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Progress: One Step at a Time
- rkoliver84
- Aug 1
- 3 min read
Too many weekends are consumed by the routine tasks of laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, and yard work. While these chores provide a foundation for a smooth week—and even offer the mental clarity that can come from physical work and time outdoors—the grind can feel a bit soul-draining. That’s why I was so excited when my husband and I decided to attend a local fundraising event with some friends. It was a creative experience to raise money for a great cause in our small town: a paint-along class led by a local artist.
I expected something simple—a flower or a landscape I could manage with some vague resemblance to beauty. I even joked that if mine looked a little strange, I’d just call it "impressionist." But then the artist walked in holding a sample: a woman in a flowing dress, wearing a hat and surrounded by flowers. We were painting that?! Any confidence I had quickly evaporated.
But then something beautiful happened.
The artist broke the process down into slow, intentional steps. With clear guidance and patience, she made something that looked impossible feel achievable. And in the end? My painting wasn’t half bad. More importantly, I left with more than a painting—I left refreshed, reconnected with friends, and reminded of what’s possible when we take things one step at a time.
School Social Work is facing what can feel like an impossible canvas. We’re a profession often misunderstood—by colleagues, leaders, and even our communities. The current educational and political landscape has introduced uncertainty and increased pressure, making ethical practice harder and job stability more fragile. Funding cuts have made positions scarce and fueled a sense of competition where collaboration should thrive.
So how do we move forward?
One. Step. At. A. Time.
Even when the road feels overwhelming, we find momentum in the next small step. What does that look like?
Have one more conversation.
Share one piece of information with a school leader.
Reach out to one legislator or community partner.
Post one story that reframes the public narrative.
Send one letter to a school board member or state official.
Share your back-to-school plans with your principal or PTA.
Volunteer for one district or state-level task force to show what we bring to the table.
Progress doesn’t require perfection. It requires participation.
SSWAA is here to walk with you. Our National Awareness Campaign includes tools and resources to help you take that next step. When you sign up to be a School Social Work Ambassador, you’ll receive monthly ideas, talking points, and encouragement to keep moving forward—step by step.
If each of us takes that one next step, together we will move our profession forward. The role of School Social Work is too valuable to remain in the margins. Let’s lift it into the light.
Progress is possible. One. Step. At. A. Time.
Rebecca K. Oliver is the Executive Director of the School Social Work Association of America. Mrs. Oliver has been the SSWAA Executive Director for over 10 years, with over 25 years in the profession of School Social Work. Over the years, Rebecca has received invaluable feedback from members and state leaders about the challenges facing the profession. In response, she has been at the forefront of developing and driving the National Awareness Campaign, created to increase an understanding of and raise appreciation for the profession of School Social Work while addressing key workforce challenges. Mrs. Oliver is deeply committed to professional advocacy, work-life balance, and centering joy and gratitude in both professional and personal life.
