Voting is Social Work: Voices From the National Social Work Voter Mobilization Campaign

Abstract

The National Social Work Voter Mobilization Campaign, also known as Voting is Social Work, involved social work faculty, field educators, practitioners, and students in a nonpartisan voter engagement drive. Following the 2018 elections, researchers surveyed Campaign participants in social work schools and agencies to document their voter engagement activities.The study reported extent and amount of their involvement. The survey distinguished between the voter engagement participation of school-versus agency-based social workers, which has not been studied elsewhere. Participants also reported the benefits of political participation to individuals, communities, and the profession and perceived barriers such as organizational constraints, fears of appearing partisan, and distrust of politics. Presented in historical context, the findings highlight the need to mainstream voter engagement throughout social work education.

Participation in Social Work Membership Organizations: Opportunities and Challenges in a Changing Society

“…However, with its focus on human rights, social justice, and advocacy work, the profession tends to have more liberal and progressive ideas as part of its mission (Lane 2011). In fact, since its inception, social work and the NASW are known for voter registration drives; improving the health and well-being of disadvantaged people and families; key involvement in policy creation including Social Security, the juvenile courts system, and aid to families; and promoting civil rights (Abramovitz et al 2019;Axinn and Stern 2012;Krings et al 2019). Consequently, these efforts do draw attention to policies and other political endeavors; and as a result, members may feel alienated or not represented given the current political and rhetorical climate.…”

The Three-Legged Stool of Voter Engagement

“…(2019) report that "the need for administrative approval" and "conflicting needs of clients" were two of the most common concerns articulated by field instructors in relation to embedding voter engagement in field. To overcome these barriers and to promote increased voter engagement, Abramovitz et. al.…”

More than just remembering the 100th anniversary of (White) women’s suffrage: vote to rematriate the land

“…While social workers should vote and are encouraged by our national professional organizations to promote voting (Abramovitz et al, 2019;Abramovitz & Mizrahi, 2020a, 2020bMizrahi & Abramovitz, 2018;National Social Work Voter Mobilization Campaign, 2020), we also need to recognize that voting is an inherently problematic tool of governance given that some people are included while others are excluded. In this editorial, we make three points: (1) Voting in a representative republic is a form of colonial land management; (2) Voting is an exclusionary process by design of state actors; and (3) Community practitioners understand that citizen engagement and participation happen in daily life.…”

“…This year it is called Social Work Votes (National Association of Social Workers, 2020). In concert with NASW, social work educators have organized the National Social Work Voter Mobilization Campaign, also known as Voting is Social Work (Abramovitz et al, 2019). This campaign builds upon the work of Piven and Cloward, who organized the Human Service Employees Voter Registration and Education Campaign (Human SERVE).…”