Special Report: CSSW and U.S. Politics and Government

Council of Economic Advisors

“There’re just so many deep problems in our society of precisely the type that policy-oriented social workers can help to solve.”

Political Director, Georgia Senate Race

“It took hard work, a positive attitude, but mostly a very sincere concern and love for the community.”

Mayor of Miami Dade County, Florida

“Spending the majority of my professional life in social work fundamentally shaped my approach to public service.”

U.S. Secretary for Indian Affairs (1993–1997)
 

“You don’t have to collapse just because there’s a federal law in your way. Change it!”

Founder of the Latino Research Institute
 

“Engagement is just the beginning of the work. What we are trying to do is to empower communities politically and economically.”

New York State Assemblymember

“I’ve always understood politics to be about helping others and being of service to one’s community. I can’t think of a more compatible field of study than social work.”

City Council Member, Hoboken, NJ

“The federal government needs social workers now more than ever to be at the table and take a leadership role in advocating for the policies that support people in need.”

Founder of the Congressional Social Work Caucus

“All social workers, regardless of whether they are policy or micro or direct services, should be politically engaged.”

New York City Mayoral Candidate

“I do think there are critical voices that need to be heard; voices that have been silenced or ignored for too long. I think I can help represent and reflect some of those voices.”

New Jersey Lieutenant Governor

“I never set out to get involved in politics, but I knew that politics could transform lives.”

U.S. Secretary of Labor (1933–1945)

“Government should aim to give all the people under its jurisdiction the best possible life.”

First Woman Elected to the U.S. Congress

“I may be the first woman member of Congress, but I won’t be the last.”

Assistant Secretary for Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

“In the United States there are 52 different versions of Medicaid. If you live in an urban community versus a rural community, there’s a big difference.”