CivicPlus’ Post

Democracy depends on civic engagement. Nurses: consider this opportunity to contribute to democracy.

So, it's today! Poll Worker Recruitment Day! Poll workers help elections in your community run smoothly by keeping polling locations open, ensuring technology works, and helping voters who may need additional support at the polls.    We encourage nurses to consider signing up to be a poll worker. https://lnkd.in/d2JfScd3   When you sign up, Power the Polls will direct you to the official poll worker application for your local jurisdiction. Encourage your family as well! A great way for young people (as young as 16 in some jurisdictions) to be introduced to civic engagement.

Vibrant local unions and progressive social movements don’t just happen. They are planned for and worked on by people like you - members who care about our union’s future; members who care about what kind of future we want for all working families. Member participation is one of the most important keys to building a successful organization. Every UAW member in good standing has the right to be involved with their union. Whether you’re an elected leader or a brand-new member, we encourage you to get involved. One way to make a difference in our union is through standing committees. A standing committee is a group of UAW members who meet regularly to work on a specific issue that effects our members and our communities. Article 44 of the UAW Constitution requires each local union to establish eleven local union committees. These committees have defined functions. The required committees are: Citizenship and Legislative (CAP), Civil and Human Rights, Community Services, Consumer Affairs, Conservation and Recreation, Constitution and Bylaws, Education, Organizing, Union Label, Veteran, and Women’s. Through the years, the #UAW has been able to win some of the highest quality benefits and improvements to the health and safety of members on and off the job. It’s important to remember that these victories were only possible because UAW members were willing to stand together in solidarity with one another until employers were forced to treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve. No benefit that the UAW has ever won was given to us by the boss out of the goodness of their heart. Only through building worker power and collective action to take on employers were any of these benefits possible. ➡️ Read more about how to get involved in the #UAW New Member Magazine: https://ow.ly/7xwz50QAM2K #StandUpUAW #Solidarity

Vibrant local unions and progressive social movements don’t just happen. They are planned for and worked on by people like you - members who care about our union’s future; members who care about what kind of future we want for all working families. Member participation is one of the most important keys to building a successful organization. Every UAW member in good standing has the right to be involved with their union. Whether you’re an elected leader or a brand-new member, we encourage you to get involved. One way to make a difference in our union is through standing committees. A standing committee is a group of UAW members who meet regularly to work on a specific issue that effects our members and our communities. Article 44 of the UAW Constitution requires each local union to establish eleven local union committees. These committees have defined functions. The required committees are: Citizenship and Legislative (CAP), Civil and Human Rights, Community Services, Consumer Affairs, Conservation and Recreation, Constitution and Bylaws, Education, Organizing, Union Label, Veteran, and Women’s. Through the years, the #UAW has been able to win some of the highest quality benefits and improvements to the health and safety of members on and off the job. It’s important to remember that these victories were only possible because UAW members were willing to stand together in solidarity with one another until employers were forced to treat them with the dignity and respect they deserve. No benefit that the UAW has ever won was given to us by the boss out of the goodness of their heart. Only through building worker power and collective action to take on employers were any of these benefits possible. ➡️ Read more about how to get involved in the #UAW New Member Magazine: https://ow.ly/7xwz50QAM2K #StandUpUAW #Solidarity

Ticking a box once every five years is exciting and all, but the General Election is not the only way to exercise your power as a citizen. Here are five other ways to influence the decisions which affect your life, every day: 🤑 Vote with your money: where and who you spend your money with affects where wealth flows, who wins and who loses. So where you can, spend more of your money with social enterprises, community businesses and cooperatives. These businesses are often owned and run by members, prioritizing community needs and sustainable practices over profit. 📢 Make your voice heard: whilst Citizens Assemblies in the UK don't quite yet have the same influence as in other countries, they are a great way to discuss and make recommendations on important issues alongside people you may not otherwise associate with. In an age of political polarisation and culture wars, assemblies are proven to foster more inclusive and informed decision-making. 🤝 Join a union: Unions play a crucial role in advocating for workers' rights, fair wages, and safe working conditions, giving employees a collective voice to influence workplace policies. 💪 Get involved in your local community: By working together, communities can identify problems, develop strategies, and take collective action to bring about positive change. There are thousands of voluntary and community organisations, not to mention community organisers, waiting for you. 🏛 Engage with Local Government: You don't have to become a councillor, school governor or magistrate, though these are all options. Simply attending local council meetings or planning sessions is enough to ensure you can voice your opinions on community issues, propose solutions, and stay informed about decisions that impact your area. I've provided links to resources for each of these in the comments below. Because the best thing about all of these is you don't need to wait for soneone else to fire the starting gun. #generalelection #democracy #localgovernment #communitydevelopment

With less than a month until the General Election, here’s a brief overview of what major political parties are proposing within party manifestos: 🔵 Conservatives: Focus on a cap on care costs, workforce reforms, and a multi-year funding settlement for local authorities 🔴 Labour: Envisions a National Care Service and Fair Pay Agreements, emphasising independence and community engagement 🟡 Liberal Democrats: Promises free personal care, support for the care workforce, and the integration of technology in care services 🟢 Greens: Proposes a £20 billion annual investment, support for overseas workers, and enhanced disability benefits These manifestos reflect diverse strategies and priorities - what are your thoughts on the most effective approach for supporting social care? 💬 #SocialCare #GeneralElection

The NASW should not engage in partisan politics. The organization's current approach of endorsing Democrats, regurgitating their talking points, and refusing to critically evaluate the actions of these politicians is deeply concerning. Where is the critical voice when the U.S. government is funding global conflicts, perpetuating dishonesty, and contributing to political corruption? As social workers, we are tasked with promoting justice and equity, not serving as a mouthpiece for any political party. According to the NASW Code of Ethics, social workers are required to promote conditions that respect cultural and social diversity both within the U.S. and globally. This includes advocating for policies that prevent domination, exploitation, and discrimination in all its forms—whether it's based on race, national origin, political belief, or any other characteristic. How can we, in good conscience, support an administration that perpetuates global violence and oppression? By endorsing Harris without critical reflection, NASW fails to uphold its ethical responsibility to challenge systems of injustice, as outlined in Section 6.04 of our Code of Ethics. We need the courage to do more than support the status quo. It's time to truly live up to our ethical obligations and demand policies that reflect the dignity and worth of all people—not just the ones our chosen political party deems important. Let's not shy away from holding all leaders accountable, no matter their affiliation. I call on all social workers to reject the NASW's partisanship and instead join the revolutionary social work movement. We must embody the true spirit of our profession by standing against injustice in all its forms, regardless of which political party is responsible. It’s time for us to take back the integrity of social work and fight for a world that reflects our core values of social justice, equity, and human dignity.

🌟 Championing Neurodiversity and Disability Rights: Breaking Down Ableism 🌟 In our pursuit of an inclusive society, it’s crucial to confront ableism—the deeply ingrained biases and stereotypes that perpetuate discrimination against neurodivergent and disabled individuals. As professionals, we have a responsibility to recognise and dismantle these harmful tendencies. Let’s explore how we can create a more equitable workplace and world: Awareness and Education: Start by educating ourselves and our colleagues. Understand that neurodiversity is not a deviation from the norm; it’s a beautiful variation that enriches our collective experience. Recognise that disability is a part of the human condition, not a flaw. Language Matters: Words have immense power. Avoid using derogatory terms or reinforcing negative stereotypes. Instead, choose language that uplifts and respects all abilities. Remember that our words shape perceptions and attitudes. Accommodations and Accessibility: Advocate for workplace accommodations that empower neurodivergent and disabled colleagues. Whether it’s flexible work hours, assistive technology, or physical modifications, these adjustments foster productivity and well-being. Leadership Commitment: Organisations must lead by example. Ensure that diversity and inclusion initiatives explicitly address neurodiversity and disability. Encourage leadership to actively participate in awareness campaigns and training. Empathy and Allyship: Put yourself in the shoes of others. Understand the challenges faced by neurodivergent and disabled individuals. Be an ally—listen, learn, and amplify their voices. Celebrate their achievements and contributions. Recruitment and Retention: Evaluate hiring practices to ensure they are inclusive. Seek out diverse talent pools, and recognise that skills and potential come in various forms. Retain employees by fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Intersectionality: Remember that identities intersect. Some individuals may face multiple forms of discrimination. Acknowledge the unique experiences of disabled people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from different socioeconomic backgrounds. Advocacy Beyond the Workplace: Extend your commitment to disability rights beyond office walls. Support legislation, community initiatives, and organisations that champion accessibility, equal opportunities, and social justice. Challenge Stereotypes: Break down preconceived notions. Neurodivergent and disabled individuals are not burdens; they are resilient, creative, and capable contributors. Celebrate their strengths and talents. Lead by Example: As professionals, we have the power to shift cultural norms. Model empathy, kindness, and respect. Be an advocate for change within your network and industry. Remember, recognising neurodiversity and disability rights benefits us all. #NeurodiversityMatters #DisabilityRights #InclusionMatters #EndAbleism

Day one of the NIB/NAEPB Public Policy Forum is officially a wrap! Our Advocates spent today gearing up to be powerful voices for championing employment growth for Wednesday's meetings on Capitol Hill. Stay tuned for more #ChampionEmploymentGrowth updates! #NIBadvocacy #NIBworkforce #EmpowerEmployment #DisabilityAdvocacy

❓ What do you want from the next government in relation to social care? In the days leading up to the election, we share the voices of the social care workforce, and what they would like from the next government. ⬇ Comment below - What would you like to see? ⬇ #socialcare #generalelection #socialcareworkforce