Community Organizers Fight Back

Here is a site on community organizing, Community Organizers Fight Back, that was created in response to the Republican's attack on the services of individuals working through grass roots, volunteering and community service. Although this site was created in response to Gov. Sarah Palin, I think the message of what community organizing is about and its importance far reaches political lines. Regardless of whether it is Republicans, ignorance, or apathy that cause others to look poorly on individuals coming together to make a change, community organizing is at the root of all of our communities.

"Organizers knock on doors, attend community meetings, visit churches and synagogues and mosques, and work with unions and civic groups and block associations to help ordinary people build power and counter the influence of self-interested insiders and highly paid lobbyists at all levels of government."
-Community Organizers Fight Back

In the News/Current Events

Social Workers Respond to Gov. Palin's Attack on Community Organizers
from the NASW

The National Association of Social Workers was outraged to hear Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, one of the nation’s vice-presidential candidates, malign in a live international broadcast the work of community organizers.

The social work profession takes great pride in its community organizing roots and lauds the contributions of its members, and other professionals, who commit their careers to helping residents of different communities organize their resources and take social action to improve life for themselves and their families. Small town reformers and urban community organizers have much in common.

The concepts of community organizing, community building and community development undergird the premise of American democracy. As a result of these efforts, institutions and officials often deliver more effective economic growth strategies, as well as mental health, health, and family services for people of all ages.

Community organizing is also the foundation of most successful political campaigns. Meeting fellow Americans in their communities and working with them to find solutions to problems that limit their potential is valuable and necessary work—with significant responsibilities.

The profession of social work was founded on the legacy of outstanding women leaders such as Nobel Laureate Jane Addams, who practiced community organizing in the Settlement Houses she created for the poor and working class immigrants of Chicago. The profession also counts Civil Rights icons such as Dr. Dorothy I. Height among its luminaries. It is fitting that both women are considered two of the most influential people in American history, and are inspirations for many of our country’s finest leaders.

During this election year, NASW encourages both parties to stay focused on issues of substance to the American people. We hope that instead of denigrating the lives and work of huge segments of the population, candidates will demonstrate how their plans for the country will protect and elevate the quality of life for all Americans.

Welcome!

Volkswagen in German is translated to, "the folk's wagon" or the people's car. Volkswagen Driving Social Worker is just that, a people's car driving people-person in a person-centered profession.

This blog is a collection of experiences, thoughts, discussion, ethical dilemmas, and advice that I have have gleaned from my own experiences driving around in my VW as a social work case manager as well as experiences from other social workers, tried and true.

Please feel free to comment and add your own experiences! I would love to get more social workers involved, making this people-person space a place where we can share our experiences, while still being HIPAA compliant and protecting the individuals we serve.

All blogs and stories are based on experiences, however names, identifying features and information have been changed so that others can learn from these experiences while protecting the clients and consumers we work for.