Social Workers: What Motivates You?

by Lakeya Cherry, MSSW

What motivates you

To keep going

When days are long

Work plentiful

Pay minimal

     What motivates and inspires you...

     I recently read a poem by poet Cleo Wade, featured in The New York Times, about what motivates her to get up in the morning.

     This past year, I was motivated by a sea of women from around the world who marched for what they believed in during the first annual Women’s March and those others who supported them.

     I was inspired by a resident of Santiago, Chile, who was unhappy with the crime in her community, so she started a community art project to restore hope and pride in the area.

     I have been motivated by protesters and activists who have said, “No Ban, No Wall,” and rallied behind the 800,000 Dreamers in our country.

     And let’s not forget the many who have so bravely stood up against hate and racism in Charlottesville, other cities in the U.S., and other countries as they proclaim, “Black Lives Matter.”

     The companies, organizations, and universities who are making a concerted effort for diversity, inclusion, and equality.

     I was inspired by the many women who ran for election in their local communities and won, especially women like Danica Roem, who became the first openly transgender person to be elected to any state legislature.

     I was motivated by social workers throughout mainland China who assembled together for a week-long training from foreigners to improve their management skills in order to further their capacity to improve social conditions within their society.

     And the many others from around the world who email me regularly with aspirations of higher education and management training within their developing nations.

     I have been inspired by all the people who have so boldly said, “Me too” and have exclaimed, “Time’s Up.”

     And those of you who have recently experienced natural disasters and who have remained strong and upbeat in spite of this and those of you who have so generously donated time and resources to support those in Houston, Florida, Puerto Rico, California, and the many other islands ravaged by hurricanes and fires in the last year.

     Our military, police, and other first responders...Thank you!

     I am inspired by the students and teachers who are survivors of school shootings who now passionately fight for #GunReformNow as they #MarchForOurLives.

     I am motivated by our clients - those who depend on social workers and other human service providers, who need health care, mental health, and other behavioral health services, who may live in poverty, be in need of education, equality, and other resources that will provide them the opportunity to be their best selves.

     Those who are homeless. I see you.

     I am inspired by those of you within my network at The Network for Social Work Management and beyond who chose this profession because you had a calling to help those in need, who despite political affiliations, personal troubles, or woes get up every day and bring your best self to get things done and make a difference in the lives of others.

     You motivate me and keep me inspired. You are strong, courageous, and necessary.

     What motivates you to keep going?

Lakeya Cherry, MSSW, is CEO of the Network for Social Work Management.