NASW Virginia Chapter Offers Social Workers to Ease Election Anxiety, Urges Public to Avoid Political Violence

Political activism in Virginia must not include violence as a tactic to influence election and public policy outcomes," states the Virginia Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) in a call for calm and civility this week of the General Election.

"Violence is not effective and is ethically and morally wrong in amplifying a person’s voice and views, whatever they are. Despite deep divisions and frustrations, qualified Virginia residents must each use their vote as their most powerful tool for change, not any firearms or other physical weapons." 

The NASW Code of Ethics requires social workers to actively engage in public policy making and to work to advance social justice and professional policy priorities. However, violence, intimidation, and threats must be strongly opposed by every American citizen—regardless of political party affiliation--to ensure that safe, free, and fair elections remain the foundation of America’s democratic governance. 

The NASW Virginia Chapter supports the call for peace made by President Joe Biden in July after the attempted assassination of former president Donald Trump: “We cannot allow this kind of violence to be normalized…. The political rhetoric in this country has gotten very heated. It is time to cool it down. We all have a responsibility to do that” and to “speak out strongly for our democracy.” 

NASW endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz as president and vice president in June. NASW-PACE also endorsed more than 160 candidates for various congressional districts, including in Virginia.   

“For any Virginia residents feeling unhealthy levels of anxiety, depression, or anger about the election, candidates, or outcomes and/or who are considering violence against others or themselves, social workers across the state stand ready to offer expert support and therapy," said Virginia Chapter Executive Director Debra Riggs. "Help is available, so no one should feel alone.”