SOCIAL-WORKERS AND POLITICS - BEYOND THE HATCH ACT

For more than 50 years, social workers and other public service employees have been subject to real and perceived restrictions of federal and state laws governing political activity. The result has been a passivity by the social work profession in responding to issues of advocacy and social reform and general confusion with regard to federal and state rules governing political behavior. This article examines the historical context of governmental control over employee political activities and the implications for social work practice. It offers concrete suggestions to social workers interested in exploring political action, particularly at a time when there is significant public distrust of elected and appointed officials.