Activists Wanted: Will
Social Work Students
Heed the Call?
As
the end of the semester draws near, social work students are faced with many
choices. Within NYC, various human service organizations, public and private
offer opportunities for students to put their fieldwork experiences and
coursework knowledge on “the front line”.
However, the front line has changed over the years and currently, new
professionals must be able to recognize the need for activism as it relates to
social work practice. Nationwide, we have seen a reduction in federal funding
for social programs. This has led to an increase in State deficits, which
trickles down to the budgetary shortfall faced by many social work agencies.
Given this reality, activism among social workers is in high demand.
Activism
is referenced in the Code of Ethics (1996) which makes mention of
the profession’s historical focus on social change and social justice. More
specifically, activism is described under the heading of Social Workers
Ethical Responsibilities to the Broader Society. This section encourages
social workers to participate in the political process as advocates, as well as
being involved in the development of social policy.
Social
and political action are instrumental to the enactment of laws and social
policies, which shape the context of social work practice. The activities
carried out by social workers within any practice setting, are subject to
regulatory policies either agency-based and/or government mandated. As such,
policies are used as a guide for action. Given the myriad of social problems
with which the social work profession must contend, activism is a much-needed
response to policies, which pose a negative impact on social work clients and
practice.
So where do you start? The
following steps can be taken to guide you along the path to becoming a skillful
social work
activist:
What’s
your issue?
Be clear about what you want.
Go beyond deciding what you do NOT want, to deciding what you want in its place.
Why
is it important?
Who
does the issue affect and how are they affected?
It is important to note both
positive AND negative outcomes (if applicable).
To
whom is it important?
Find your supporters. Look
for individuals/organizations sharing your point of view. Remember there IS
strength in numbers and you may not have to re-invent the wheel.
Who
do you want to persuade?
Here’s where you decide
where to direct your activism efforts and identify your audience. Are you trying
to mobilize others into action, or are you targeting policymakers? In many
cases, it’s both.
Why
should they care?
Self-interest is a key factor
in any activism endeavor. Be prepared to answer the questions: Why should I
care? and What’s in it for me?
What
can you do?
Time for some action: public
education, letter-writing campaigns, media contact, delivering testimony, and
visits to legislators. Seek information to assist you in developing skills in
this area i.e. books, journal articles and Internet resources.
How
do you follow up?
Keep
your eyes and ears open by staying on top of the issue. Stay in contact with
your supporters and develop those relationships. Send thank-you letters or make
follow-up inquiries questioning their actions.
Hopefully
reading these quick tips makes you realize that you already possess skills,
which can assist you in your activism practice. The social work skills of
conducting assessments, developing interventions and designing evaluations can
be applied across fields of practice and assist you throughout your social work
career.
Good luck and stay active –
the profession (and society) needs you!