In today’s policy climate, it is more important than ever that social workers live that that part of our code of ethics titled “Social and Political Action” (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 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 to meet basic human needs and promote social justice.” (NASW, 2021)
If it’s been a while since your last Policy class, you might be wondering how to do this, apart from voting. (If you are a United States citizen, you ARE voting on November 8th, aren’t you?) NASW-MO has you covered! In November, we are offering a 2-hour Advocacy training from advocacy experts (our lobbying team). This is offered on four different occasions so you have 4 opportunities to take it—and it is free! We want to teach you how to engage effectively.
NASW-MO also has a forthcoming survey for our membership to help set NASW-MO’s advocacy agenda for the next legislative session.
We become more powerful with more voices. More members. More letters. More visits. Please consider forwarding this newsletter to your colleagues who are not yet members so that they can be informed of our efforts, events, and engagement.
We work for social justice. We work for Missouri social workers.
In solidarity,
Cassie E. Brown MSW, LCSW
(she/her/hers)
cbrown.naswmo@socialworkers.org