The giant, once-in-a-lifetime November 2020
election is less than a year away. And there are special elections
peppered around the country throughout 2020. Seems like a
good time to review this call to action from the NASW Code of
Ethics:
6.04 Social and Political Action
(a) Social workers should engage in social and political
action that seeks to ensure that all people have equal access to
the resources, employment, services, and opportunities they require
to meet their basic human needs and to develop fully. Social
workers should be aware of the impact of the political arena on
practice and should advocate for changes in policy and legislation
to improve social conditions in order to meet basic human needs and
promote social justice.
(b) Social workers should act to expand choice and
opportunity for all people, with special regard for vulnerable,
disadvantaged, oppressed, and exploited people and groups.
(c) Social workers should promote conditions that encourage
respect for cultural and social diversity within the United States
and globally. Social workers should promote policies and practices
that demonstrate respect for difference, support the expansion of
cultural knowledge and resources, advocate for programs and
institutions that demonstrate cultural competence, and promote
policies that safeguard the rights of and confirm equity and social
justice for all people.
(d) Social workers should act to prevent and eliminate
domination of, exploitation of, and discrimination against any
person, group, or class on the basis of race, ethnicity, national
origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or
expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion,
immigration status, or mental or physical ability.
SWTP staff has taken this section of the Code to heart. You can
find us on lots of weekends canvassing, phone/text banking,
postcarding, etc. How (and in what political direction) you want to
take 6.04 is up to you. But we're going to help you decide to step
up with this extra little nudge: Send us evidence of your election
action (canvassing, phone/text banking, postcarding, etc.)-a
picture of you on the case is fine-and we'll send you a
personalized coupon that will save you 50% on SWTP
exams. You'll never see a steeper discount on the site.
If you're not sure how best to get involved, write us.
Regardless of your politics or location, we've got suggestions.
Getting licensed is no joke. Of course you're wildly busy. Take
a couple of hours out to make a little extra difference. You'll
feel better and you'll save money. Win-win.
