BCASW is a collective voice that advances the interests of social work, communicates the contribution of social workers to communities, and enhances the contribution of social work to social justice.
BCASW is a professional member services association. The BC College of Social Workers is the regulatory body for social workers in British Columbia and exists to protect the public. The two organizations have different but complementary mandates.
Visit BCCSWOur 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 understanding and 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 communities.