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Assuring patients of confidentiality about potentially sensitive matters may make them feel more willing to use reproductive health services. Of course, condom advertisements also aim to encourage the public to consider their sexual health – be it through risqué humour, clever visual images or serious messages. As such, they can be a good place for ad agencies to show their creativity and produce some excellent work.

Whether they’re warning of the dangers of AIDS or simply trying to promote good, clean, safe fun, condom adverts can be sources of both entertainment and knowledge. Read on for 10 brilliantly creative condom ads.

10. Elasun – Sports Make You Healthy

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A series of advertisements from the Chinese condom company Elasun cleverly tied in their product to a massive sporting event. In the run-up to the 2008 Olympics, archery, cycling, basketball, rings and swimming were apparently voted the safest Olympic sports set to be practised in Beijing.

Perhaps suggesting to consumers that Elasun’s condoms were the safest, the simple series of adverts became a worldwide talking point. The ads incorporated stick figures participating in these “safest” sports, and all featured condoms somehow representing the different activities.

The campaign went viral during the Olympics and is said to have “exploded” the company’s recognition, proving a success for Elasun while communicating the safe sex message. And, if used correctly, condoms themselves can be very effective, preventing pregnancy in 98 percent of cases and reducing the risk of contracting HIV by up to 95 percent.

9. Tulipán – Be Careful

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Here’s a condom advertisement that isn’t even slightly sexy, despite what it depicts. This and other ads in the same campaign seem to warn the public about the risk of AIDS by portraying those engaging in unprotected sex as skeletons. The campaign was launched by Argentinean condom makers Tulipán in 2008 and was devised by Guillermo Vega, the former executive creative director at Young & Rubicam Buenos Aires. As a stark reminder of our mortality, it’s certainly effective.

Tulipán are not averse to producing offbeat, humorous and sometimes suggestive adverts, including one that played on the rivalry between the Argentina and Brazil national soccer teams by depicting a capital “A” apparently about to penetrate a capital “B.” A 2012 commercial for the brand also saw an ungrateful son leaving his father in a retirement home filled with distraught and despondent residents, ending with the slogan, “Think twice before having kids.”

8. World AIDS Day

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Featuring Death himself in an AIDS awareness campaign might not be a new idea, but the Reaper has surely never been depicted slipping over on a condom. This ad was created for World AIDS Day, which takes place on December 1 each year, by the Greek advertising agency Cream.

AIDS is now regarded as a global pandemic, with an estimated 34 million people infected with HIV worldwide. World AIDS Day began in 1988 and is considered an opportunity to raise awareness, tackle prejudice and educate people about the HIV virus.

Another memorable AIDS public service advert featuring the Grim Reaper was a 1987 Australian commercial that showed him knocking over unsuspecting victims with giant bowling balls. The video was controversial, not least because some feared that the figure of Death would be identified with gay men rather than, say, the disease itself.

7. Durex – With Ribs

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In this eye-catching Belgian advertisement for Durex, created by agency McCann Erikson in 2006, street art is ingeniously employed, with the “ribs” of the paving intended to mimic those of the condom. Similar ads across the country used a condom painted onto bumpy features on the street, accompanied by the slogan, “Durex – With Knobs.”

Interestingly, adverts like these may not only raise awareness about the brands publicized but, as SUNY Cortland’s Alan J. Sofalvi states in a paper on the subject, also have “the potential to be a useful teaching tool for students and can improve media literacy and health literacy.” Sofalvi argues that discussing such campaigns and their messages with young people may help them become aware of the benefits of using condoms to avoid contracting sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy, and he adds that greater numbers of condom ads in the media could in turn increase the use of condoms.

6. DocMorris Pharmacies – Hitler

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The clever campaign of which this ad was part looks to warn off those intending not to use protection by depicting sperm with the distinctive characteristics of Adolf Hitler, Osama Bin Laden and Chairman Mao.

The series – which apparently suggests that using condoms is a way to prevent giving birth to a potential dictator or terrorist – was created by agency Grey Global Group for DocMorris pharmacies and was run in Germany in 2009. However, the ads drew criticism from Chinese officials and members of the public, who were outraged that their former leader was placed in the same category as two such other infamous figures.

5. Tulipán – Kids Later

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Another campaign from Argentina’s Tulipán featured couples treating dogs with as much affection as they would young children – gazing at one adoringly as it sleeps, as in the above ad; taking another on a beach holiday; and even throwing one lucky pooch a birthday party. The tagline on the condom packet at the top right of the picture pushes forward the message that you should perhaps have a pet first, but “Kids Later.”

Created by Young & Rubicam and running from 2011, the campaign seems to be related to a previous Tulipán ad series that appeared in 2008, this one featuring rabbits frolicking and the slogan, “Fun now, kids later.”

4. Olla – Please Use Condom

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South American condom manufacturer Olla’s campaign is certainly creative – if perhaps a bit mean. It features various conventionally unattractive couples, like the pair above, along with the slogan, “Please Use Condom.”

The implication seems to be that ugly people shouldn’t have children because their offspring might turn out to be unattractive – and this approach has been described as “insensibly cruel” by some. The advertisements were created by AGE Isobar in São Paulo and ran in 2010.

Olla has also become famous for “friending” young men on Facebook while masquerading as their unexpected children. Targets of this campaign have received the message, “Avoid surprises like this one,” together with a link to Olla’s website.

3. Hansaplast – Long Pleasure Condoms

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This advertisement gives a new meaning to the phrase “fun in the sun.” The ads, like this one, in the campaign for Hansaplast’s Long Pleasure Condoms line featured women exhibiting rather suggestive tan lines, with the implication that using the company’s product will give the user a greater degree of “endurance.” Even so, it could also dissuade people from fooling around outdoors when it’s sunny, if this is the result.

French advertising company TBWA, who were responsible for the campaign, have also produced an advert for the same brand depicting a firecracker with an incredibly long fuse. And, apparently at least partly because of this ad, they were given the “Agency of the Year” honour at Eurobest 2006.

2. Durex – Get it On

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Durex’s “Get it On” campaign was created by Atlanta-based Fitzgerald+CO and was launched in 2008. The adverts featured cute if slightly strange balloon-modelled animals, well, getting it on, and in a variety of different positions.

A TV spot was also produced, presenting the prophylactic creatures engaging in sexual intercourse, complete with squeaky sound effects. The concept was reportedly inspired by stills created by photographer Arian Camilleri. And the series was highly acclaimed – particularly the video, which won numerous awards, including a Gold CLIO for viral marketing, and has reached millions of viewers worldwide. Still, going viral is surely an ironic fate for a virus prevention device.

1. CondomShop – Don’t Be Stupid, Protect Yourself

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With a play on the idea of “protection,” the man pictured ready to storm a building in the nude is meant to represent someone “going into action” without a condom. It certainly seems like a bad idea, if this image is anything to go by.

The “Don’t Be Stupid – Protect Yourself” campaign was created by advertising agency Advico Young & Rubicam in 2007 for the Swiss firm CondomShop, which sells an extensive range of condoms and associated paraphernalia through their online store.

The adverts humorously depicted men in hazardous situations – firefighting, handling dangerous chemicals, and being part of a SWAT team – and all while completely naked. The concept is pretty shrewd, because if unsafe sex is seen as being as dangerous as braving flames or conflict, demand for protection may very well skyrocket.

This guide is intended to be your once stop shop for valuable information and resources about social work, both as a field and as a course of study. Our intent is to provide interested parties with ample resources that are useful to those who are either employed or currently pursuing a career in the field of social work.

Within this guide, one will find a number of highly relevant resources divided into categories such as associations, websites, blogs, and even twitter accounts of notable professionals within the field of social work.

Whether a professional social worker currently employed within the field or a student in search of resources to aid in successful entry into the field, this resource guide has something for everyone.

Social Work Associations

National Association of Social Workers (NASW) – The National Association of Social Workers is one of the fastest growing associations within the field of social work. The purpose of this association is to positively influence the ethics and work behaviors of social workers throughout the nation.

Clinical Social Work Association – The Clinical Social Work Association is a group rooted within a federation formed over 30 years ago. The purpose of this association is to support those employed within the clinical social work field, new professionals, and students pursuing an education within the field.

School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA) – The School Social Work Association of America seeks to promote and support social workers employed within the school system. Their goal is to use the field of social work to help enhance and promote the success of students within the school system.

Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) – The Association of Social Work Boards seeks to enhance the effectiveness of the various regulatory boards in order to further protect the public. This association hopes to increase the overall competence of social workers within the field.

North American Association of Christians in Social Work (NAACSW) – The North American Association of Christians in Social Work is an association that seeks to connect and support social workers who identify as followers of Christianity within the field.

Catholic Social Workers National Association (CSWNA) – The Catholic Social Workers National Association is an association whose purpose is to support social workers within the field who adhere to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW) – The National Association of Black Social Workers is an association that targets social issues affecting those of African ancestry. This association would like to reduce the levels of oppression and racial dominance that have adversely affected those of African ancestry throughout the nation.

Association of Oncology Social Workers (AOSW) – The Association of Oncology Social Workers assists and supports social workers who work with communities and individuals coping with the various aspects of cancer.

Social Work Blogs

HelpStartsHereBlog- This blog is specifically focused upon women who remain in abusive relationships with a spouse or partner.

Social Work Blog- This is the official blog of the National Association of Social Workers.

Everyone Needs Therapy- This blog is written by a social worker who believes that all people should seek help if they ever feel that they need it.

The New Social Worker- This blog is an offshoot of the published periodical “The New Social Worker.”

Katie Malinkski, LCSW- This is the blog of Katie Malinski, LCSW. She is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in parenting and family therapy issues.

Social Work Tech Blog- Social workers who are seeking to incorporate technology into their practice will find numerous tips and a multitude of info on this blog.

A Just Society- In this blog, a social worker delves into the issue of verbal violence in children.

NCCPR Child Welfare Blog- Social workers working within the child welfare and foster care systems will find an abundance of information and support on this blog.

Adult Services – The Adult Services blog focuses upon the social work issues that affect primarily disabled or elderly individuals.

Dryblog – Social workers dealing with substance abusers will find a large array of information on this blog.

A Social Workers View- Hot button topics that spark debate such as gender and sexuality issues are all explored in this blog.

Social Worker: That’s So Messed Up- A social worker offers a tell all of some of her most disturbing cases in this blog. The names and locations have all been changed to protect the identities of the clients.

Fried Social Worker Blog- This blog functions as a place for psychologically exhausted social workers to vent after a difficult work week out in the field.

Do No Harm – The Do No Harm blog focuses upon issues within the social work field such as reporting instances of possible child endangerment.

Social Work Databases and Journals

Social Work – The Social Work journal is one of the most well-known journals within the field of social work. This journal is targeted towards professionals, students, and educational faculty within the social work field.

Children & Schools- The Children & Schools journal is specifically geared towards practitioners. It is meant to be a peer-reviewed publication that focuses on issues directly related to social work within the school system. This includes issues such as ADHD, violence, evaluations and a number of other issues that affect students within the educational system.

Health & Social Work- The Health & Social Work journal is a journal that predominately focuses on social work issues within the health care system. In publication for over 20 years and counting, this journal covers issues such as aging, oncology and maternal issues among other things.

Social Work Research- The Social Work Research journal approaches the issues addressed in the field of social work from an analytic and research based point of view. Widely regarded as the foremost journal for analytical research within the field of social work, this journal offers the scientific facts and data pertinent to social workers. http://naswpress.org

Social Work Abstracts- Social Work Abstracts takes the most relevant and pertinent abstracts within the field of social work and publishes around 500 of them on a quarterly basis. This service has been operating for over 30 years and is the starting point for many literature searches. http://naswpress.org

EBSCO Host- EBSCO host is a platform that allows searchers to find a number of peer reviewed journals and research abstracts. This database has hundreds of thousands of abstracts and journals dating back as far as the 1960s.

Ovid- Ovid is a database that has a large number of peer reviewed journals and abstracts that can be searched from as far back as 1968. Each abstract is classified by subject matter and field.

Professional Organizations and Societies for Social Workers

National Organization of Forensic Social Work (NOFSW) – This organization seeks to support social workers who work specifically within the legal system and in circumstances involving the law.

Latino Social Work Organization – This organization supports those of Latino heritage who work within the social work field.

Society for Social Work and Research- This organization, started in 1994, seeks to aid in the improvement of research efforts within the field of social work. Members of this organization are often the educational faculty within higher education schools, students pursuing their masters or doctorates, and research staff.

Council on Social Work Education- The purpose of this nonprofit organization is to increase the level of competency within the field of social work, and it has been in operation since 1952.

Action Network for Social Work Education and Research – The Action Network for Social Work Education and Research is a collaborative effort between a number of other social work organizations. These organizations include: the Association of Baccalaureate Social Work Program Directors, Institute for the Advancement of Social Work Research, Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education, Society for Social Work Research, National Association of Deans and Directors of Schools of Social Work and National Association of Social Workers.

Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work- This organization is comprised of the directors of social work programs within educational institutions.

Educational Resources for Social Workers

Continuing Education Resource Center- This site offers social workers a multitude of resources for continuing education credits within the field of social work.

Social Work Student Center- This website offers students a list of valuable resources that can be used to help them attain their goal of completing an education in the field of social work.

Social Work Twitter Accounts

@NASW- The official twitter account of the National Association of Social Workers.

@NPSW- The official twitter account of the Network of Professional Social Workers.

@newsocialworker – This twitter account is the official account of the magazine The New Social Worker.

@LMSWstudyguide – The purpose of this twitter account is to offer assistance to students studying for the social work certification examination.

@Socialworknews – Social workers that follow this account will find a vast amount of information about the latest news and changes within the field of social work.

@beasocialworker – This twitter account seeks to recruit new people to the field of social work.

@Getsocworkjobs – Experienced social workers as well as recent graduates will find a number of job openings posted to this account.

There are thirty-six MSW programs in Texas. While many Texas universities offer these degrees on-campus, there are also online options. You should consider several factors when deciding whether to study on-campus or online. You should know in which environment you will best learn and interact. You should also consider your lifestyle with work, children, or other obligations. Consider whether you can meet at the designated time for an on-campus program or whether you will need more flexibility.

Abilene Christian University, Our Lady of the Lake University, the University of North Texas, the University of Houston, Baylor University, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Texas at Arlington all offer traditional, campus-based MSW programs in Texas. However, other brick-and-mortar universities across the United States, such as Florida State University, the University of Southern California, and Boston University offer online MSW programs in Texas as well.

High-level training and development will equip you with the knowledge and skills that you need to become an expert in your field. A certification in a specialized segment of social work will help you become the valued voice in your field and community. All of these may lead to increased career opportunities. Increased career options may lead to increased pay and autonomy in your current position because the more valuable you are to others, the harder your current employer will have to work to keep you. These are all benefits to obtaining a master’s degree in social work.

There are twenty-nine MSW programs in Maryland. Just three of these twenty-nine programs are offered on-campus. Therefore, take time to decide whether you want to be located on-campus or learn through web-based study. When you are making this decision, you need to weigh the pros and cons of both. Ask your questions some of the following questions: how much do I value face-to-face instruction? Is my schedule flexible enough to manage on-campus instruction? Do you want to commute? How will each method affect your lifestyle?

The only three campus-based MSW programs in Maryland are offered at the University of Maryland at College Park, Morgan State University, and the University of Maryland at Baltimore. California State University at Northridge, the University of Louisville, and Western Kentucky University are some of the brick-and-mortar universities that offer online MSW programs in Maryland.

The benefits of obtaining a master’s degree in social work are abundant. The most obvious of these benefits is the advanced integration of theory and application that results in higher learning and development. This will equip the degree earner with the knowledge and skills to become an expert in his or her respective field. This may lead to better pay, increased autonomy, and a wider range of career options. Many specialized certifications required a master’s degree, so obtaining the degree may open those doors as well. With additional certification, you may be on your way to becoming a renown and respected expert in your community, which also increases your value.

Connecticut (CT) provides twenty-eight opportunities for social work programs at the graduate degree level. Just two of the twenty-eight MSW programs in CT are offered as on-campus study. Some factors to consider when deciding whether to study on-campus or online include: your most effective learning environment, your commitments and schedule, and whether one method will affect your lifestyle in a disadvantageous manner.

The only two on-campus MSW programs in CT are provided at Southern Connecticut State University and the University of Connecticut. Boston University, Florida State University and Western Kentucky University are three universities of many that offer online-based programs. These universities are brick-and-mortar, which means that they also provide on-campus instruction. Some online programs may be more costly, but that counters the added flexibility that they may afford you. There are also strictly online universities, such as Capella University, that offer master’s degrees in social work online.

The advantages of obtaining a master’s degree in social work may be abundant. As with any master’s degree program, you will be learning at a higher level. Therefore, you will exit the program with more skills and depth of knowledge. The program will also help your development and connections to others in the field. The master’s degree will also provide you with the opportunity to seek specialized certifications, which may lead to your becoming an expert in your respective field. With these two advantages, you will increase your value as a professional. Increased value generally leads to increased pay, more control over your work, and more recognition.

There are thirty-three MSW programs in Georgia. Seven of those thirty-three programs are on-campus. In you live in Georgia and you are considering pursuing a master’s degree in social work, Clark Atlanta University, the University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, Valdosta State University, and Savannah State University are the seven on-campus MSW program Georgia provides.

While you are considering whether to pursue an on-campus program or online study, you should factor how much you value face-to-face instruction, your work commitments, your family situation, and how your life could change under each method. If you choose an online program, there are several brick-and-mortar universities that offer online MSW programs in Georgia. These universities include Boston University, the University of Southern California, Western Kentucky University, and the University of North Dakota.

Obtaining a graduate degree in social work comes with many advantages. The advanced degree may give you with in-depth training and development, the opportunity to seek specialty certifications, and more career options over time. Any additional credentials you obtain will help you be more attractive in the competitive area of profession. More in-depth training and development and obtaining specialized certifications help you to become an expert in your field and open the doors for more career options in fields. The valuable you become to your field, the benefits your will have exposure to. These benefits may include a higher pay grade, more control in your work life, and recognition.

According to a US Bureau of Labor Statistics report, employment for social workers is expected to grow at a faster than average rate for all occupations. and currently the demand for social workers is on the rise, especially those who work with the aging population.

If you are considering a career as a social worker, there are three accredited schools that offer MSW programs in Colorado. All three are located along the state’s Front Range and include Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort Collins, The University of Denver, and Metropolitan State College of Denver.

Each program requires an undergraduate degree from an accredited university. Other criteria for admission vary, but all three schools generally require undergraduate credits in the social and behavioral sciences, a GPA of 3.0 or higher and a history of human service work and/or volunteer experience

For now all three MSW programs in Colorado are predominantly campus based, although CSU offers a Distance MSW Program with 70-80% of each class being taught live, with the other portion taught in a distance format.

One of the great benefits of having an MSW degree is the diversity of available career paths. MSW graduates have a wide array of areas to choose from. Whether focusing on clinical or community practice, social workers can choose to work in mental health, domestic violence, child and adult protection, and aging services, to name just a few. The greatest benefit, however, is the satisfaction that comes from helping people and seeing their lives improve.

There are forty-six MSW programs in Michigan. Of the forty-six, seven of these programs are on-campus. When choosing between on-campus and online graduate programs, weigh the value of face-to-face to your most effective learning style, your proximity to a university campus, and how on-campus and online learning will affect your current lifestyle.

The seven on-campus MSW programs in Michigan are located at Grand Valley State University, Wayne State University, Michigan State University, Andrews University, the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University and Western Michigan University. Some brick-and-mortar universities offer online MSW programs in Michigan and across the country. Some of these universities include California State University at Northridge, the University of North Dakota, the University of Southern California, the University of Louisville, Boston University and Florida State University.

A master’s degree in general has many benefits. The higher level degree may equip you with advanced training and development, specialty certifications, and increased career options. Since the social work field is popular and demanded, every added credential you include on your resume helps you stand apart from others in the competitive and saturated field. The advanced training and development helps you become an expert in your respective field, which increases your value. Similarly, specialty certifications will enable you to explore more career options in fields such as gerontology or school social work. The more career options you have, the more valuable an asset you are. Your increased value may translate to higher pay, more autonomy, and opportunities for recognition.

There are thirty-seven different MWS programs in Washington State. Thirty-three of these programs are online based degrees. The state has just four university with on-campus programs for master’s of social work. Therefore, it is important to consider many factors when deciding between your desired style of learning. Decide whether you work better in face-to-face environments or under more flexible environments. Ask yourself if you would prefer for full-time or part-time learning. Is an on-campus university close to your home? You also want to consider how your lifestyle will change with each method.

The on-campus programs are provided in Washington State are at Walla Walla University, Eastern Washington University, the University of Washington, and the University of Washington at Tacoma Campus. As noted, there are many sources of online master’s degrees in Washington State. The University of Louisville, the University of North Dakota, the University of Southern California, Boston University and Florida State University are a few of the universities that provide online MSW programs in Washington State.

The advantages of a master’s in social work are vast. A few of these advantages include training and development on a higher level, the potential for specialty certifications, and more career options. Professionals gain expertise by learning how to integrate and apply theoretical concepts. Similarly, specialty certifications can help add value as well. Many of these specialized certifications require a master’s degree. These advantages may translate to better pay and more recognition. These advantages may also lead to a wider range of career options as well.

There are fifty-five MSW programs in Illinois. More than half of these programs are offered online. On-campus and online instruction have their advantages, so it is important to weigh the positives and negatives of both instruction methods. When doing this, consider your schedule with family, work, and other outside obligations. Ask yourself if each method of study fits in your lifestyle or ask if you are willing to change your current lifestyle to accommodate your program choice.

Some of the on-campus MSW programs in Illinois include Adler School of Professional Psychology, Erikson Institute, Loyola University, the University of Chicago, the University of St. Francis, Chicago State University, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and Illinois State University . Additional brick-and-mortar universities throughout the United States offer this master’s program through online study. Some of the universities that host online master’s degrees in social work include California State University at Northridge, the University of Louisville and Florida State University.

If you are pursuing a master’s degree in social work, you should what benefits may be waiting for you at the completion of your program. These advantages may include higher levels of theoretical application, a chance to pursue specialty certification, more options for your career. Higher levels of theoretical application and specialized certification will help you gain expertise in your respective field. Furthermore, you will be adding value to your personal brand. This added value may translate to better pay and more autonomy and control over your work life in your current position.