Social Workers in Action

2/26/2018

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Social Workers in Action

Kathy ByersJean CaplerBeryl Cohen

Social Work is Rooted in ACTION

• We have a long history of integrating direct

service with advocacy and action to create a

better world for all of us!

©2016 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved.2

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Dr. Dorothy Height


Francis Perkins

4 ©2016 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved.

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Whitney Young, Jr.


Social Workers In Congress

• Senator Debbie Stabenow (MI)

• U.S. Congresswoman Karen Bass (CA-37)

• U.S. Congresswoman Susan A. Davis (CA-53)

• U.S. Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez (IL-4)

• U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13)

• U.S. Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter (NH-1)

• U.S. Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-9)

• U.S. Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (MA-3)


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Social Workers Testify!


Social Workers Show UP!


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Social Workers Organize


Social Workers MARCH!


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Social Workers Have Cool Hats Too!


Why Social Workers Should Advocate

Advocacy Concerns and Fears – Social

Workers Have the Skills

Bills from the Indiana General Assembly and

Congress – Actions Needed

Voting Rights and Voter Participation

©2016 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved.

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Our Challenge

• We can do excellent work with our client, but

are we sending them out into the world that

oppresses them?

• Are we providing a band-aid but not

addressing what is causing the wounds?

• We can be reactive, or proactive and act to

alleviate the conditions that create the

problems


Why Social Workers Should Advocate

• To represent those who we serve

• To uphold our code of ethics

• To provide professional expertise

• To change social work stereotypes

• To be an empowerment role model

• To empower ourselves as individuals


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Code of Ethics and Advocacy

Social work is based on a set of core values and broad ethical principles

• Value: Service Ethical Principle: Social workers’ primary goal is to help people in need and to address social problems.

• Value: Social Justice Ethical Principle: Social workers challenge social injustice.

• Value: Dignity and Worth of the Person Ethical Principle: Social workers respect the inherent dignity and worth of the person.

• Value: Importance of Human Relationships Ethical Principle: Social workers recognize the central importance of human relationships.

• Value: Integrity Ethical Principle: Social workers behave in a trustworthy manner.


Taking Action

• You can take action directly

• You can join with others to take collective

action

• You can organize, support, and inspire others

to take action


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What Does This Look Like?

• Organized rallies and events

• Community informational meetings and caucuses

• Organizing testimonials from those affected

• Email, phone, and letter writing campaigns

• Boycotts of products and services

• Action alerts and talking points to memberships

• Education and lobbying of legislators and stakeholders

• Non-violent civil disobedience

• Supporting candidates that will fight for your causes

• Running for office yourself!


To Whom Do I Need to Talk?

• Advocate at the appropriate level—local, state,

federal

• Talk to people who have access to the legislator/official you are trying to reach

• Remember:

– Personal stories are powerful and effective

– Be clear and specific

– If you can’t answer something, get back to them.


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Advocacy Concerns and Fears

• Lack of knowledge on the legislative process

• Lack of knowledge on the bill or issue

• Possible hostile confrontations

• General public speaking anxiety

• Being unprepared for questions

• Saying the wrong thing, being taken out of context

• Not knowing how to navigate the statehouse, congress, or the

processes at the local level


SWK Skills Across Practice Levels

• Engagement Skills

• Assessment Skills

• Communication Skills

• Problem-solving & Negotiating Skills

• Networking & Collaborating Skills


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Addressing Controversial Issues

• Some issues are very polarizing and partisan:

– Abortion and Reproductive Rights

– LGBT Rights and Protections

– Firearm Safety and Gun Control

– Disproportionality and Affirmative Action

– Religious Freedom and Expression

• How do you handle conflict and disagreement in interpersonal relationships?

• Ask yourself, what do I want to accomplish?

• Am I “preaching to the choir” or furthering dividedness, fears and misconceptions?

• Always remember, the goal is positive progress


Things to Remember

• You are an expert.

• Stick to your message – if you are unsure, research groups that support or oppose the legislation.

• Remember your social work skills:

– Affirming positive intention

– Finding common ground

– Building long-term relationships

– Understanding of person-in-environment

– Addressing stereotypes and misconceptions tactfully

• Offer your assistance however you can and follow-up.

• Try meeting with your legislator outside of session.


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Issues this Legislative Session in Indiana

• Licensing 1007 & 224

• Bias Motivated Crimes

• SNAP SB 11

• Predatory Lending HB 1319

• Redistricting SB 326


Where to find information

Online at https://iga.in.gov/ you can find:

• Full text on bills, amendments and fiscal notes

• Your legislator and how to contact them

• Committees, their agendas and bills to be heard

• Live committee and chamber webcasts

• Indiana Code and Constitution


https://iga.in.gov/

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National Issues in Congress

• President’s Budget

• Healthcare, work requirements for Medicaid

• Gun violence legislation

• Farm Bill (including SNAP)


Where to find Information - NASW

For information on federal issues please check our

national website at www.socialworkers.org

www.socialworkers.org/Advocacy provide information

on our advocacy efforts including:

• Information on legislative activities;

• Legislative alerts;

• Policy issues and;

• Information on social justice work.


http://www.socialworkers.org/

http://www.socialworkers.org/Advocacy

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Voter Rights and Voter Participation

• Gerrymandering – both federal and state issue,

also being challenged in the courts

• Voter Suppression

• Voter Empowerment

– Resources to help register clients

www.votingissocialwork.org

– Local resources local League of Women Voters

– “Indiana Voters” registration app


Be a Voter and Help Others Vote

• Participate in voter registration campaigns, at

your agency, at your school, in your

community

• Voter education campaigns – invite candidates

to come to your agency and talk with

staff/clients

• Ask questions at candidate forums

• GOTV


http://www.votingissocialwork.org/

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The 2018 Election Includes: • U.S. Representative – all 9 Seats

• 1 of the 2 US Senate Seats

• 25 members of the Indiana Senate and all 100 members of the Indiana House.

• Locally there may be other offices on the ballot.

To find out candidates in your district you can check the Secretary of State’s website


QUESTIONS?

• Contact us at:

– Jean: [email protected] 812-325-0885

– Kathy: [email protected] 812-361-4356

– Beryl: [email protected]

317-923-9878


mailto:[email protected]



Documents

Social Workers in Action