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Social Work is Political
By Paul R. Pace
“At the end of the day, politics is not a spectator sport,” NASW CEO Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C, said during a presentation at NASW’s national conference in June.
Panelists for the preconference workshop—“Social Work is a Political Profession”— outlined why it’s important for social workers to be involved in the political arena.
Sherron Wilkes, DSW, MSW, program director and clinical assistant professor at the University of Alabama, pointed out the NASW Code of Ethics lays the groundwork for what social workers do, including engaging in social and political action that seeks to ensure all people have equal access to the resources and opportunities that meet their basic needs and to develop fully.
“Politics is social work with power,” she said.
NASW Endorses Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
The NASW Political Action for Candidate Election (PACE) has unanimously voted to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris for the 47th President of the United States and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate.
“Vice President Harris is a shining example of America’s promise,” said NASW CEO Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C. “Her presidential bid is historic in many ways, and it’s clear that she is the most qualified person in the race. She is a proven champion for the people, and the lives of social workers and those we serve will be better under her leadership. I am confident that Vice President Harris will continue to invest in mental health and lead the nation through our current mental health crisis.” Read the full news release.
Increasing Voter Participation
Social workers can help maximize voter participation through mobilization, voter engagement, and voter registration efforts. NASW works with partner organizations like Rock the Vote to increase voter engagement. Learn more on our voter resource page.
This recent article from Social Work Advocates magazine also focuses on ways social workers can make a difference in the upcoming general election.
Advocacy
One of NASW’s social justice priorities is voting rights. Read more about this and our other top policy issues and social justice priorities, and how we advocate.
NASW Advocacy Day
Each year, NASW hosts a national Advocacy Day where social workers and social work students from all over the U.S. travel to Capitol Hill to meet with members of Congress or their staff to discuss legislation important for the profession. This year, more than 200 social workers from 36 states and one U.S. territory attended 172 meeting with congressional offices. These meetings resulted in new co-sponsors for the following bills:
- Improving Access to Mental Health Act (H.R. 1638)
- Telemental Healthcare Access Act (S.3651/H.R. 3432)
- Mental Health Professionals Workforce Shortage Loan Repayment Act (H.R. 4933)
Read more in this article by NASW Public Policy Associate Rachel Boyer, MSW, LMSW
Voter Intimidation
(With image of Tried to Vote sticker)
Though the Voting Rights Act of 1965 specifically outlawed voter intimidation, its passage has not prevented far-right conservative factions from reviving this practice as a tried-and-true method for gaining and maintaining electoral power. It is clear that— given the high stakes that the 2024 presidential election presents—these factions will not hesitate in using voting intimidation tactics.
Read more about voter intimidation in this social justice brief by NASW Senior Policy Adviser Mel Wilson, LCSW, MBA, including types of intimidation and what to do if you witness or experience it.
In Case You Missed It
Some Past Related Articles From Social Work Advocates Magazine: