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The Honorable C. Virginia Fields with CUSSW alumna Suzanne Towns, professional development committee co-chair of the CUSSW alumni association.
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Columbia University School of Social Work (CUSSW) kicked off National Social Work Month on Feb. 28, with a reception featuring former Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields, who has built a longstanding career in social work and public service. Fields, who earned a master's degree in social work, shared her experiences as a social worker, civil-rights pioneer and political leader.
"My social work training has enabled me to not only be a good listener," remarked Fields, "but also have a heightened sensitivity to the impact of laws on people's lives. It makes me conscious of how existing laws affect individuals and communities, and how as a politician I can help fight injustices and bring about changes." Click to view the video of Fields' complete remarks.
Fields, who served as Manhattan Borough President from 1997 to 2005, has remained dedicated to issues surrounding education, economic development, affordable housing, senior citizens and health care. In 2005, she ran as a Democratic candidate for Mayor of New York City. Her long history in public service, social work and civil rights dates back to her teenage days in the 1960s when she marched alongside civil-rights pioneer Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Birmingham, Ala.
National Social Work Month celebrates a profession committed to serving people and the community. Several Columbia events have been planned to celebrate the people and the field of social work. Event highlights include panel discussions on poverty and child welfare; a community day for students, administrators and faculty to explore the impact of international social work practice and its current issues; a casual gathering with Social Work Dean Jeanette Takamura to learn about current CUSSW activities, and a distinguished visiting scholar series. Further information is available at http://www.columbia.edu/cu/ssw/calendar/index.html.
At Columbia, the School of Social Work has been on the forefront of shaping the social work profession for more than 100 years.
"We are proud of our distinguished history and committed to our mission to enhance the welfare of the citizens and communities of New York City, the nation and around the world," says Takamura. "As leaders, we also recognize the importance of anticipating and responding to changing global conditions, human and community concerns, and evolving academic professional standards."
As one of the fastest growing professions in the United States, the field of social work has expanded beyond working at shelters, hospitals or school settings. The field also includes artists who bring to life dark human conditions that would otherwise go unnoticed, government officials seeking policy change, lawyers advocating issues pertaining to social injustice, and others.
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