A number of national social work organizations, such as the Congressional Research Institute for Social Work and Policy have long advocated for increased participation in policy and political work among social workers. This spring, three social workers with ties to the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work are running for office.
Dr. Kristi Slack, a professor whose research focuses on understanding the role of poverty and economic hardship in the etiology of child maltreatment is running for a spot on the Madison Common Council.
Alumna Jael Currie, MSW’ 11, an incumbent, is running for reelection to the council.
Alumna Caroline Gómez-Tom, MSW ’11 who is a member of the school’s Board of Visitors, is running for Milwaukee County Board Supervisor in District 14.
“We desperately need more social workers in political office,” says Slack. “Social workers bring an important lens to government, one that emphasizes structural and systemic root causes of social problems.”
The National Association of Social Workers advocates for social workers running for office and working on campaigns, because, as they state on their website, “Social workers understand social problems and know human relations. Social workers’ commitment to improving the quality of life brings a vital perspective to public decision-making.”
The Wisconsin State election is April 4, 2023.