The Manitoba Association of Social Workers (MASW) is the voice of the social work profession, providing peer support, and connecting you with social workers across Canada. It educates members, as well as the public, and is in the forefront of the profession through advocacy and social action. MASW is a member of the Canadian Association of Social Workers (CASW).
The Manitoba Institute of Registered Social Workers (MIRSW) is the regulatory arm of the profession, responsible for certifying members and protecting the public through recognized, ethical standards of practice. It requires registrants to maintain current knowledge through education. It is a disciplinary body to investigate public complaints.
MIRSW issues a Certificate of Registration to signify that a registrant of the Institute meets recognized standards of practice, established by the Institute, and is committed to adhering to prescribed ethical standards. This entitles a member to practice as a Registered Social Worker (Travailleur Social Enregistre) and to use the initials RSW or TSE after one’s name.
The two organizations work closely together, sharing a volunteer board of directors elected by members. This board sets policies, responds to social issues, and conducts the business of the organizations. Much of the work of the Institute and the Association is carried out by committees on which members serve.