Social Work Action Network (International) [SWAN-I] is a network of radical social workers and social work organisations from across the globe committed to ‘social work for social justice’.
The international network draws together nationally based groups campaigning for a more just world.
We believe that another world is possible. We believe another social work is possible.
We are actively involved in social movements and campaigns that are committed to a world of greater equality, social justice and opposition to oppression in all its forms.
The vast riches and wealth of this world – held by a tiny minority of the world’s population – should be redistributed to ensure that all people have access to properly funded public services.
Everyone should have access to free health care and proper housing. Good quality, well regulated, properly remunerated jobs should be available to all. Proper state support for those unable to work should be provided ‘as a right’.
The climate crisis is rooted in the present organisation of society and the priorities of big business. The climate crisis disproportionately impacts on poorer and working class communities. We support campaigns against climate change and for green economies.
We do not believe that anyone is ‘illegal’. We support free movement of people and support all refugee rights.
These issues are social work issues. Social work is, of necessity, a political activity.
A social work that is silent and quiescent can easily become a tool of the state and big business, oblivious to the needs and voices of those we work with.
Social work must be prepared to speak truth to power. To advocate for the poor, the marginalised and the dispossessed. To stand – shoulder to shoulder – with those who use services and demand that they are listened to and their needs fully met.
Social work takes many forms – working with individuals, groups and communities. But, at heart, most of the difficulties that people face in this world are rooted in social problems and must be addressed collectively and politically.
Why not join us?
Join SWAN-I and help us build a network of campaigning social workers embedded in the social movements struggling to establish a better world. Contact swaninternational@socialworkfuture.org for more information.
Download the founding statement: