Social Workers as Elected Officials: Advocacy at the Doorstep

ABSTRACT

This article highlights the importance of social work participation in the political arena through the seeking of elected office. Social workers have a rich history of involvement in political activities, yet little is known about social workers holding elected office. Through a review of the literature, this article has found that social workers are often hesitant to run for elected office due to many barriers. This article focuses on the recurring perceived barrier that social work skills do not prepare professionals for political positions. Using the author’s personal experience as an elected official, this article highlights how core social work values and skills can, in fact, uniquely prepare social workers to become involved in the ultimate advocacy role as an elected official. Areas for enhancing social work education regarding political action and preparation are discussed.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

¹ Senator Debbie Stabenow (MI), Representative Karen Bass (CA), Representative Susan Davis (CA), Representative Barbara Lee (CA), Representative Luis Gutierrez (IL), Representative Carol Shea-Porter (NH), Representative Krysten Sinema (AZ), Representative Niki Tsongas (MA).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

David B. Miller

David B. Miller, PhD, is an associate professor at Case Western Reserve University.

Emily Jennings

Emily Jennings, MS, is the strategic plan program manager for the Portland Water Bureau.

Jenn Angelo

Jenn Angelo, MS, works in development at a local nonprofit organization focused on workforce development in Cleveland, Ohio.