“Promoting the General Welfare of Society”: The Political Activity of Social Workers and Human Service Organizations

Abstract

Social workers are politically active both as individuals and as part of larger groups and organizations. This chapter provides an overview of social workers’ current and past political activity, as well as factors that encourage or limit social workers, our profession, and our employers from engaging in the political process. We consider relevant legal issues that guide organizations’ political activities and learn about rules that may apply to individual field placements or employers. Relevant theories and models are used to create a picture of social workers’ political involvement, both individually and collectively. Political knowledge, skills, interest, efficacy, and mobilization and their influences on social workers’ political activity are discussed, as readers are asked to reflect on political activities in which they have participated and potential future political activity. Activities include a political knowledge quiz and a survey that allows readers to compare their political efficacy with other social workers and the American public.