Legislative
Session is Upon Us
by Heather Bradley-Geary, MSW
The Missouri Legislative Session opens on January 3, 2024.It is anticipated that once again, we will see human rights at the forefront of debate.The beauty of Social Work is YOU ARE ALWAYS a SOCIAL WORKER.Being a Social Worker does not stop when you leave the office, agency, hospital, school, etc. at night.Social Work is political and our Code of Ethics calls us to take political action.
Here are the ways that Social Workers in Missouri can honor their Code of Ethics (6.04):
- Join the NASW-MO Advocacy Committee.
- Volunteer for a political campaign.
- Run for office (school board, city council, state house, state senate, federal).
- Canvas your neighborhood.
- Join a local chapter for political action.
- Educate your social circle on human rights.
- Start a voting registration campaign.
- Establish a relationship with elected officials in your area and contact them regularly.
- Organize or participate in a protest.
- VOTE!
Code of Ethics (6.04 (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 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 to meet basic human needs and promote social justice.
SOCIAL WORK IS POLITICAL