Social Workers Respond to Gov. Sarah Palin’s Attack on Community Organizers

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.

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128 Responses to “Social Workers Respond to Gov. Sarah Palin’s Attack on Community Organizers”

  1. Lydia Meyers Says:
    September 4th, 2008 at 4:51 pm

    Thank you for this response. I was personally outraged. Sarah Palin wouldn’t have the right to vote if it hadn’t been for community organizing.

  2. Paul Tran Says:
    September 4th, 2008 at 5:25 pm

    Aloha,
    I was wondering if we can get a petition requesting an apology from Gov. Palin to send out to the press with our signature on it.
    here is my humble unedited suggestion- feel free to edit…

    “I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a ‘community organizer,’ except that you have actual responsibilities.”
    Gov. Palin

    Dear Governor Palin,
    As a community organizer and a social worker, I would like to send a simple message to you. Congratulation Gov. Palin, your “straight talk” last night was well received at the RNC convention. We as community organizers would like to share a “straight talk” with you regarding community organizing. I’m sure you are fully aware of the responsibilities a community organizer has and since you are a person of “character” with “moral” and “strong values” we ask that you “walk your talk” and apologize for misrepresenting us on national television. A “straight talking” person will own up to her mistake and do the “responsible,” “ethical,” and ”honorable” thing. Apologize with dignity. We look forward to your apology on national television.

    Paul Tuan Tran, MSW Honolulu, Hawai’i

  3. Jessica Says:
    September 4th, 2008 at 5:28 pm

    I think this is a bit much. I don’t think she thinks community organizers are some how inferior. Her point was, IMO, that Barack is not some how magically qualified to be president because he has been a community organizer.

    Im sure it was frustrating to her that people were and are saying that her experience as a governor/mayor/City Council Member etc etc… is lacking but that Barack’s experience as a community organizer is more of a qualification than her experience to date. Cant you see where she is coming from??????

    She was attacking the press that had been attacking her all week saying she doesn’t have enough experience… when in reality Barack isn’t doing much better in the “experience” dept.

    I do agree that we should all be focused on the issues during this election. But sending out an official press statement about this?!?! Really? I mean c’mon NASW!

  4. Virginia Majewski Says:
    September 4th, 2008 at 5:44 pm

    I trust Ms. Palin, Mr. McCain and Mr. Giuliani will soon realize that the very changes they propose will require the efforts and skills of community organizers, whether they bear this job title or some other. I deeply appreciate the response of NASW and ask all social workers to inform those around them of the many contributions of organizers historically as well as in the present.

  5. Gary Bachman Says:
    September 4th, 2008 at 6:29 pm

    Thank you for this clear, intelligent, necessary and civil response from our National Organization. Thank you.

    Lydia Meyers: you are right on target. And you’ve made me smile. How soon we forget the struggles and accomplishments as those upon whose shoulders we stand. It was one of my BSW students that made the same point about the suffragettes in class this afternoon! (How could I have forgotten that picture of my grandmother: smiling in her finest dress and daring hat holding that shameful protest sign so shamelessly.) I’m smiling proudly. Gary B. (Kansas)

  6. Austin Says:
    September 4th, 2008 at 7:29 pm

    Awwww…come on NASW. I really think we are getting offended too easily.

  7. Fred Says:
    September 4th, 2008 at 7:57 pm

    I’m livid about what she said. An apology won’t even do as far as I’m concerned. Social workers have a long, proud tradition of community organization and they deserve to stand tall for what they have done. Ms. Palin speaks out of ignorance and she should be bothered; I suspect she’s not.

  8. Katie Clemons Says:
    September 4th, 2008 at 7:58 pm

    Governor Palin has no understanding of the need and benefit of community organizations and organizers. Such efforts reach and assist the masses of people in the community; often those who have not voice; the disenfranchised and in the greatest need of a “boot strap” to pull themselves up. Perhaps Governor Palin does not realize it was community organization and support who lifted her to the office of governor.

  9. Marianne Pettersen Says:
    September 4th, 2008 at 9:27 pm

    Ms. Palin,
    For someone who is Republican and supposedly an opponent of big government, I find it pretty lame that you would attack community organizing. That’s the usual republican excuse as to why they won’t fund important community needs - let the community take care of it!

  10. GH Says:
    September 4th, 2008 at 9:35 pm

    Thank you very much for this intelligent response.

  11. Leanne Says:
    September 4th, 2008 at 10:14 pm

    I am grateful the NASW responded to Sarah Pallin’s mockery of the community organizing profession. Community organizers work day-in and day-out with the very people and the very communities that Sarah Palin claims to want to help.

  12. penny damaskos Says:
    September 4th, 2008 at 10:25 pm

    Thank you for this statement. The comments directed at community organizing was painful and clearly another example stark of “not getting it.” Community organizers have helped millions of disenfranchised people mobilize to make a sustained impact on policy from the civil rights movement to the women’s’ movement to several “wars” against poverty and cancer.

  13. terry mizrahi Says:
    September 4th, 2008 at 10:52 pm

    I sent this letter to the NY Times. Do the same to your local print and electronic media and your elected officials. As a former NASW President, I am proud of this webpage.
    Thanks
    Terry Mizrahi
    tmizrahi@nyc.rr.com

    Dear NY Times Editor:
    Re Article: “Palin Assails Critics and Electrifies Party” September 4, 2008
    Clearly Governor Palin and former Mayor Rudy Giuliani do not understand and do not respect the work of thousands of community organizers working in myriad urban neighborhoods and rural communities across this country. Their ridicule of this noble and honorable skilled profession that Barak Obama committed himself to after college is an affront to the millions of low income and working class people who are struggling to improve their conditions and better the lives of themselves and their neighbors. Community organizers have been unknown by much of the American public and now is the time to introduce the importance of their work to the American people. It is precisely because they work at the grassroots level behind the scenes that they are invisible to the media, many politicians and much of the public. Community organizers help bring ordinary people together to collectively problem-solve and strengthen their communities. Governors have the power and authority along with the responsibility to make decisions. Community organizers must be more skilled because they must persuade and influence others through democratic processes. They work across age, gender, racial and ethnicity and party lines with skill and dedication. They assist in improving housing, health care, schools, the environment, social services with the people. They build and support local leadership and help people create the kind of organizations that give invisible people a voice in the political process. Many community organizers receive training through organizations inside and outside academia that provide the knowledge, skills and strategies to make change. Schools of Social Work across this country like mine have been providing an education in this field to thousands of committed graduate students for almost a century. They work long hours with too low pay “in the trenches” to bring people out of poverty and despair, instill hope and opportunity, and create resources. They are the glue that keeps many communities from disintegrating and falling into despair and decay. To Sarah Palin, Rudy Giuliani, and John McCain, there are many ways to serve this country, to fight injustice and inequality, and to build a secure America. We should honor the work, dedication and competence of community organizers.
    Professor Terry Mizrahi
    Chair, Community Organizing, Planning and Development Program
    Hunter College School of Social Work

  14. DeBrenna Agbenyiga Says:
    September 4th, 2008 at 11:40 pm

    Governor Palin,
    Your comments about community organizers goes against the values of this country and countires around the world that continue to grow and change because of the work of community organizers. I am proud to be a community organizer working alongside the brave on a daily basis within and outside of the US. I have learned new approaches and practices that I am pleased to share with my students as I prepare them to become global citizens and engaged community organizers. Community organizers work hard to make sure people are not left behind by policies that are created to exclude instead of including them in this growing global society. I view my work as a community organizer/educator as my service to this country–I AM PROUD TO SERVE IN THIS CAPACITY EVERYDAY. It is rather unfortunate that you see no value in our work. I encourage you read the history of this nation—you will find the brave men and women who have served as organizers to ensure that we all have an opportunity to enjoy Equal Rights & Justice.

    DeBrenna LaFa Agbenyiga
    Assistant Professor
    Sequence Chair, Organization & Community Practice
    Michigan State University School of Social Work

  15. Arcelia Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 12:55 am

    I find it interesting that McCain’s speech called for Americans to serve our country in a variety of ways, yet, the night before, Sarah Palin denigrated such work. I think citizens prefer candidates who don’t put down helping others one night, and trashing them the next. Please mark Thom Hartmann’s words: they will try to own and malign the words “community organizer” by next week. We have to speak up and not allow that to happen. Will she tell the farmers, veterans, advocates of the country that they have no responsibility? Workers getting uninsured children enrolled in health care that their work is trivial? In that case, she can tell people who are working for causes she supports that they have no relevance. That was a very poor decision for them to make such statements: it shows they are very out of touch with the struggles Americans face. It is organizers, educators, teachers, Social Workers, parents in the PTA (as she proudly touts), small business owners who received assistance from community organizations that help new entrepreneurs that make differences in people’s lives. There are community organizers who work with parents of children with special needs who do incredible work; I challenge Sarah Palin to tell them their work is without responsibility. Finally, it was women who rallied other women to fight for the right to vote, and they started in their own neighborhoods - block by block - informing and mobilizing people for civil and equal rights. Sarah Palin benefits directly from their actions, passion and COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION.

    Thank you, NASW, for this response. It was highly appropriate.

  16. Vincent Lui Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 1:43 am

    Hello,

    A petition demanding an apology from Gov. Palin is available below.

    http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/community_organizers/?r=1426&id=807-871180-stov9Xx

    If the petition has already been seen or if an official petition has already been started by NASW, simply disregard this.

    Vincent Lui
    Undergraduate Student
    University of California, Berkeley
    School of Social Welfare

  17. colleen Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 2:21 am

    I am a social worker and was totally not offended by Palin’s comment. Give me a break- everyone knows what she meant. Being a community organizer is not legitimate experience for the vice presidency. I totally support her comment and think any petition is ridiculous. I’d like a written apology from Michelle Obama stating that she’s proud of her country and of our efforts in liberating Iraq. I think every politician says things that can be interpreted as offensive, but making a remark about being a community organizer was not a personal attack on social workers and I think it is a ridiculous claim.

  18. Tara Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 3:04 am

    Of course community organizing is important. But I am disappointed that members of the social work community have so quickly negatively labeled Gov. Palin. I believe part of our calling as social workers is to be open to gaining a full understanding of a candidate’s platform as oppose to quickly becoming offended by a single comment. I would hope that NASW and other organizations would work to encourage voting and policy changes as opposed to showing biases to a particulary party. May we support necessary policies changes on behalf of our clients more then supporting any particular party.

  19. Tara Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 8:00 am

    Gov Palin was not discrediting the work of community organizers. She was stating that Obama has not had the experience she has had as a Mayor. Her point was that Mayors are responsible for a lot of different organizations, departments, etc. While “community organizers” have important jobs they don’t have to answer to thousands of people about their job.
    Why should she apoligize for what she said? She has the right to say what she wants, just as Obama does. Don’t be so sensitive, community organizers, your jobs are important, but face it, you’re not a Major or a Governor.
    Don’t turn what Palin said around, thats what the media continues to do.

  20. Jenna Daly Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 8:24 am

    I’d like to thank NASW for issuing this statement in defense of community organizing as an important and valuable skill that is vital to change. I think that our country would be well-served to have more people in leadership who have had more direct interaction with the people they hope to serve. As an organization, NASW encourages social workers to be involved in the political process – registering voters, serving on community and government committees, and, hopefully, holding office. Statements such as those of Former Mayor Giuliani and Governor Palin serve to diminish our contributions in these capacities, and perpetuate the myth that working is communities is no more than friendly visiting without, as Governor Palin alluded, responsibilities.

    In the future, I hope to see more social workers – a largely female profession – in increasingly influential political roles. I applaud NASW for defending community organizing and the idea that government leaders should start where their constituents are.

  21. John A. Riolo, PhD Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 8:33 am

    I listened to Governor Palin’s speech and I did not interpret her community organizing comment as an attack on community organizing. It was a retaliatory response (an attack if you will) to the Obama camp’s attack on her experience. In politics both sides have every right to question the experience of the opposition. It’s perfectly legitimate to compare executive experience of a governor and mayor with the legislative and community organizing experience of a senator. Didn’t she point out that being a mayor of a city is like being a community organizer? That’s a complement.

    Demanding an apology! Are we serious? Why would conservatives or republicans feel the need to apologies to any group that is so identified with the far left and who attacks them no matter whether they are right or wrong on just about everything. We have no creditability with conservatives. Ironically we don’t have much clout with democratic liberal politicians because they assume we have no where else to go.

    I do agree the last line of NASW’s statement . “NASW encourages both parties to stay focused on issues of substance to the American people.” Well, we should practice what we preach and it would help if we had a thicker skin.

  22. NASW Responds « within this strange & quickened dust Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 8:50 am

    […] and Palin and Politics tiffgreco 5:48 am Social Workers Respond to Gov. Sarah Palin’s Attack on Community Organizers […]

  23. Alice Fisher Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 10:00 am

    An appology is not what we need. We need to educate the American public on what it is we do as community organizers.

    We know what we do; we know how hard we work; we know the dedication to principles that drives us. We know how Community Organizing contributes to strengthening the social fabric of our towns and cities. It is now our obligation to make sure that the rest of America knows who we are and what we do!

  24. Arnie Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 10:12 am

    Right on!

    As a Graduate of NYU School of Social Work (Class of 72) I was a community organizing major and thank you for issuing the statement in response to the RNC’s attack on community organizers.

    Your statement that should be distributed to the media outlets (print, radio, tv, etc) in order to counter the conservative media’s assault on community organizers which echoes Palin’s statement.

    In addition, conservative talk commentators i..e Hannity and Limbauh have questioned on the air “what is a community organizer and what does a community organizer do? In addition they have implied that the writing and community organizing philosophy/strategies of Alinsky is “Marxist inspired” - there is a need for the social work profession to respond to these misleading statements.

    Perhaps NASW could prepare an op/ed article for mass distribution to the media on this issue.

    Thanks for taking a positive stance with respect to Palin’s statement.

    Arnie

    Arnold Korotkin, MSW
    Department of Sociology
    Montclair State University
    Upper Montclair, NJ 07043

  25. Sarah Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 10:23 am

    I am proud to see NASW respond to this. It is important for us to advocate for the professionalism and respect of this work.

  26. Cheryle Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 10:31 am

    It is time for community organizers to get to work! Let’s show America exactly what we are made of, and let’s elect a president by greasing the wheels of our grassroots advocacy/community organizing machines.

  27. Anna Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 11:03 am

    I too am outraged ……. at NASW! Where is the press release celebrating the fact that a woman has been chosen as a vice presidential candidate? Is she not also a role model for the women we serve and evidence of how far feminism has come? MUST A WOMAN TOE A CERTAIN PARTY LINE IN ORDER TO BE CALLED A FEMINIST? This is a college educated woman, mother of five, special needs advocate and a govenor. Regardless of whether you agree with all her positions, from the point of view of how far women have come, this achievement should be recognized officially be NASW who I thought was an advocate of all women.

  28. Eliza Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 11:08 am

    What would it take to declare September 3rd National Community Organizers’ Day? Let’s organize!

  29. Tianna Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 11:49 am

    As a Social Worker and member of NASW, I am grateful for the response from NASW to Governor Palin’s comment. For those that have commented that the response is unnecessary or out of line, I say to you—Governor Palin is running for the second highest position in our government and therefore should be more aware and considerate of the language that she uses to “retaliate” against Obama. As a member of this honorable profession, I was offended by her comment, just as I was offended that right before she denounced community organizing she poined out her PTA experience. Unless I am mistaken, the PTA is a form of community organizing. She cannot have it both ways—using her experience as a plus, but then turning around and degrading Obama’s experience. And as to the earlier comment about being proud of this one woman’s accomplishments as a symbol of how far all women have come I say this–unless that woman is trying to advance the position of all women then her accomplishment is simply her own and so far I do not feel that Palin is in fact working for the advancement of all women. I’ve included a link to an article written by one of our generation’s leading feminists, Gloria Steinem http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/sunday/commentary/la-oe-steinem4-2008sep04,0,2288253.story

  30. Elizabeth Marrero, MSW Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 12:08 pm

    I am a community organizer in Dallas and could not believe the comment from Palin when I heard it. I have plenty of “real” responsibilities and to state otherwise shows the disconnect the republican party has with “real” people struggling in this country on a daily basis.

  31. Jan Johnston Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 12:23 pm

    What seems to me most salient here is that as a public figure Ms Palin made a statement that, taken in or out of context, could be interpreted a number of ways. In Communication 101 we learn “meaning is in the person and not in the words they use”. Therefore, if communication is the linchpin holding our understanding together, we need to ascertain what she really meant here and to indicate to her regardless of her actual intention that her public words had a deleterious effect on many, many people. THEREFORE she should more carefully craft her language and she should apologize publicly for offending
    community organizers/social workers and learn that her language will be under a microscope every time she opens her mouth. If we as social workers are to be the most effective change agents and undergird the woes of our human experience, we need to operate from a place of intelligent passion and reason–as history has taught us over and over that by attempting to bridge the impossible with reason and caution we can pave a new way to understanding differences. There is always a place for outrage when it is necessary, but our roles if we are secure in them will be more effective when we act as linkages and mediators to understanding. Ms Palin has shown her lack of aptitude with her statement–it should be pointed out and she can then set her record straight or not and we will then be witness to a deeper layer of her character.

  32. Beth Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 12:24 pm

    Thank you NASW for this response to Governor Palin! I agree with the previous comment by Tianna. I do not consider Gov. Palin to be advancing the position of all women in this county. She is more of the same of the last 8 years of bad public policy that has hurt women, children, and families in this great country. I look forward to the continued debate about what is truly important to American families- not just more of the same tired backlash culture wars that Gov. Palin and Sen. McCain are espousing.

  33. Monica Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 1:22 pm

    Thank you NASW for this response! This was definitely an attack on our profession and as such, it is very appropriate for NASW to respond.

    Perhaps those who say that Palin wasn’t attacking community organizing should revisit her quote “I guess a small-town mayor is sort of like a community organizer, except that you have actual responsibilities”

    To say that this is just her disputing his qualifications is erroneous. She flat out slammed him for doing exactly what the RNC speakers were espousing - serving country, and in McCain’s own words “to serve a cause greater than himself”.

    Those who also claim this wasn’t an attack should also revisit Giuliani’s statements: “He worked as a community organizer. What?”— and then declared, “This is not a personal attack … it’s a statement of fact—Barack Obama has never led anything. Nothing. Nada.” This followed by the crowd laughing, booing, and chanting.

    Is this how people who want to lead our country rationally dispute someone’s experience? Give me a break. This was a clear cut attack on Obama and on the hundreds of thousands of individuals who are engaged in community organizing. This was completely unnecessary and it was in direct opposition to the messages and values that the RNC supposedly supports.

    Again, the NASW was right to speak out on behalf of social workers and community organizers, and more so, those we serve. If anything, we need to do more of this and more often.

  34. Anna Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 1:29 pm

    I think my point may have been lost in the politics of the situation. I myself do not agree with many of her positions however I recognize that there are many women in this country who do. When leaders such as Gloria Steinheim relegate these women to an insignificant minority they run the risk of perpetuating the very biases that have kept women from being equal members of society. Conservative women, of which there are many in this country, do support Gov. Palin. Are we really saying that if a woman disagrees with our opinion she is not a feminist? Is this not akin to Reverend Jackson saying Senator Obama isn’t black enough simply because they had differing views or approaches? To me feminism is about having the same opportunities as men and not about representing a certain party’s point of view. There is a difference in recognizing Gov. Palin’s achievement in being nominated and in endorsing her. I believe NASW should be confident enough to recognize the achievements women have made with this nomination without having to agree with her platform.

  35. Jeffrey Natalie Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 1:45 pm

    As a social worker, specifically interested in the mission of educating and activating communities to meet the needs of their children and families, I too, was insulted by Governor Palin’s remarks. I worry that politician’s have become so far removed from the people they claim to serve. I am confident that any mayor in any city would measure their words much more carefully than this. Simply, if every community organizer stopped doing their jobs; local governments would find themselves struggling against being sucked into the black hole left behind.

    No, it seems that this vice-presidential candidate felt more compelled to address what true or implied short-comings she may have, knowing that a disengenuous apology later would appease the “hurt feelings” she may have caused.

    In short, I wonder how ignorant Senator McCain and Governor Palin feel people really are?

  36. Peggy Blais Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 1:59 pm

    Oh come on - The speech was to introduce Governor Palin and she did that. The comment if you listened to Obabma’s speeches was directed to him due to his slam regarding community organizers and that her experience as mayor of Wasilla was only experience as a community organizer and therefore not comparable to experience with foreign policy “with the big boys”. She was responding and putting him down not community organizers. The social work community needs to listen to her debate and speeches over the next 60 days to understand her references, not take a sound bite and get excited. She has supported social services in Alaska and advocated for our strengthening our positions. The McCain speech writers certainly wanted her to put forth that she is not afraid to respond to the opposition and take a swipe at them, that she is a fighter.

    I agree that the future debates will certainly show her positions and policies. However, other speeches will also give more details and information of her stand on the core issues that need to be focused on in this campaign. Certainly the advancement of women and social services are important. If you want more information on Governor Palin look at the web site for Alaska Daily News or the Fronter’s Man newspapers. Thank you

  37. Julie Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 2:47 pm

    One thing to point out that is that it was not just Govenor Palin. I started watching the RNC starting with “Rudy” Giuliani’s speech and he did the same. It was not just her but a theme throughout that evening. While I agree that being a community organizer does not equate necessarily becoming the president-moving from mayor/new Govenor does not either. What was upsetting was that community organizing as a profession was actually ridiculed. It was not just an attack on Barack Obama (not exactly okay either in my opinion) but an attack on every community organizer. At no point did anyone attack what Obama did/did not do during his time as a community organizer in the specifics it was just the fact that he had been one. I would urge everyone that is commenting here to reach outside the NASW community and to do as I and several others have done which is to write a letter to the editor saying this is not acceptable. If Republicans (or ones that were at the convention anyway) can get away with attacking community organizing-it will make it that much harder for organizers to do the job they have always done-challange the status quo.

  38. Renea Forde Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 3:04 pm

    Thank you, NASW, for your quick and thoughtful response to this atrocity that is Sarah Palin.

    Some may say that those offended are too sensitive, and that that comment was meant for Barack Obama, and not us as community organizers. However, Ms. Palin’s statement was not made towards her opposing candidate, but toward a profession which supposedly lacks responsibilities.

    I am very proud that a woman has become a Vice Presidential Candidate, but apparently she is not, as she discredited the work of community organizers and suffragists who worked tirelessly to give women the right to vote and hold elected offices.

    Her speech, as well as many other RNC speeches, devalued many Americans, and still did not tell us why they have what it takes to run this country. Community Organizing is not the only accomplishment Barack Obama has, and it is is certainly not one that we should be embarrassed by. As a future community organizers I will be damned if someone tells me that I do not have what it takes to lead a nation SIMPLY because I am a social worker and community organizer! This is a disrespectful comment, and would have been just the same if a DEM had made it!

  39. Keeja Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 3:15 pm

    I have been irritated (and amused by) with the McCain campaign since they started showing how disconnected they are from the “real people” in our country. First with the comments about the middle class being anyone making less than $5 million a year, or the fact that he couldn’t recall how many houses he owns. Now an anti-choice, pro-big-oil & drilling governor (for not even 2 years following her prior career as a mayor of a town as big as the rural area I grew up in) has been brought in as, apparently, an attack dog. I expected the Republicans to attack the Democratic party…but to attack community organizers as a whole, just because Obama was one, is ridiculous, and, to me, continues to show the nation how disconnected many of the Republicans have become from the rest of the world.
    I would like an apology from Palin, but, sadly, I don’t think it would change anything since it wouldn’t be sincere.
    I hope, for their own sake, that the Republicans can figure out what “changes” they would like to make before the debates, because I think I’ve had about enough of the sludge the politicians have been throwing around already…I’m ready to hear about the issues that our country is facing, and how the candidates propose to do something about them! I’m graduating this next year as a social worker, and I’m ready to start some real change for the people in our country and all across the world!

  40. Virginia Parks Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 4:21 pm

    Kudos to NASW for its swift response to Gov. Palin’s off-base portrayal of community organizers and the hard work they do, day in and day out, to further our proud tradition of democracy, civic participation, and change in America. I began my career as a community organizer, and I have yet to experience a day in my current life as an academic with more responsibilities than I juggled when working full-time as an organizer. Community organizers bear enormous responsibilities, not the least of which is making sure that people’s voices are heard by politicians—locally and nationally. Community organizers work for everyday folks who want to make change in their neighborhoods, their towns and cities, and their country. That’s a huge responsibility. And isn’t that the key promise Gov. Palin made to America last Wednesday evening—to work for the people? Thanks, NASW, for reminding Gov. Palin that her promise is exactly what community organizers already do everyday, in their communities, out of the limelight of big conventions and too often without applause.

    Virginia Parks, PhD
    Assistant Professor
    School of Social Service Administration
    University of Chicago

  41. Beth Gunzel Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 4:28 pm

    I did not think that the after Giuliani’s speech the rhetoric would get any more condescending or insulting but regretfully it did. Governor Sarah Palin, upon her first introduction to the nation, submitted to her speech writer’s will and used a series of strategies to withhold a presentation about more serious and pertinent issues. The most offensive move was her disregard for community organizers and a gross misinterpretation of their significant tasks and contributions. It’s shocking to witness the disconnection she has not only with everyday people but with her own self! Or better said she’s so alienated she doesn’t even recognize her great fallacy in that she couldn’t have become a mayor or a governor if it were not for the imagination and dedication of community organizers. I am concerned with these types of thought processes that are guiding the McCain/Palin campaign. They are now piggybacking on the change fervor achieved by the Obama/Biden campaign while simultaneously disregarding and undermining those most fundamental to achieving social, economic, and political change; community organizers. Advocating change and then inhibiting the mechanisms for this change is a paradox McCain and Palin cannot reconcile. I have to admit I have been greatly disturbed by the Palin comments and the McCain/Palin strategies in general but I have decided to invest this energy in championing the cause of Obama/Biden and getting more active in my community.

  42. Arthur Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 4:39 pm

    Why are so many people demanding an apology? The first amendment guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression. An apology changes nothing. What you should be saying is, “I disagree with what you say, but you have every right as an American to say your beliefs.” Problems can only be solved by beginning with intelligent discourse. If you go all dogmatic on someone, shutting off debate by getting offended and demanding an apology, instead of respectfully stating your own views in response, then no agreement or compromise can ever occur.

  43. Alexandra Hulten Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 5:03 pm

    I was outraged by Palin’s remark on how she was ‘like a community organizer, but actually did something…’ This was an extremely insulting and denigrating statement towards all community organizers, not just Barack Obama, as a few commenting on this site seem to believe. I am confused at how someone in the social work field would not be insulted by her comment; it was a slap in the face to our profession. I am glad NASW published a response condemning her statement; in fact, I would have been completely disgusted at NASW if they had not done so. NASW is an organization that stands to support and protect social workers (including community organizers); therefore they have the responsibility to stand-up to this attack by Palin (or anyone else for that matter). Those commenters who feel otherwise might need to re-evaluate what they believe NASW stands for.

  44. Melissa Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 5:12 pm

    As a newly minted master’s of social work candidate, I was outraged. It is none of her business making those comments. Govenor’s and social work community organizers can be compared, but she drew too big a leap. Organizing is WHAT makes a community better itself no matter how you look at it. The difference Gov. Palin is talking about is a political one. I’m suprised and this campaign wants to reposition itself and break-away from politics-as-usual Republicans? I don’t think so. Everyone who lives, breathes, works in a community should be OUTRAGED! Don’t get me started on my rant with her and women…that is not worth my breath. Too many blogs, since her nomination, have exposed what women think about Gov. Palin.

  45. Melissa Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 5:17 pm

    Arthur has it half right, we can certainly agree to disagree. This is what social work is supposed to move us towards. But we have call her on her bluff. — This is what sparks great debate! — Even though it was a way of comparing herself to Obama, we need to remember each profession has a distinct function in society and all serve in some way.

  46. Melanie Mark, LSW Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 6:07 pm

    Thank you NASW for the quick response to Governor Palin’s comments, As a community organizer and community relations specialist I too was appalled at the comments that were made belittling my expertise. My first job after graduate school was assisting ordinary citizens with organizing human relations coalitions to respond to hate crimes within the community. In addition I am a certified race relations trainer who trains government leaders, law enforcement professionals, educators, students, mental health professionals across the racial and community divide to help create an ongoing dialogue within communities, and to hopefully make each community a better place to live. If it wasn’t for what I and so many others like me do day in and day out, people within the communities I serve would not be motivated to advocate and discuss issues that continue to affect them. Perhaps Governor Palin would benefit from one of my training sessions with citizens from across the state of Alaska ! It might just open her eyes to how important community organizers really are.

  47. Dale Shank Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 6:58 pm

    I think everyone that is using this to attack Gov. Palin is dead wrong. I think also that everyone saying she was somehow attacking ALL community organizers is dead wrong. Come on people, get real.

    It was obvious to me and everyone I’ve talked to that she was going after Obama’s experience. THrough her speach she called Americans to SERVE through community service, she even compared being a mayor to being a community organizer.

    A mayor has to answer to the voters, community service and community organizers don’t answer to voters.

    I think this was taken totally out of context, just like Obama’s staff has taken many things out of context, and made them something THEY ARE NOT, about not just Palin, but all of their adversaries throughout the primary and the last many months.

    I’m sorry, but being a mayor and governor is much different than being a community organizer. There IS MUCH MORE RESPONSIBILITY, along with MUCH MORE ACCOUNTABILITY, than a community organizer.

    I had no issue with most of the article, mostly just the headline… which in my opinion is totally FALSE and WRONG. I believe that Palin knows exactly how IMPORTANT community organizers are, she’s been one herself, whether you all want to admit it or not. She’s also done much more as a Mayor and Governor.

    I don’t see anything wrong with what Governor Palin said, I see SERIOUS problems with everyone that’s wanting to make it something other than what it was. For those of you that are so riled up about it, I think maybe you need to examine your own emotions, and pinpoint where that anger is coming from. I’m really not understaning how you think she malined or attacked community organizers in what she said. She was going after Barack Obama for touting his community organizing activities as being the same or better than being a Mayor or Governor…

  48. Susan Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 7:26 pm

    Oh geeze…I am really surprised to see a group of license (hopefully) group of people are so easily offended by the Governor’s statement…and taken it so far out of context. Thanks Jessica…you said it so well! She wasn’t down playing what we do and other within our communities…she was questioning the news media overpowering the Gov. with her so call lack of experience to little ole OBAMA’s service….
    I am appalled this group are such whiners and complainers over this …I mean…haven’t we wanted a woman up there…well Hillary screwed that up…now it is this Governor’s time…in less than a week ya’ll already tearing her down…
    I wonder…are we showing the world our ignorance and quick jumping to accusations ….
    Just the same….funny only one part is talked about…are yall that closed minded…
    NOT ALL WOMEN ARE AGAINST HER…
    JUST THOSE TOO CLOSED MINDED AND JUDGEMENTAL….
    YOU KNOW ….SOCIAL WORKERS LOL…

  49. Jessica Grimes Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 7:54 pm

    As a LMSW, I think that people getting all bent out of shape on here is ridiculous. Ya know, as a member of NASW, I am soooo tried on NASW being soooo tied to one party. Trust me, there are many NASW members that see things quite differently.

  50. Paul Tran Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 8:19 pm

    Arthur, Jessica, Austin
    Yes, what is the big deal? we as social workers should not be so uptight…first amendment guarantee freedom of speech- and intelligent discourse can solve differences- this is all base on the assumption that the person who delivered the speech agreed to the same rule…i can understand that logic if it is your “average” joe or jane not representing their agencies sharing their opinion, however this is Gov. Palin an “elected official” from the “people” making a negative comments about a profession on national television intentionally or not, and not having to be accountable to it and using freedom of speech to explain it away, wow…I guess Orwellian logics live on…

  51. Erin Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 8:47 pm

    I am not a community organizer, but I think the response from NASW is completely valid-good for you guys! The Republicans chose to patronize and insult the other party instead of presenting legit policies, and being authentic in their approach. They contradicted themselves, and told flat out lies! We do not need sarcasm and wit in our candidates (although personally I think insulting such a selfless profession as community organizer is not in the category of wit, it’s downright tacky). We need someone who has a bit of diplomacy, class, and cares about the task at hand (helping our country heal from the mess that has been made), rather making jokes that compare women to dogs with lipstick (really?) and insulting a man with an honorable profession. Palin resorted to behaviors of a high school girl, and dug herself some holes while she was at it. Yikes.

  52. Darnell Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 8:55 pm

    To all outraged by Gov. Palin’s remark? Get outraged. Do what you do best: Organize!

    For those who did not appreciate her comment, but do not want to be so active about it, dissent with your vote.

    To those who think organizers are overreacting, consider the following:

    Gov. Palin has nothing to gain and everything to lose by directly attacking organizers; however, Palin could have made a much clearer attack on Obama without leaving an entire profession to interpret these statements in such a way. She could have honored the role of a community organizer while attacking his record. It is a subtle nuance, but one that would not have offended community organizers. Obama attached McCain without offending those in the military.

    Obama said how heroic John McCain was during his military service and during his years in captivity, while attacking McCain’s record without disrespecting his sense of patriotism. Obama knows he would lose the military vote if he hadn’t. Even McCain knows this. He was nuanced enough to run an ad after the DNC congratulating Obama for the historical significance of his candidacy. That is smart politics.

    Whether she meant to or not, she has offended the wrong group of people. So I say demand an apology. Write letters to the editor in your local papers, and organize rallies. Speak out at the voting booth. Think this is splitting hairs? Read this interesting article on campaign gaffes throughout several campaigns in America. http://www.washingtonian.com/articles/people/5172.html

  53. Liz, LMSW Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 9:42 pm

    Wow! I cannot believe the NASW is attacking a woman with Gov. Palin’s credibility. I thought we operated from a strengths based perspective? Did you not see what the Republican party represents? A war hero who gave and gave to his country, with a wife who started her life as a special needs teacher and continued to help those in need, a vice presidential candidate that is a WOMAN and has a huge approval rating in her own state!!! I bet the NASW wouldn’t be attacking her if she was Obama’s running mate…

  54. Tracy Soska Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 10:19 pm

    Listening to Governor Sarah Palin and Mr. Rudy Guliani at the Republican Convention deride Barack Obama’s background as a “community organizer” as less than valued work, seemed both smug and ignorant of this important and skilled profession. They demean the thousands of brave and trusted community organizers who serve, often for very meager wages, to ensure that citizens at our grassroots have a voice and role in decisions and issues that affect their lives, their communities, and our country.

    Whether they are working to revitalize distressed neighborhoods, reduce crime and violence, clean-up environmental hazards, reclaim vacant property, prevent predatory lending practices, support rural cooperatives to aid farm families, ensure coordination of disaster assistance, engage youth in positive community activities, or conduct voter registration campaigns to reconnect citizens to our political process and more, community organizers are at the heart of our American democracy.

    The legacy of community organizing is a vital one in America from Jane Addams and others in the Settlement House movement who organized citizens to press elected officials to address squalid urban conditions to Progressive Era organizers who campaigned for eliminating harsh child labor and for fair labor practices. Brave organizers struggled to gain women’s right to vote and run for political office. Civil Rights in America didn’t just happen; many community organizers risked more than just political insults and civil ignorance to gain true political and social parity for people of all races in America. Today, community organizers working in our distressed neighborhoods bring together diverse interest around common agendas to rebuild houses, businesses, and jobs to improve the quality of life, especially for the neediest among us. That is community organizing.

    Meaningful change doesn’t just happen, and it certainly doesn’t just come from our elected leaders. Change comes from a concerned and empowered citizenry that makes itself heard and holds its leaders accountable. As I surprisingly heard one politician state recently, “It’s not about me…it’s about you…you are the change.”

    Perhaps had Mr. Guiliani looked more ably, he would have recognized the community organizers working behind the scenes to build stronger and safer neighborhoods as cornerstones for a more secure homeland, as well as to help communities respond to many disasters. Maybe if Governor Palin had vetted her speech more, she could have underscored that the rights of and opportunities for our disabled children and citizens have long been a focal point of community organizers and parent activists who took it upon themselves to organize and learn how to organize to effectively gain access to resources and social inclusion, as well as to build strong national and local organizations to sustain this work. Instead, in their ignorance, they smugly disparaged the importance of those working behind the scenes to effect the real changes that citizens at the grassroots get tired and frustrated of waiting for their politicians to deliver.

    Community organizing is part and parcel of the unique American democratic ability to help citizens to organize and respond to problems and issues in their communities and society. As an educator of community organizers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work and as chair of the Association for Community Organization and Social Administration that represents community organization educators and practitioners in America and internationally, one thing I have learned about community organizers is that through their experience and skills, over time, they often become outstanding leaders. That is because of the very skills it takes to be an effective community organizer. Among these skills are the abilities to:
    • listen to and involve citizenry on issues affecting them;
    • bridge differences to develop common visions and action plans;
    • mobilize resources – most importantly, people – to work on common agendas;
    • promote citizen participation and social inclusion using democratic processes;
    • build and lead organizations to sustain community initiatives at local, state, and national levels;
    • teach others to lead and organize by sharing knowledge and skills to build community capacity for citizens to help themselves;
    • be accountable to the community and its citizenry so as to earn their trust and show mutual respect.

    Now that’s a pretty impressive resume. Community Organizers…stand up, be proud and speak out.

    Tracy M. Soska, Chair,
    Association for Community Organization and Social Administration
    http://www.acosa.org
    tsssw@pitt.edu
    412-580-2317

  55. Geral Anastasia LSW Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 10:21 pm

    I did not take offense to Gov. Palins comments. She is responding only after attacks of her being a mayor of a small town in an attempt to show she has a lack of responsibility to be vice president.

  56. Patrece Washington Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 10:30 pm

    I watched the GOP convention & was very offended by Palin’s comment that the difference between her job as mayor and Obama’s as a community organizer was that she had actual responsibility. Well, I think that she failed to acknowledge other differences that the American people might appreciate such as the fact that regardless how small her hometown was that she couldn’t possibly connect with the people & their needs to the extent that community organizers do. The Republican’s continous dismissal of Obama’s experience as a community organizer in Chicago, one of the largest, most diverse cities in our country seriously troubles me. When she compared herself to a bull dog, she was right on target because she was constantly on the attack. Her speech, IMO lacked substance and failed to address the needs of the American people. Her experience as mayor and first term that is yet to be completed as governor of a small state that while apart of the US has vastly different needs does not compare to Obama’s experience as a community organizer, state senator, and current US Senator. Community organizers are intimately aware of the issues that concern families: jobs, housing, economic issues, etc. Yes, mayors have to answer to voters but community organizers are responsive to the needs of people, too. Of course, it is all politics. . .as usual.

  57. Jason Thompson Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 11:47 pm

    thank you for this response. I was very offended by her comments, and even more so by the audience that laughed.

  58. Linda S Says:
    September 5th, 2008 at 11:57 pm

    I agree with Susan, Jessica, and Paul, and Dale, I think the NASW should take a poll or survey and then print the results and send emails with facts to NASW members, ….not emails that assume all members think the same…. shame on you that you made such a statement about all the members of the NASW.

  59. Andi Says:
    September 6th, 2008 at 1:19 am

    Thank you NASW! I was livid when I heard both Gov Palin the Guiliani’s disparaging remarks about community organizers and the RNC laughing. I understand Gov Palin is suposed to attack Senator Obama. But her dismissal of the role of community organizers was not an attack of Obama alone. The two cannot be separated. Palin continued to disparage community organizers while campaigning today.

  60. Jessica McCallister Says:
    September 6th, 2008 at 2:20 am

    I have never heard of the responsibility term “community organizer” and personally did not take offense to this the other night. When I think of “community organizer” I think of “coordinator” instead. It doesn’t really make much sense to me that one person would be responsible for ‘organizing’ a ‘community’ ?? Is this just something that I am not understanding or maybe am just not seeing this terminology in my region much.

    I have seen where a “coordinator” has been used quite frequently and the responsibility that comes with ANY coordinating position is vast, expansive, and inclusive. But, an organizer, IMO, would be more on the lines of simplistic, standard, and regimented. I dunno…it’s late and I’m sleepy. But, my point is, I did not take offense to Palin’s statement, and frankly I don’t care what she says because none of these politicians even write their own speeches anyways. It’s sad that their comments are fabricated from professional speech writers that do their best to convey pertinent information, but really…this dosen’t mean much to me.

    My goal is to work as hard as I can at the local level in my community to enhance and work with as much as there is available here. My clients, family, and friends work around policy, within peramiters of frustration and change, and grow through experiencing distress. I know my work is well appreciated and that encourages me to vote for my clients! Not Palin!

  61. Vivian S Says:
    September 6th, 2008 at 6:53 am

    Mrs. Palin,
    THIS social worker has news for you! Jesus Christ was a “Community Organizer”, Pontius Pilot was a “Governer”.

    Personally, how dare you say ‘we” don’t have responsibility!. You have just come to a gunfight with a knife.

  62. Janel D. Says:
    September 6th, 2008 at 8:33 am

    Thank you, NASW. I agree with your response and am thankful for it. Although I understand that Sarah Palin is trying to defend her lack of experience by putting down someone that also doesn’t have the most experience, she should know better than to insult an entire profession of people. The comment was highly offensive and deserves your response in defense of one the hardest working types of social work performed by our colleagues.

  63. Joe Says:
    September 6th, 2008 at 9:45 am

    I am confused that anyone could deny Palin was mocking community organizing. Her words were clear–that community organizers don’t have “actual responsibilities,” as if the work done is somehow easy, without substance or importance. The implication is the community organizer doesn’t have strong accountability to the people they work with, almost as though organizing was some sort of frivolous activity. No matter your party affiliation, this statement is absurd. True, she was mocking Barack Obama, but she used organizing as the punch line to do it, denigrating good people in the process.

  64. David Rissmeyer Says:
    September 6th, 2008 at 11:03 am

    Having reviewed many of the comments, I’d like to both thank/praise our professional association for defending its members and clarifying the meaning of one of our profession’s primary practice specialties. I also wish to add to those who have pointed out the RNC’s hypocrisy and refute those who wish to honor their choice of a woman as the vice presidential candidate. Choosing Sara Palin seems to me to be analogous to the choice of Clarence Thomas for the Supreme Court. They are both tokens that have been put into the spotlight to refute the fact that the Republican party is a male WASP rich men’s club. The Republican leaders hide behind the curtains (e.g. Rove) and script their token representatives to draw unsophisticated followers into voting against their own best interests. Finally, I wish to point out that the negative, character assassination style of campaigning works. That’s how Bush beat out McCain in 2000 and the Republicans have won the last two general elections. I truly hope that Obama’s style of maintaining calm and speaking matter-of-factly to the American Public will win out over the emotionally laden rhetoric of the Republicans.

  65. Melissa Says:
    September 6th, 2008 at 11:06 am

    I agree with Jessica - I seriously doubt she was lumping social workers with “community organizers”. It was a dig at the media’s implication that she is not experienced enough. As a mother of 5, I’m sure she is aware of the importance of community organizers. I think we are making way too much out of this. There are much bigger issues that we could be focusing our efforts on, such as the government’s ability to provide us with the necessary tools to “empower” our clients, not “enable” them.

  66. Jamie Says:
    September 6th, 2008 at 3:06 pm

    I concur with Linda, Susan, Jessica, Paul and Dale as well. NASW needs to recognize that there is political diversity among our membership. We can be committed social workers and be members of different political persuasions. NASW should not practice partisan politics. We harm our chances to collaborate, advocate and be taken seriously when we align ourselves with only one party. In addition, its a bit presumptuous of NASW to think it fairly represents its membership when it issues press releases with a partisan overtone. I for one, am a Republican so NASW’s political viewpoints rarely coincide with mine. I guess I’ll have to go get a McCain/Palin bumper sticker so my voice can be heard. Better yet, how about starting a new organization….Social Workers for McCain/Palin.

  67. Cynthia Schmitt Says:
    September 6th, 2008 at 5:45 pm

    I agree totally with David R. Do you really think they “Republicans” are really going to give her any real power? I doubt it. She is a token. I wish the Republican’s would have focused on the issues. The Republicans have continually cut social service budget, how can you empower someone when there is no means to do so. I mean come on, Republicans are for less government…that means fewer social workers and less social service funds…look at history…that ought to be enough to scare you to action.

  68. Ava Torre-Bueno, LCSW Says:
    September 6th, 2008 at 8:06 pm

    I am grateful to NASW for responding to Sarah Palin’s snarky jibes at our profession and at para-professionals who do the boots-on-the-ground work of organizing and empowering disenfranchised communities. I am also sickened to see that there are any social workers who are willing to defend her in any way. Apparently the social justice aspect of our profession is lost on them, which is tragic.

  69. Wanda Says:
    September 6th, 2008 at 8:41 pm

    I was quite disturbed by Gov. Palin’s comments on Wednesday as well as her repeat of the exact same script on the Friday. I think that NASW’s response was timely and appropriate. It does not appear that the individuals who disagree with the response read it. NASW clearly states outrage by the comment and provided sound information on the organization and our tradition of Community “Coordinating.” Those who feel NASW members are “too sensitive” should review the Code of Ethics because the response was clearly in alignment with the values we say we are commited to as Social Workers.

  70. Gwendolyn Says:
    September 6th, 2008 at 8:48 pm

    I have worked as a Program Specialist and Community Social Worker for 33 years. I have served my community as a Volunteer Coordinator during times of celebration and times of tragedy. I was outraged by the comments by Sarah Palin. Gov. Palin has no idea what a community worker does and that’s the only reason why she doesn’t understand the budgetary requirements, the advisory responsibility and the challenges faced by our profession. While she was losing money selling an airplane for her state, I was busy raising money to help build a shelter for run-away teens and unwed mothers who didn’t get the support that others have received. We need to make sure that Sarah Palin and all those people who think like she does think twice before they disrespect those of us who honor this profession.

  71. Steve Presley, LISW Says:
    September 6th, 2008 at 9:17 pm

    Thank you NASW for your response to Gov. Palin’s mocking of community organizers. Gov. Palin’s comments remind me of Richard Nixon’s comment that social workers should “go out and get a real job.” As social workers, I believe that we are doing God’s work of lifting up the “least of these” and opening doors of opportunities in the lives of many who others simply ignore. Gov. Palin—we are ALL important in God’s eyes. May you find a constructive way to serve others without putting down those of us who have devoted our entire lives to putting others first.

  72. Gail Says:
    September 6th, 2008 at 9:43 pm

    Whether Gov. Palin was lumping social workers and community organizers is really irrelevant, as she has offended millions of people from both sides of the political spectrum. Her insinuation that community organizers don’t have responsibilities is completely lacking in any sort of insight and was made to get a laugh from a crowd of mostly white, conservative supporters. I doubt that these remarks would receive the same enthusiastic response in New Orleans,Oakland, Detroit, Cleveland etc - communities that have been hard hit in this disastrous economic time. It is political posturing at it’s worst. I agree with the NASW statement - talk about the issues, loss of jobs, poverty, women and children without access to health care, the phenomenal amount of money being drained by an illegal war - instead of snide comments about your opponent.

  73. Thomas Cline Says:
    September 6th, 2008 at 10:12 pm

    I agree with Jessica, 3rd post, in what she has to say about Gov. Palin’s comments. I believe Gov. Palin made a comment towards those who were denigrating her work as a mayor in a town of 9,000. She was comparing and contrasting her work as a mayor versus Obama’s work as a community organizor. I don’t see NASW rushing to support Gov. Palin’s work as a mayor of a rural town when she is attacked.
    Personally, I’m a bit surprised that NASW would be so bold as to state that Barack Obama has been a community organizer in the spirit of Jane Addams. Barack Obama is no Jane Addams. Certainly, I feel that his choice to return to Chicago and assist others is honorable and he should be looked up to for that decision, however, comparing him to Jane Addams is a stretch.

  74. Chanda White Says:
    September 7th, 2008 at 1:47 pm

    I was offended by Palin’s and Rudy’s statement on community organizers. Without community organizing it would have been impossible for Guiliani to fix some of the ills of New York during his mayoral tenure. He could not and did not solve social issues soley with government employees.
    Palin’s hateful statement toward Obama should have used his name and not the title of community organizer if her statement was to target Obama.
    As far as developing a tough skin, social worker’s already have a tough skin so that the populations served can have a fighting chance.

  75. Donna Says:
    September 7th, 2008 at 5:50 pm

    I am also ashamed that NASW chooses to be so narrow minded in their criticism of Palin. I agree with you who said she did obviously not mean to malign the community organizers, but to address those who immediately jumped on her to say she did not have enough experience. She was merely pointing out that her experience as Governor does entail more intensive responsibility that that of a community organizer. Albeit and important job it simply doesn’t measure up to that of a state governor. I also agree that this wouldn’t be made such an issue of if she were Obama’s running mate. Women….be proud of a strong woman who is capable of standing up for herself….we say we want strong women in these roles, but we turn on them when they are strong enough to get there. I call for women to support her unless and until she ‘really’ does something wrong!

  76. Anastasia Says:
    September 8th, 2008 at 2:42 am

    This attack on Palin is ridiculous. She was not in any way criticizing community organizers in any true fashion. She was sending a zing to Obama for HIS initial remaqrks abotu her (in reference to supposed lack of experience) I guess I would expect this form the NASW website as they are die hard Obama fans and support him on the website. What shot does Sarah even have of getting a break here?

  77. Wes Goodtenough Says:
    September 8th, 2008 at 10:01 am

    I too was offended by Ms Palin’s comments, even knowing that they were political speech. However, they were clearly condescending and reflective of her party’s general disrespect of people unlike themselves … not white and not wealthy. However, two points should be made that have been overlooked in this discussion:

    1. It is Senator Obama’s strength, and to me his appeal, that he has developed the kinds of skills and leadership outlook that enable him to generate consensus among disparate populations. This is in contrast to the prevailing attitude that sees the world in only two dimensions; right vs wrong, friend vs foe, us vs them, people like “us” vs people who are different, “agree with us, or you are our enemy”. John McCain took great pains in his speech to decry the polarization of our political and social processes, and yet he offers only the same two dimensional responses.

    We need to communicate the importance of Obama’s inclusive and empowering style of leadership in a country and world so clearly divided over every imaginable issue.

    2. It is time for us as community organizers to step up to doing just what we are skilled at doing… organizing our communities to turn out a massive vote among the very people who stand to benefit most from an administration sensitive to the needs of un-empowered citizens.

  78. Nancy J Radcliffe, MSW, LICSW, LCSW, LISW-S Says:
    September 8th, 2008 at 10:08 am

    I am a social worker & I totally disagree with that letter, so it was NOT representative of my response!

    I have become greatly concerned that NASW blindly supports the liberals, without paying attention to important issues. Governor Palin did NOT malign ‘community organizers’, she was only referring to the very inexperienced community organizer, who has no credentials and no business becoming the President of the United States, in this social worker’s opinion!

    I have researched Obama extensively and he is a radical, who embraces Marxist & Socialistic ideals and he was also the Chairman of the Board of the William Ayers terrorist group, not to mention his 20 yr relationship with Rev. Wright, who blatantly claims to hate America and what she stands for.

    I am concerned that NASW would send out press releases of this nature and support someone simply because they are on the democratic ticket. Since when have we become a partisan organization?

    John McCain and Sarah Palin espouse integrity, substance and a love of our Country. I am less concerned about Roe vs Wade and more concerned about our economy and the safety of the USA and I proudly announce that I was a Hillary supporter, who now supports McCain/Palin. When Hillary said one thing during the primaries and the exact opposite now in support of a ‘political party’ and NOT the people, she lost my respect.

    NASW, please do NOT send out press releases like this, as though you are representing ‘all social workers’, because obviously you are not!

  79. Eileen Hoffing L.C.S.W. Says:
    September 8th, 2008 at 10:48 am

    I watched Governor Palin’s speech, read transcripts and watched news articles on the same. I don’t remember her denigrating Community Organizers. I do remember an attack on Senator Obama’s ability to lead based on his prior experiences. I believe the quote is that she was a mayor of a town, and it was a little like being a community organizer with more responsibility. Aside from the attack on Obama and the obvious sarcasm I am not sure how you could take that as an attack on Community Organizers. Please stick to the facts and try not to inflame an already charged public.

    Eileen Hoffing L.C.S.W.

  80. Luann Davidson Says:
    September 8th, 2008 at 10:53 am

    I must preface my remarks by honestly stating that I belong to the NASW for one solitary reason - to maintain my ACSW status. I frequently disassociate myself from the NASW because they so frequently DO NOT speak for me. My chief concern is that, after years of struggling to set ourselves apart as distinctly trained and licensed professionals - your release supports the premise that NASW must defend anyone who “does good” in the community. Let the Organization of Community Organizers handle their own press. I worked hard for my credentials and I shudder when my professional organization undoes these efforts by grouping trained professionals and well meaning para-professionals into the same league. If any posters can advise how to maintain the ACSW without belonging to the NASW please don’t hesitate to fill me in.

  81. Ann Baumann Says:
    September 8th, 2008 at 2:03 pm

    I get tired of people talking about how great it is to have a woman potentially become VP. Having female parts does not make her qualified. Please don’t be one of those people who are voting for a woman, just because she’s a woman. She is one scary lady and I’d hate to see her in such a position if something were to happen to the President.

  82. Joe Gerber Says:
    September 8th, 2008 at 2:54 pm

    The NASW response to Governor Palin is completely taken out of context. The issue that she was clearly referring to was “experience.” She was not attacking community organizing (even saying that being a mayor was a lot like being a community orgainzer). The NASW ought to be ashamed of itself for taking such a partisan stand on this and other issues. Where was the NASW when Sarah Palin and her family were being attacked by MSNBC and other less respected media outlets. I myself am an independent voter and try to remain as objective as possible. I am apalled by the NASW’s lack of intellectual integrity when it comes to interpreting a person’s speech. I am an MSW student with Bachelor’s Degrees in History and Theology. I have begun to notice that social work as a profession has a long history of being pushed aside from mainstream society and many times because of its lack of intellectual prowess. Articles from NASW, like the one above, do not help the cause. This isn’t a political issue. NASW’s attack of Sarah Palin is simply one of misunderstanding, or at worst misrepresentation (strawman argument).

  83. Joyece Anderson M.S.W. Says:
    September 8th, 2008 at 4:01 pm

    Empirical research shows that the involvement of community in the lives of ex-prisoners reentering society is affective in decreasing recidivism and increasing the rate of success for ex-prisoners returning to their homes, families and communities. The “new” attention given to “prisoner reentry” commands community participation to enhance the lives of ex-prisoners. It takes people, like you and I, who are committed to community organization to bring this important issue to light and to encourage and lead communities in the fight to restore broken lives, by restoring family relationship and rebuilding neighborhoods through community-based transition programs.

    I expected to read many responses focusing on the importance of community organization, and there are some. I was surprised, beyond explanation, of the number of “social workers” who did not identify themselves with being community organizers and focused on licensure–as if licensure had anything to do with the importance of helping people who are hurting and rely on the expertise of social workers to assist them in making sense of the chaos. What happened? When did it become more important to divide and separate ourselves by classification then helping people? Please tell me, is there a client that any of us as helped who cared about the letters after our name, or was it your ability to work with them as individuals; able to empathize with their plight and offer real guidance and support?

  84. Marie Says:
    September 8th, 2008 at 4:51 pm

    I am so afraid right now. I feel as though I might as well be living in the pre-Nazi era. I hear the rhetoric and I see the writing on the wall and if Social Workers are going to be attacked and shamed out of doing their jobs to support, advocate and fight for justice, then what is to keep the bullies from having a field day and feasting upon the defenseless, the victims of circumstances, and the little people? If you social workers don’t do your jobs, we will all be in trouble, and you will all have to watch in horror with your imaginary handcuffs because it is you who are supposed to be the champions of the underprivileged, it is you who have taken on the burden and the charge of protecting the victims and it is you who will care when your hands will have been bounded by the laws of the prospective Palin/McCain administration. I am afraid you will drop the ball. Please don’t drop the ball — you’re our only hope!

  85. Paul Tran Says:
    September 8th, 2008 at 7:06 pm

    A simple message- as a reminder to Gov. Palin from this community organizer- it was probably many “community organizers” who “volunteered” to help you on your past campaign to become mayor and then governor and the many current “community organizers” from small and big town USA who are going door to door asking people to vote for you for your current run as VP…i think you might want to thank them unless you think their responsibilities are not as important as yours…and for all your supporters out there who are currently doing “community organizing” to get people to come out to vote- don’t hang your head down low- that’s what politicians do- they want your hard “free” work and then when you are not listening- they dismiss your work as not important…are you surprised?

  86. Alaina Pipas Says:
    September 8th, 2008 at 8:30 pm

    I agree it was in very bad taste for her to make fun of community organizing. If you want to attack a person, then you do that. Don’t make fun of an entire profession. Especially when community organizing was responsible for getting women the vote and Palin getting the opportunity to run for vice-president. Not to mention civil rights, legislation against child abuse and neglect, the 40-hour workweek, etc. I also think its important to mention that Palin was not the only person at the Republican National Convention to make fun of community organizers. Look up Guliani’s comments. They are also insulting. He called it a problem on Obama’s resume. It was pathetic for Palin and Guliani to make these comments, and they ought to apologize or at least clarify them. And then all of the audience who were laughing should also apologize. Other Republicans on various websites have already said that they “cringed” at those comments, and rightly so. We all need to hold our representatives accountable.

  87. Thomas Cline Says:
    September 8th, 2008 at 8:55 pm

    It thrills me that so many on this discussion board have spoken out against NASW for their statement condemning Sarah Palin’s remarks. It is nice to know that I’m not the only social worker out there who doesn’t fall lock step behind the democrat candidates the way NASW appears to do. NASW needs to save their collective “outrage” on more serious matters. Here is a question that I’d like to pose. What did Barack Obama do as a community organizer and what legislation has he sponsored that examplifies him as one who has the “kinds of skills and leadership outlook that enable him to generate consensus among disparate populations.”

  88. Julie Bluhmhal Says:
    September 8th, 2008 at 8:57 pm

    I too was outraged over Mrs. Palin’s comments and would like to thank NASW for standing up for community organizers.

  89. nishanna Says:
    September 9th, 2008 at 12:27 am

    Something I think we are all missing is the deeper issue at hand. We have a republican who stands for issuing larger and stronger legislature which limits our control of our own issues. Then, we have a democratic who states we as people of this country can organize and take some personal and social responsibility. Don’t be outraged that co’s were insulted, be outraged because there are people who don’t feel empowered to take control of their own government. Be outraged because there is a vast population that still feel like they have no say. Be outraged because there is a force that continues to undermine the people of this country and defeat the power they truly have. We are all community organizers in some way. And we all need to begin behaving as such.

  90. Grenville Whitman Says:
    September 9th, 2008 at 10:21 am

    Suggested bumper sticker: BAD MAYORS HATE GOOD ORGANIZERS

  91. Gene Courter Lcsw/Dcsw/Bcd Says:
    September 9th, 2008 at 1:51 pm

    Obviously Ms. Palin is a “talking head” and does not understand what it means to help folks in need. She really does not give a c–p either! “Republicans”
    “business as usual!”

  92. NASW’s Attack on Governor Palin « Cathsw’s Blog Says:
    September 9th, 2008 at 2:18 pm

    […] Social Workers Respond to Gov. Sarah Palin’s Attack on Community Organizers […]

  93. Jessia LMSW Says:
    September 9th, 2008 at 2:23 pm

    How bout this for a sticker

    GOVERNOR TRUMPS ORGANIZER

    haha… oh man.. that was just for fun, cause this thread is about ridiculous.

  94. Lindsey Sherwood Says:
    September 9th, 2008 at 4:52 pm

    To the naswdc:
    My sister is an MSW LSW. She forwarded to me the Association’s
    reaction to Sarah Palin’s comments regarding community organizers. I
    am not a social worker, however, I wholeheartedly agree with the
    inexcusable comments from Governor Palin. They are insensitive,
    ignorant and pandering to the election process.

    I do want to make a comment regarding the Democratic National
    Convention. I was watching the Thursday presentations and early on in
    the evening there was a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King. There was
    an acknowledgment to the males who were present in the audience who
    were in the inner circle with Dr. King. I was grateful that Donna
    Brazille made a special effort to mention that Dr. Dorothy Height,
    also a King insider, and at age 96, was in attendance at the
    convention. The DNC did not mention her. This is yet another example
    why I, as a life long democrat, am struggling with the current
    presumptive nominee. I am hopeful that Senator Obama’s change message
    will be more inclusive to women.

    Thank you for your time in reading this.
    Lindsey Sherwood
    Philadelphia, PA

  95. Darla Says:
    September 9th, 2008 at 5:52 pm

    Thank you NASW for your response to Gov. Palin’s comment. I am a Licensed Social Worker and I work as a Community Organizer. I was offended by the comments and wondered if and when NASW would step up and make a statement and I am sure glad you did.

  96. Ruth McCall-Miller Says:
    September 9th, 2008 at 6:26 pm

    I congratulate NASW for your quick and accurate response to the demeaning and degrading of our profession. For those who do not understand how remarks such as this shape policy, opinions and so - I will assume that you have not been in the field long nor have you paid particular attention to the history of Social Work. It is imperative that we speak out and speak out in a strong voice. Kudos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am proud to be an organizer, social worker and a woman.

  97. Martina Says:
    September 9th, 2008 at 7:50 pm

    I have no website, because I am a very busy Social Worker, doing my job the best I can in my rural community….Sarah is a vicious religious rightousness woman out for power alone….nothing more…..power. She needs to stay home a be a REAL mother to her children…. The republicans have already cut monies for the defensless, the disabled, the elderly, and we need a Sarah Palin, a heart beat away from Presidency….running our Country??? Thank you NASW for speaking out! Let Sarah continue to build that bridge to nowhere, and stay out of our Government!!!!

  98. Marc Howlett Says:
    September 9th, 2008 at 8:22 pm

    Community service and community organizing should be upheld in great esteem. Just because there isn’t a Community Organizing Industrial Complex that funnels billions of dollars into this field doesn’t mean that it should be demeaned. In many cases, social workers are providing the services and support that government no longer does. Sarah Palin should be ashamed of herself, but I think the GOP found a new VP candidate as sympathetic to the general public as Cheney.

  99. rosemarie guasconi Says:
    September 9th, 2008 at 11:03 pm

    I am glad to see NASW take a public response to the degrading remarks made by Sarah Palin. Her ignorance about community organization and the implicit lack of regard for social responsiblility directly reflect on her inaablility to assume as important an office as that of the Vice Presidency

  100. Amanda Parrish Says:
    September 9th, 2008 at 11:40 pm

    Personally I found Palin’s speech offensive. I am a social worker who believes that community organizing is a noble career. I also believe that Palin is far from “a voice for women.” She and McCain have a social policy platform that would seriously set back the progress of women. She will be repairing the glass ceiling that Clinton worked so hard to crack!!!

  101. Rebecca Hall Says:
    September 10th, 2008 at 12:26 am

    Since part of our calling as Social Workers is to be open to gaining an understanding of a candidates platform and to do work to encourage voting. Gov. Palin’s ignorance has certainly made this task simpler. One less vote!

    R.Hall
    BSW Student

  102. Roe Says:
    September 10th, 2008 at 8:34 pm

    Thank you NASW for the swift response. As a social worker and an American, I was very disappointed with Governor Palin’s characterization of community organizers. NASW, you said it very well!
    I support NASW and after reading the above comments so does 80% of the responders.
    The other 20% also deserve to have their voices heard.

  103. Suzanne Seeman Says:
    September 10th, 2008 at 11:02 pm

    I don’t think that Palin set out to put down social workers - she was only targeting Obama. The problem” “She just doesn’t get it.”

  104. Debra Robinson Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 12:58 pm

    I’m not going to waste any more of my time being angry with a woman who doesn’t seem to understand - or represent - the diverse needs of the American people. She dismisses strategies like focus groups as unnecessary when developing new policies, and clearly misses the point with regard to the “experience” issue. We’ve had 8 years of “experience” in the oval office, and it’s time for change. Is Obama’s resume without areas that need strengthening? I don’t think so. Is he likely more prepared to heal the deep rifts that exist in our country between people of different ethnicities, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds. I believe he is. Is he likely to be more sensitive to the needs of more than one special needs population, seniors who are choosing between prescription medication and food, for example? I believe he will. Can he negotiate a peace agreement without appropaching the problem from a position of dominance? I believe he can. You get my drift here … SArah Palin is entitled to her opinions. She has accomplished much in her young life. We can celebrate her hard work (shooting moose has gotta be taxing) and still teach her a few things about how to achieve even greater things by recognizing and celebrating people’s strengths and building strong communities around those strengths.

    By the way … we may want to remind Ms. Palin that Jesus was a community organizer, Pontius Pilate was a governor.

  105. Jennifer Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 1:07 pm

    Some people appear to believe that we should not be offended by Palin’s comment. However, I believe that the professions involving social work, community organizing and advocacy are all too often misunderstood or not sufficiently respected by the public as it is. Personally, I believe that I work very hard to make quite real and important changes in people’s lives. Yet, I have 2 jobs in order to pay all my bills. If we allow comments like the one made by Palin to slide by without a response we are contributing to the misinformation and lack of respect that already exists.
    My responsibilities are real and important, as are those of other social workers and community organizers that I know. I applaud NASW for taking a stand on this issue.

  106. Carmelita C. Coppins, MSW-PPSC Says:
    September 11th, 2008 at 2:27 pm