The New Social Worker: Courtney White (SSW’22) Calls Social Workers to Recommit to Clients’ Political Activism
Many social workers pride themselves in being politically active. From protesting to community organizing to voting for a candidate they believe in, political activism is a hallmark of the social work community. However, recent studies have shown that less than half of social workers believe they should empower their clients politically. In her recent piece for The New Social Worker, BU School of Social Work student Courtney White (SSW’22) cites the importance of local and state elections, COVID-19’s exacerbation of many health and voting inequities, and the social work role of advocacy as reasons for social workers to support their clients to be politically active.
Excerpt from “Social Workers, Pledge to Recommit Yourself to Political Activism” by Courtney White, originally published by The New Social Worker.
Despite research showing that social workers are civically engaged and vote at higher rates than other professions, the number that promote civic health activities and voter registration efforts with their clients is much lower. Research by Rome and Hoechstetter (2010) looking at the levels of political participation of National Association of Social Workers (NASW) member social workers found that while 95% reported that they often or always vote, only 42% agreed it was part of their mission to empower their clients politically.
Voting is an intervention at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels that can empower individuals to stand up for causes that have an impact on them. We can, and should, ask our clients if they are registered to vote. Because of the trusting relationships we develop, we are often in the best position to engage clients on issues related to civic engagement and help navigate barriers they may face.”
