Social Workers Cannot Be Silent
Statement & Call to Action Against Racism & Race-Based Violence
“Do your laws against larceny and murder prevent those crimes? No law
will eliminate crimes, but at least you as legislators can assert to
the world that you recognize the evil of the present situation and speak
your intent to help us overcome discrimination.” -Elizabeth Peratrovich - 1945
Social justice is one of the most important values of the social work profession. Our code of ethics states:
Social workers pursue social change, particularly with and
on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups of people.
Social workers' social change efforts are focused primarily on issues of
poverty, unemployment, discrimination, and other forms of social
injustice. These activities seek to promote sensitivity to and knowledge
about oppression and cultural and ethnic diversity. Social workers
strive to ensure access to needed information, services, and resources;
equality of opportunity; and meaningful participation in decision making
for all people.
As social workers, it is essential to our practice to recognize
injustice and stand against it. Alaska is no stranger to social
injustices. There is a long history of colonization that has led to
suffering for many people throughout our state. We are not shocked by
the murder of George Floyd or the many, many people who were murdered
before him. We are devastated that year after year our calls to end
discrimination and violations of human rights go unanswered. We are
ready to see change.
The NASW-Alaska Chapter condemns racism and xenophobia. We are
vehemently against the continued murder of unarmed black and brown
individuals as a result of ignored police misconduct. We ask that you
take action to fight this injustice. Sign a petition, protest, make a
donation, or educate yourself on systemic racism in our state and
country. Advocate and encourage improved and additional training in your
local law enforcement agencies. We are at an impasse and now is the
time to take a stand. We need your voice.
In social work solidarity,
The Staff and Board of Directors of NASW-AK
Photo by NASW-AK member Leigh Bolin, June, 2020 Protest in Fairbanks, Alaska