The Social Welfare Action Alliance (SWAA) is a national organization of progressive social workers and other human service workers. Founded in 1985, the Alliance is based on principles that reflect a concern for social and economic justice, peace and coalition building with progressive social movements. These principles articulate a need by social service workers for a practice and theory that responds to progressive concerns.

    SWAA chapters determine their own agendas, provide forums for discussions and debates around local, national and international issues. Local chapters are represented on the national steering committee to help shape the organization's direction. In addition, the Alliance holds annual national gatherings that focus on critical issues, tools and ideas for action to promote social change.

    Bertha Capen Reynolds (shown above left) was an eminent social worker, author, trade unionist and social activist. She courageously challenged the basic tenets of her field by calling for greater attention to the full range of human needs. She was equally committed to eradicating the root causes of war and the inequalities in the structure and values of society. At a gathering, celebrating the centennial of her birth in 1985, her friends and supporters formed the Bertha Capen Reynolds Society (BCRS) to continue her progressive legacy. In 1999, BCRS members changed its name to Social Welfare Action Alliance to better identify its values to the public.