ABSTRACT
Political involvement is an integral component of the social work profession, yet there is no explicit reference to social work participation in election-related activities in either the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics or the Council on Social Work Education Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. Social work education may offer an opportune time to shape crucial patterns of future electoral participation among social workers. This study examines BSW, MSW, and PhD student electoral involvement during the 2012 presidential election and ways social work program administrators across the country encouraged students to acquire skills and experience in election-related policy practice during the election season. Findings indicate that the extent of opportunities offered to students varied widely across programs as well as across types of electoral activities.
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Notes on contributors
Suzanne Pritzker
Suzanne Pritzker is associate professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work.
Christianna Burwell
Christianna Burwell is public policy specialist at Texas State Alliance of YMCAs.