Social Workers in Action
Transcript of 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!
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Dr. Dorothy Height
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Francis Perkins
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Whitney Young, Jr.
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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!
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Social Workers Show UP!
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Social Workers Organize
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Social Workers MARCH!
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Social Workers Have Cool Hats Too!
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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
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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
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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.
©2016 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved.
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!
©2016 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved.
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
©2016 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved.
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
©2016 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved.
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
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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
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National Issues in Congress
• President’s Budget
• Healthcare, work requirements for Medicaid
• Gun violence legislation
• Farm Bill (including SNAP)
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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.
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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
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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
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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
©2016 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved.
QUESTIONS?
• Contact us at:
– Jean: [email protected] 812-325-0885
– Kathy: [email protected] 812-361-4356
– Beryl: [email protected]
317-923-9878
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