Social Worker's Day 2025: date, postcards, greetings

Every year on June 8, Russia celebrates Social Worker's Day, a holiday of specialists who always come to the aid of those in need. In 2025, it falls on a Sunday. Read about how Russian social services originated and how to congratulate the perpetrators of the celebration in the Izvestia article.

When is Social Worker's Day in 2025

In early June, Russia celebrates Social Worker's Day. It is dedicated to all those who work in the field of social protection of the population and support those in need: the disabled, the elderly, orphans.

In 2025, the holiday falls on Sunday, June 8th.

Representatives of the professional community took the initiative to establish a Social Worker's Day back in 1994 at a conference of the Association of Social Service Workers. However, it was officially included in the holiday calendar only in 2000 by decree of the President of the Russian Federation.

It is interesting that it is customary to honor social workers not only in Russia. World Social Work Day is celebrated annually on the third Tuesday of March

History and traditions of the Social Worker's Day holiday

The date of the celebration was not chosen by chance — on June 8, 1701, Peter the Great signed a decree on the establishment of almshouses for the sick, the poor and the elderly, who have no one to care for. According to the document, one healthy person should look after every 10 wards in institutions. It is believed that this decree laid the foundations of the modern social protection system in Russia.

Other Russian rulers also took care of the welfare of vulnerable segments of the population. So, under Catherine II, orders of public charity worked throughout the country. They supervised the work of public schools, psychiatric hospitals, and institutions for the terminally ill. Under the Empress, a large-scale network of foster homes for orphans and illegitimate children was also created.

Pavel I's wife Maria Feodorovna took over the leadership of all social institutions in the country. To control them, she founded the "Department of Institutions of Empress Maria", which dealt with public education, assistance to the poor, the sick, orphans, healthcare and other issues. She opened the first homes for children with hearing, vision and speech impairments, as well as almshouses for widows of military personnel and officials.

In 1802, Alexander I created one of the largest charitable institutions of his time, the Imperial Humane Society. It provided assistance in all areas of life, from distributing medicines and food to raising orphans. By 1913, the society included orphanages, almshouses, canteens, flophouses, workshops, craft schools, and cheap pharmacies — a total of 274 institutions.

After the 1917 Revolution, the Humane Society became part of the People's Commissariat of State Charity, which was later renamed the People's Commissariat of Social Security. And in 1946, the Ministry of Social Security of the RSFSR was founded, which existed until 1991.

Nevertheless, the profession of "social worker" appeared in the country only in 1986. Before that, specialists from various fields provided assistance to those in need.: teachers, clergy, psychologists, employees of government and public organizations, doctors, etc.

Today, Russia provides a wide range of social services in all spheres of life. Social workers take care of the elderly and the disabled, deliver food to the poor, bring fuel and medicines to remote regions, educate orphans, deaf and blind children, work with children from disadvantaged families, etc. The right of citizens to social security is enshrined in the Constitution and federal laws.

Regardless of their specialization, a social worker must have basic knowledge of psychology, respect the rights of citizens in need of help, be mindful of ethical standards, and show patience and understanding towards their wards. This is a difficult job that requires a high level of self-control, stress tolerance, and good communication skills.

On Social Worker's Day, the perpetrators of the celebration receive congratulations from colleagues, managers and officials. Solemn meetings with awards of the best employees are also held on the holiday.

Also on this day, various actions are held aimed at increasing the prestige of the profession of a social worker. Specialists talk about their work, and open days are organized in community and volunteer centers. Photos and stories of employees appear on the websites of various institutions.

Social Worker's Day cards and greetings

On Social Worker's Day, congratulations are received by volunteers, employees of crisis centers, social services, hospices, orphanages, psychologists, educators and other specialists who help people in difficult life situations. Thanks to their efforts, millions of people across Russia receive the necessary care and care.

On this holiday, it is important to express gratitude to social workers for their hard but incredibly important work. Here's how it can be done.

"Congratulations to all social workers on their professional holiday! You bring hope and joy to millions of people all over the country. May your work always be rewarded with the same kindness that you give to your charges. We wish you good health, career success and happiness in your personal life!"