GCSW Festival of Ideas & Anniversary Dinner

JANUARY 14, 2026 – Details & Registration Coming Soon!

Join us at the Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C., for a landmark gathering marking the 10th anniversary of the Grand Challenges for Social Work. This is more than a celebration—it’s an intellectual experience! Engage with bold change-makers, visionary scholars, policy leaders, and on-the-ground innovators. The Festival is designed to share and discuss ideas that shape society and social policy.

 

Grand Challenges for Social Work

Click on one of the challenges below for additional information

Individual and family well-being

Stronger social fabric

Just society

Featured Resource

Grand Challenges for Social Work and Society, 2nd Edition

The latest edition of “Grand Challenges for Social Work and Society: Milestones Achieved and Opportunities Ahead” includes updates and goals for each Grand Challenge, as well as new information on the Grand Challenge to Eliminate Racism, gender equity issues across all Grand Challenges, expanding the social work pipeline, commentaries from leading social work organizations, and how interdisciplinary science can be applied to tackle society’s most urgent problems. Order yours today!

View More Resources

Grand Challenges in Action

Research Spurs Community to Address Income Inequality

A wage equity study from the University of Washington School of Social Work found that human service workers in Seattle and King Counties are paid 30 – 37% less than jobs in industries with similar skill sets. The research team included Jennifer Romich, network co-lead for Grand Challenge to Reduce Extreme Economic Inequality. Following the publication of the study, the Seattle City Council drafted a resolution to increase wages for nonprofit human service workers and ultimately establish minimum pay standards based on job characteristics.

Grand Challenges Video

An orientation to the initiative

SEE THE 2025 GRAND CHALLENGE WINNERS!