AOSW Connections
Editorial Team
Editor-in-Chief
Amy Colver, MSSA, MA, LISW
Editor
Katherine Easton, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
AOSW Communications Director
Brittany Hahn, LCSW
Managing Editor
Patricia Sullivan
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To submit a story or information for inclusion in a future issue of AOSW Newsletter, contact Amy Colver or Katherine Easton on the list above.
2025 Themes
February: Workplace & Culture
May: Therapeutic Techniques
August: Palliative Care
November: Caregivers
Celebrating Social Work Month
March signifies the beginning of spring, St. Patrick’s Day, International Women’s Day, Daylight Saving Time, and a many other observances. However, for social workers across the United States, it’s our time for the spotlight—Social Work Month. During these 31 days, we have a chance to recognize and appreciate the dedicated work of social workers in educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and across various government levels—federal, state, and local. Their impactful contributions extend to corporate settings, social service agencies, and even veterans centers.
For AOSW, Social Work Month holds particular significance as it provides an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the tireless efforts of social workers within the oncology community. As dedicated professionals, oncology social workers play a pivotal role in providing the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual support to individuals and families navigating the challenges of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. This profession requires a unique, incredible individual to dedicate their life to providing psychosocial care in oncology. Truly, these individuals commit their entire existence to this cause, carrying the heavy burden of the harsh realities of cancer each day.
At the Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW), we are empowering our oncology social workers and giving them a platform to express their voices. Throughout February, AOSW members were invited to share their experiences as oncology social workers that celebrates and highlights their important work. We’re asked for:
- Success stories – Why are you an AOSW member? Why did you become an oncology social worker? How has AOSW impacted your professional growth? How has AOSW motivated you to claim your professional expertise? How has AOSW supported your growth in different areas of oncology?
- Quotes – Share your favorite inspirational quote(s) related to social work that helped you or that you think might help another oncology social worker.
- Photos – Share old AOSW Conference photos.
- Short videos – Why are you an AOSW member? Why did you become an oncology social worker? How has AOSW impacted your professional growth? How has AOSW motivated you to claim your professional expertise? How has AOSW supported your growth in different areas of oncology?
The content submitted will be used to spread awareness of the oncology social work field and spotlight our hardworking members on our website and social media platforms. As we celebrate AOSW’s 40th Anniversary, we will collect content year-round.
Oncology social workers encounter a multitude of clients, given the continuous diagnosis of new cancer cases each day. They deserve endless gratitude and appreciation for their work. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for social workers in 2022 was $55,350. Oncology social workers work tirelessly to earn their master’s degrees, certifications, licensures, continuing education credits, and dedicate their entire being to those impacted by the ever-growing leading causes of death in the U.S. These incredible professionals deserve more. Check out these two resources:
- 5 Salary Negotiation Strategies for Social Workers – SocialWorker.com
- What can be done to raise social work salaries? | Social Work Blog