Question:

Social workers value policies that lead to social justice. We look to our political leaders to promote social justice through legislative action. U.S. Presidents give their State of the Union address early in the calendar year; President Trump gave his State of the Union Address to a joint session of Congress on January 30, 2018. It essentially outlines where we have been and where we are going as a nation. The speech gives social workers insight how the President will use his political leverage to promote an agenda on behalf of the nation.

As such, President Trump's State of the Union speech highlights his political accomplishments and challenges. His speech also provides major themes on the policy directions he wants to take in the next upcoming year.

Watch or listen to President Trump's State of the Union Address. [A link to his speech is posted under Major Political Speeches on the course page]. What themes are President Trump promoting that social workers can support? Which themes are we less likely to support?

Discuss one theme or policy idea expressed by President Trump's State of the Union Address that supports one or more values important to social workers (social justice, dignity and worth of a person, importance of human relationships, service, and competency).

Also discuss one theme or policy idea that contrasts with our professional values.

Give one recommended political action step social workers may take to advocate against those policy ideas that counter our professional values.

Youtube - President Donald Trump's State of the Union Address 2018 (Full) by NBC News

Article - Full text of President Trump's first State of the Union address by CBS NEWS