Social Policies matter.

NASW - PACE endorses Kamala Harris for U.S. President

The generalist model of Social Work methods conceptualize service delivery at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of human social systems. In the old days, people pursuing a graduate degree in Social Work were asked to choose a specialty in learning service delivery methods as a caseworker, group worker or community organizer.

As the Social Work field evolved it became apparent that Social Work skills and processes were the same such as assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating service delivery regardless of the level of social organization. Thus, the “generalist model” was created and developed.

The “person in situation” concept was very important to Social Work theory because Social Work did not limit its assessments, planning, implementation,and evaluating simply to intrapsychic factors of individual functioning but also applied these processes to the context or social factors that the individual participated in. Courses in human development  and psychology were called “Human behavior and social environment”.

While Social Work has appreciated and learned from reductionistic and linear scientific findings from its beginning it highly appreciated the idea of systems and realized that the whole was greater than the sum of its parts.

The emphasis on social policy has been an important part of the Social Work curriculum in its educational and training programs. Attending to the macro as it impacts and influences the mezzo and micro adds a dimension to Social Work practice that distinguishes it from the other helping professions.

The National Association of Social Workers, NASW, has a program called PACE which stands for Political Action Committee or Political Action for Candidate Election. On August 5, 2024 NASW - PACE endorsed Kamala Harris for President of the U.S. Here are some of the statements that NASW - PACE made in their endorsement:

Harris is a dedicated supporter of policies that aim to expand access to healthcare, which is crucial for the well-being of individuals and families. Her advocacy for the Affordable Care Act and efforts to make healthcare more accessible and affordable align with the goals of social workers who strive to ensure that everyone has access to essential services. Vice President Harris is the right person to lead ongoing efforts that address our nation's mental health crisis.

“Vice President Harris recognizes the significance of addressing mental health and substance use issues, which are crucial areas of focus for social workers. NASW-PACE is excited to support her candidacy,” said NASW-PACE Co-Chair Brian Romero, MSW. She has backed legislation to enhance mental health services and increase funding for treatment programs, which social workers provide.

The Biden-Harris Administration has prioritized investments in mental health, as outlined in the Unity Agenda. Major successes have included enacting the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in March 2021. ARPA aimed to improve access to mental health services and substance use disorder treatment. The act allocated funding for community mental health centers, crisis intervention services, and telehealth resources, especially in underserved areas.

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Harris has also been a consistent advocate for social justice, addressing systemic issues that align with social work principles such as equity, diversity, and inclusion. She has worked to stop hate crimes and advance LGBTQ+ equality. Her efforts in criminal justice reform, including her support for measures to reduce mass incarceration and implement police reform, directly affect the communities that social workers serve.

Harris has continued to empower marginalized communities through initiatives addressing racial and gender inequities. Her efforts to fight discrimination and promote equal opportunities directly align with the values, goals, and ethics of the social work profession.

“It is clear that Vice President Kamala Harris is the woman for the job. NASW-PACE is proud to endorse her for President,” said NASW-PACE Co-Chair Kelli Soyer, LMSW.

When we study quality of life indicators on a state by state and country to country basis we find that different social policies contribute to different quality of life consequences. The Social Work Profession has a long history since its beginning in advocating for good social policies that enhance human welfare, satisfaction, and fulfillment. Let each become all (s)he is capable of becoming by helping each other not only thrive but flourish.