Want to help elect politicians supportive of social workers, our values, and our policy goals? Have opinions about what the NASW Metro DC Chapter might do to strengthen the social work profession and better support clients in terms of regulations and legislation?
Then volunteer for NASW Metro DC’s Political Action for Candidate Election (PACE) or Policy and Social Justice committees! Simply email your interest to Executive Director Debra Riggs, driggs.naswdc@socialworkers.org, who will follow up to learn more about your interests.
The beauty of social work is that it offers its professionals a plethora of career opportunities. Whether serving as a clinical provider tackling the growing mental health crisis or a macro-level social worker leading an organization, our profession deserves to be supported by elected officials that understand our unique needs.
This is where the members-only PACE Committee comes into play. PACE endorses and supports political officials who understand and advocate for the unique needs of DC social workers and the profession. Last year, the Metro DC Chapter PACE Committee endorsed At-Large Councilmember Robert White, Jr., during the DC mayoral race, which unfortunately did not succeed. However, this year, the committee has again endorsed White—this time for a second term as a councilmember. The chapter is confident that White will continue to show great respect and support for DC social workers.
In terms of policy and social justice, the profession of social work is rooted in the practices of advocacy and community organizing. Beginning with Jane Addams and the development of Hull House, social work has always been a helping profession dedicated to advancing social justice. As social workers continue to face ongoing struggles such as burnout, compassion fatigue, a dwindling workforce, a cost of living unaligned with salaries, and a lack of healthcare access for clients, it is imperative that the profession be its own advocate and champion.
Indeed, the NASW Code of Ethics requires advocacy and civic engagement by social workers as they seek to make the world a better place. This goal is only achievable through the invaluable contributions of its practitioners--like you! DC social workers are poised to make a real difference in the city’s elections and the future of their profession. You can be part of this movement by volunteering to serve on either PACE or the Policy and Social Justice Committee today—just email driggs.naswdc@socialworkers.org!