I voted
by Courtney White, MA
Despite research showing that social workers are civically engaged and vote at higher rates than other professions, the number that promote civic health activities and voter registration efforts with their clients is much lower. Research by Rome and Hoechstetter (2010) looking at the levels of political participation of National Association of Social Workers (NASW) member social workers found that while 95% reported that they often or always vote, only 42% agreed it was part of their mission to empower their clients politically.
Voting is an intervention at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels that can empower individuals to stand up for causes that have an impact on them. We can, and should, ask our clients if they are registered to vote. Because of the trusting relationships we develop, we are often in the best position to engage clients on issues related to civic engagement and help navigate barriers they may face.
Every year is an election year. Although the 2020 election is in the history books, there are upcoming state and local elections that directly affect our clients and communities. These elections affect every facet of our lives - our transportation systems, the water we drink, and even our trash collection. We may not think that these factors influence our well-being, but they often have an impact on our living environments and in predicting health outcomes. These social determinants of health are shaped by how power and resources are distributed (often inequitably) across society.
Civically engaged communities are healthy communities. COVID-19 has highlighted society’s long-standing health inequities. We must address the underlying social conditions leading to these inequities so that we may all lead healthier lives. One way to do this is through voting to hold elected officials accountable for the decisions they make. By voting, we can work to not only ensure that all voices are heard but also strive toward the redistribution of power and resources, so all communities thrive.
All social workers are advocates. Our profession has a long history of community organizing for collective action, and it is our ethical responsibility to engage in political action. It is our duty to ensure that our clients not only have policies that work for them, but also have equitable access to healthcare, transportation, and so much more! Now is the time to return to our legacy and remember our commitment to social justice.
Vot-ER is a nonpartisan organization that engages social workers in getting clients ready to vote. We believe that more voices build a healthier democracy and that our nation is stronger when each and every person who can vote shows up. We also want to make it easy to register to vote. Visit www.vot-er.org and, in five minutes, you can order a Health Democracy Kit to help your clients get vote-ready. All your clients need to do is scan the embedded QR code to register - it’s that simple!
As we reflect back on the political activism of our field, take a moment to ask those around you: “Are you registered to vote?” It just might become a habit!
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References
Rome, S. H., & Hoechstetter, S. (2010). Social work and civic engagement: The political participation of professional social workers. Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare, 37(3), 107-129.
Courtney White is a macro level MSW student at Boston University. She has an undergraduate degree in political science from Wellesley College and a graduate degree in migration studies from Tel Aviv University. She is a social work intern at Vot-ER and is working toward increasing the civic engagement and voter registration efforts of social workers.