Election Statement
Shakira A. Kennedy, PhD, LMSW
Executive Director- NASW-NYS/NYC

After any election season, especially one as contested as this, it’s natural to feel a range of emotions. For many, there may be relief and hope, for others, anger, disappointment or frustration. Yet today, the day after the results, we’re reminded of something deeper and far more powerful than any single election outcome: our shared commitment to the social work profession, our clients and our communities. These shared values are the foundation on which we can build a path toward healing.

Healing doesn’t mean that we abandon our beliefs or forget what we stand for. Healing means listening—even when we disagree. Healing is not a passive act; it requires us to actively challenge unjust policies, build bridges, to reach out, and to keep working for what we believe in, side by side with those who may see things differently.

So, where do we go from here? We move forward by embracing the idea that each of us has a role in shaping the future, regardless of the outcomes we supported. Let’s take the time to process, to breathe, and to re-center. In many ways, our work, is just beginning.

We hope these resources help you to build a support network, prioritize self- care, and practice empathy in these unpredictable environments. *Some resources used from NASW-MA Toolkit.

*Practicing self-care and building community, for yourself and your clients.

• Crisis text line: Text ELECTION to 741741 for support on coping with the election
• How to build a care toolkit for yourself and your Indiana University School of Medicine
• Strategies for coping with election stress, from a therapist who runs a group on getting through the presidential election. Seattle Times
• 11 affirmations to help ease election Odyssey Online
• Specific tips for managing sociopolitical Lafayette Counseling Center
• Tools for self and community care, including building a positive support network. The Better You Institute

Working with marginalized populations to cope with an uncertain future.

Depending on the results of the election, marginalized populations, such as BIPOC communities, the LGBTQIA+ community, immigrants, and others, may be dealing with a very uncertain future. These population-specific resources are meant to help members of these communities to feel less alone in grappling with any feelings they may have.

• Strategies that therapists are using to help marginalized communities cope with harmful political advertising. Minnpost
• Ideas for LGBTQIA+ youth in coping with intense emotions due to the presidential election. The Trevor Project The Trevor Project
• New York resources for the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Strategies for Black women in protecting their mental health this election season. Self
• New York resources for the Black community.
• New York resources for the Asian American and Pacific Islander
• Tips for the Hispanic/Latinx community on facing election The Latin Times
• New York resources for people living with disabilities.

Understanding the relationship between mental health and reproductive rights, and tools for coping.

• How access to abortion affects mental health and well-being. American Psychological Association
• Coping with the loss of your reproductive Psychology Today
• What mental health professionals need to know to protect their patients and themselves in the post-Dobbs Scholars Strategy Network

Ideas for delving into other forms of political action and advocacy.

• Become active in local You can learn more about New York City government structures here. New York State here. Get to know the governmental structure in the city or town you live in so you can advocate for what you care about in your own community!
• Consider running for a school board seat in your community. School boards make important decisions about public schools and policies that ultimately will impact a community for generations to New York State: See here. New York City: See here
• Join or start a community-based advocacy organization. Build community with people who care about the same issues that you do. This can help you to form a support network as well as accumulate more voices to advocate for those causes.
• Write an op-ed about the issue(s) you care about. This can be a very effective way to influence policy decisions, and to utilize your voice as a social You can find a helpful guide here about writing an op-ed as a social worker.

Shakira A. Kennedy, PhD, LMSW
Executive Director- NASW-NYS/NYC

Both chapters would first like to extend our sincere gratitude to our dedicated membership and the New York social work community for your unwavering support of NASW-NYS/NYC programming. Your continued participation in our events and initiatives is deeply appreciated.

As we entered 2024 and progressed into the summer months, we have undergone a period of significant transition involving various operational and staffing matters. Despite these changes, we remain committed to delivering valuable continuing education and community engagement opportunities to NY social workers. We appreciate your patience as we navigate this transitional phase and strive to maintain our high standards of service.

While some of our programs, including student initiatives and committee work among others, may experience slight delays, please be assured that the NASW-NYS/NYC staff are diligently working to ensure that we continue to offer meaningful opportunities for connection, learning, and engagement.

Thank you for your understanding and ongoing support. Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at info.naswnys@socialworkers.org  or contactus.naswnyc@socialworkers.org.

Warmly,

The NASW-NY State and NY City Team