Archives
In 2013 IFSW started a project to make the Federation’s archives more accessible to all social workers and researchers around the world. The archives contain information dating back to 1846 and IFSW papers from 1932 when the predecessor to IFSW was launched in France.
Using the tabs below, you will find access to historical documents, newsletters and photos:
Archives of documents sorted by decades
1920s
International Congresses/Conferences lead to a more established focus for international organisations representing social work and social workers.
1847 to 1928: P1 of preface of 1932 book of history of International Conferences
1847 to 1928: P2 of preface of 1932 book of history of International Conferences
1930s
Setting up of the International Permanent Secretariat of Social Workers (IPSSW) 1932 and then the start of the 2nd World War in 1939 (although related conflicts began earlier). This did not allow an international focus for the social work profession.
1932: Personal signatories of the people who attended the Meeting July
1932: Present situation of Professional SW in Germany
1932: Present situation of Professional SW in Germany November (German)
1936: Minutes of meeting 3rd International Conference England (German)
1940s
2nd World War involved virtually every part of the world ending 1945. IPSSW itself was a casualty of the war and its aftermath. An International Conference in 1948 began discussions to set up an international body to represent social workers and evolved into our current IFSW
1946: Letter to the British Federation of Social Workers to re-establish links by Secretary of IPSSW
1946: Letter to USA, from Secretary of IPSSW checking whether the US Assn is still existing
1947: Invitation to attend Hague 5 day forum to discuss the urgent situation in Europe
1947: Hague Comments by BASW at forum
1947: Draft Constitution for international conferences of social work
1947: Letter to USA from Secretary of IPSSW to follow up letter in previous year
1948: Letter to A. Glasser, USA, informing of the state of IPSSW and current interest in joining
1949: Letter to USA from Secretary of IPSSW to follow up letter in previous year
1950s
IFSW formally constituted in 1956 and was legally constituted the following year. This decade also involved the exploration of social work ethics, a focus on publications, particularly with the production of the journal International Social Work and consultative status with the UN being approved.
1950: 5th international conference history between 1st and 2nd world wars – German
1956: Selected pages of proceedings of 8th International Conference of Social Work
1956: Preparation Report to setting up modern IFSW
1956: Report of meeting setting up IFSW in Munich – English version
1956: Report of meeting setting up IFWS in Munich – French version
1956-1974: IFSW Chronology by Tom Johansen IFSW Secretary General 1993 – 2010
1957: IFSW Executive Committee minutes
1957: IFSW Constitution adopted special meeting of council August 16
1958: IFSW council meeting in Toyko
1960s
IFSW develops its own identity, holding its own World Conference, first European Seminar and first Regional Conference in Asia-Pacific and expanding its relationship with other international organisations.
1960: Executive committe meeting
1961: 10 year historical summary by M Ginet
1963: Eileen Younghusband State of Social Work Education 1945-1963
1964: Tribute to Marie-Louise Ginet President IFSW 1956
1966: Report on expansion of social welfare challenge and opportunity for professional social work
1967: IFSW Regional Conference Thailand
1967: Minutes of Executive Committee Thailand
1967: Report on status of social work in Asia Pacific region
1968: Report of the First International Symposium of IFSW Social Work and Human Rights
1970s
Focus on membership activities with the suspension of South Africa membership and a major focus to activate African social work links to IFSW through the International Conference being held in Africa for the first time in Kenya in 1974. An increasing number of member countries joining IFSW and there is the setting up of a Permanent Secretariat in Switzerland.
1970: Secretary Generals Report
1971: Executive Meeting Scotland July 20-21
1972: IFSW Information Pamphlet
1973: Report of IFSW role in UNESCO and UNICEF
1973: Report of Rep of UN Geneva
1973: Report of Rep of UN New York
1980s
The Definition of Social Work was formulated, together with the setting up of the Human Rights Commission. Increasing representation at United Nations level and participation in UN international events including the World Assembly on Ageing and the International Year of the Child. IFSW is declared a ‘Peace Messenger” by the UN in recognition of its international activities.
1984: Report by Chauncey A Alexander president IFSW social work in the 80s
1990s
IFSW Secretariat returns to Switzerland from Norway. IFSW policy development is more evident, including the policy on HIV/AIDS and Social Work and a Manual on Human Rights and Social Work. IFSW is producing 3-4 newsletter yearly with member countries regularly reporting their home situation as well as reports from IFSW Representatives. There is increased co-operation with IASSW and ICSW. IFSW attends the significant UN World Summit for Social Development in 1995.
2000s
Reviews of documents results in the adoption of a new Definition of Social Work, new Statement of Ethical Principles, adoption of Global Qualifying Standards for Social Work and a new Constitution. An IFSW training manual on Social Work and the Rights of the Child is published in 2002. 50 years of IFSW was celebrated in 2006 at the World Conference in Munich. and funding was made available for regional development projects.
Archives of newsletters sorted by decades
Archives of photos sorted by decades
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