As a profession rooted in social justice, social workers must be on the forefront of addressing voter suppression. We must stand as one to protect the right to vote, clinicians and advocates alike. - Judith Wineman, SWIFTT Faculty Advisor and Lecturer

The advancement of social justice is a cornerstone of the social work profession and the Wayne State University (WSU) School of Social Work is committed to supporting this mission through efforts to mobilize and support voter engagement and registration this election season. As part of its three-pronged Social Work Votes program, the School is proud to invite the Warrior community to join us for the Fall 2020 Campaign School: Protecting the Right to Vote on Saturday, September 26, 2020.

As we enter this critical election season, communities across the country face intentional voter suppression. From county red tape to federal practices, voters face numerous obstacles to having their voices heard. As social workers we are uniquely positioned to advocate for voter participation and provide tangible ways in which individuals can support the meaningful participation in decision making which effects our communities and its members.

Developed by faculty member Judith Wineman and Andre Iadipaolo, an MSW alum and leader of The Social Work in Focus Transition Team (SWIFTT), Campaign School is open to all WSU faculty, staff and students interested in becoming politically active as a candidate, staff, volunteer and/or advocate.

I attended the MSU Campaign School in February, and hearing from political social workers was quite inspiring. Our hope is to expand on the great foundation MSW has created and further explore the subject of systemic voting issues and the discourse around political social work. Our goal is to educate and mobilize students to support voter protection. - Andre Iadipaolo, Chair of SWIFTT

Warriors interested in learning practical knowledge and action items for protecting civic engagement are encouraged to attend this free event and hear from keynote speaker Tanya Rhodes-Smith, MSW, instructor in residence and director of the Nancy A. Humphreys Institute for Political Social Work, who will address the many forms of voter suppression and the advocacy role of social work in protecting the vote. Campaign School will also feature an Election Protection Panel and an in-depth discussion of the documentary Rigged: The Voter Suppression Playbook. Attendees are asked to view the free film prior to Campaign School.

For additional details on the WSU Fall 2020 Campaign School scheduled for September 26, 2020 from 10 am - 2 pm on Zoom, visit the WSU Event Calendar.

For additional information on SW Votes or Campaign School visit our SW Votes website or contact Andre Iadipaolo at andre.iadipaolo@wayne.edu.