National Association of Social Workers

From the President

Embracing 'Radical Social Work'

By Gary Bailey, MSW

Last month, I was invited to the United Nations for a meeting of African American leaders where, with one of NASW's chapter presidents, I was one of two social workers present. We joined a group of 100 or so politicians, educators, business leaders, diplomats and religious leaders from about 80 organizations representing the African American community.

The meeting, described by U.N. Communications and Public Relations Undersecretary Shashi Tharoor as "historic," helped the U.N. kick off a year-long celebration of the centenary of Ralph Bunche, the first African American ambassador to the U.N. and a colleague and contemporary of NASW's own Whitney Young.

Remarks by Secretary General Kofi A. Annan highlighted his commitment to what, in my estimation, are bedrock social work issues, in the U.S. and around the world: access to health care, the care and protection of children, access to quality education for boys and girls, reducing infant mortality and responding to the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

"The world is on the move," Annan said. "Billions of people all over the world are yearning to be truly secure — free from fear and free from want and able to live in peace and dignity."

"All of you — whether you are religious leaders, educators, businessmen or businesswomen, members of local authorities or leaders in other fields — can help lead the way," he continued. "Your great heritage shows that the power of nonviolent collective action, based on a commitment to justice, equality and empowerment for all, is a powerful force."

I have never been more proud of being a social worker and member of NASW than I was at that moment and in that place.

In response to my question about how he views the role of social work in achieving his agenda, Annan replied that, indeed, our work is essential. As social workers, it is our responsibility to include advocacy and policy reform in our work with individuals, families and communities. Community issues are national issues, and national issues are global issues.

It is time for us to embrace a concept that Professor David Gil, from the Heller School at Brandeis University, referred to as "radical social work" in his article "Clinical Practice and Politics of Human Liberation." It is imperative, Gil believes, that social workers bring a conscious political perspective to our work with and on behalf of those we serve.

I am thankful for the enthusiasm NASW members have shown in this regard, which is evidenced by their responses to our legislative alerts and updates. Each time a professional social worker speaks out, the power of social work around the world is strengthened. Even one letter, regardless of the author's beliefs or political stance, makes a difference.

Child welfare is a good example of an area where the impact of the work done by NASW's members and advocacy experts is becoming ever more apparent. Federal, state and local governments spend billions of dollars on child welfare programs and initiatives.

To the public and the media, social work and child welfare are inextricably joined, while in reality, in many states those services are not being delivered by trained BSW and MSW social workers. Through our media outreach activities, advocacy efforts and policy briefs, NASW has begun educating the public, policymakers and the media about the lack of, and critical necessity for, trained professional social workers in the child welfare system.

Closer to home, our heightened visibility is having a positive effect on the association, which has experienced an exciting increase in both its student and regular memberships. Since December 2002, more than 7,000 regular members and more than 4,500 student members joined NASW online. Our student membership is crucial because the profession is growing, and professionals-in-training represent our future. To quote, once more, the secretary general: "[Social workers] have a history of standing up and being counted when it matters."

Because we live in a democratic society, members raise questions about NASW's policies and structure from time to time. While constructive criticism helps us grow and evolve into a stronger body, one that can more fully represent our profession, it is uplifting to realize that NASW continues to serve as a model for organizations around the world.

The U.N. meeting reinforced our historic commitment to peace, economic and social justice and human rights. The freedoms we are guaranteed as citizens of the United States enable us to speak out on behalf of our colleagues and clients in this country and around the world without fear of reprisal, but we cannot take them for granted.

In my travels and in my involvement with the International Federation of Social Workers, the International Association of Schools of Social Work and the International Council on Social Welfare, I am continually reminded that NASW serves as a source of inspiration, supporting the values of human rights and social justice at home and abroad.

In his closing statements, Annan said, "The choice is not between multilateralism and unilateralism; it is between cooperation and catastrophe." Never has there been so much at stake, and never have we as a profession been in such a strong position to provide the necessary vision, passion and leadership.

To contact Gary Bailey: president@naswdc.org

From November 2003 NASW News. © 2003 National Association of Social Workers. All rights reserved. NASW News articles may be copied for personal use, but proper notice of copyright and credit to the NASW News must appear on all copies made. This permission does not apply to reproduction for advertising, promotion, resale, or other commercial purposes.