NASW Lunch and Learn: The Vital Role of Social Workers in Political Action, Advocacy, and Voter Mobilization

As social workers, we are uniquely positioned to drive social change, not only through direct practice but also through political action and advocacy. This presentation will underscore the essential role that social workers play in influencing policy and mobilizing communities to participate in the democratic process.

With recent developments such as the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from higher education, the emergence of the Social Work Interstate Compact, and changes to social work licensure examination options, it is crucial for social workers to be actively engaged in advocacy at every level. These policy shifts affect the future of our profession, and social workers must advocate for policies that uphold the values of equity and justice. We will explore how social workers can influence these decisions and address the resulting challenges.

Additionally, the presentation will highlight the critical role social workers play in voter education and mobilization. Voter suppression disproportionately affects marginalized communities, and it is our responsibility to ensure that these populations are informed and empowered to vote. By actively engaging in voter education and mobilization efforts, social workers can amplify the voices of those who are often left out of the political process, ensuring that their needs are reflected in policy decisions.

The session will offer strategies for social workers to engage in advocacy efforts across local, state, and national levels, emphasizing the importance of collective action to influence policy and protect the communities we serve. From advocating for social work policy reforms to ensuring that vulnerable populations are included in the democratic process, this presentation will inspire and equip social workers to be agents of change in both policy and practice.

Sherron Wilkes, DSW
Clinical Assistant Professor
Program Director, BSW Program
School of Social Work
The University of Alabama
skwilkes@ua.edu

Valerie Arendt, MSW, MPP
Executive Director
National Association of Social Workers – North Carolina Chapter
varendt.naswnc@socialworkers.org

Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW
Chief Executive Officer
National Association of Social Workers
naswceo@socialworkers.org