Social Work Democracy Project

The Social Work Democracy Project (SWDP) is raising funds to send a contingent of young social workers (students and recent graduates) to speak to social work students at schools in battleground states to encourage students to help get out the vote. This is strictly a nonpartisan effort. These SWDP ambassadors will not suggest who they should vote for but will motivate them to actively participate in efforts to encourage young voters to go to the polls and vote during elections on November 5, 2024.

It's important to note that this effort is resolutely nonpartisan. We understand that some colleagues may question the wisdom of a nonpartisan effort when so much is at stake in the upcoming election. However, our goal is to encourage as many young voters as possible to go to the polls and vote, regardless of their political leanings. Our nonpartisan approach ensures that all students feel included and respected and that schools are not engaging in partisan political activities. Many of the students and young social workers in our campaign have participated in CRISP events designed to enhance their advocacy skills. This will be an opportunity to put those skills into practice. They will return home with many stories to tell.

This is a chance for social workers to help create opportunities for the next generation. We have created a GoFundMe account to raise money to support this effort. We aim to raise at least $10,000 for transportation, meals, and lodging if needed. We will create tee shirts and caps with the message: “My Voice Will Be Heard.” We plan to visit schools in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada. We will visit as many schools that are willing to allow us as our resources will permit. If you are a dean, you will hear from us shortly. We plan to send at least a pair of students to each school. In the spirit of putting my money where my mouth is, I am pledging $1,000 and have contributed $600 thus far to get us started.