Who Are We?
Social Workers 4 Justice DMV is a social worker-led grassroots effort to promote restorative justice by mobilizing social workers in protest across the DMV and Baltimore area.
We work in solidarity with the Social Workers for Social Justice – Minnesota.
Why We Formed?
We all knew that now was the time for us to unite as social workers to help fight for social justice. We wanted to take action by asking social workers to contribute either supplies or protest for the justice of the Black lives killed at the hands of law enforcement.
We We Believe
Grounding Principles for Social Workers in the #BlackLivesMatter Movement by Social Workers 4 Justice
As Social Workers being called to action in light of the ongoing injustice we committee to challenging social injustice.
Uplift the Black Community in various capacities to show that social workers are in solidarity with the Black community.
Provide support to the people on the front lines because we know that movement building is a community effort and cuts across all communities.
Use our own diverse backgrounds and our privileges to stand up for justice.
Listen and learn from the Black Community and center and uplift Black voices that have already been doing the work.
Understand and hold space for the individual and collective grief the Black Community is experiencing.
Work to support restorative justice and healing practices that are led by the Black Community.
Learn more about our own biases and do our work so that we can show up for others.
Ensure our safety and the safety of others which include both emotional and physical safety.
Acknowledge that as social workers we have the training to work on all levels for systems change and that we commit to using our expertise to dismantle White supremacy.
Connect and support the folks on the front lines to ensure that they have all the resources they need to continue pushing for change.
- The Premium Unisex Tee is a classic crew neck t-shirt usually by Next Level Apparel. This shirt is usually made with a 60/40 blend of cotton and poly. Exceptions include heavy metal, pink, berry, maroon, light olive, gold, forest green, and Tahiti blue, which are 100% cotton. All fabric is combed and ringspun for a soft texture and premium feel.
MTCR Team
Focused on the implementation of the Movement Trauma and Crisis Response (MTCR) tactics, the De-escalation team will provide emotional support for protesters by preventing the reoccurrence of trauma.
The role of a de-escalator is not to provide clinical services, but to employ movement trauma care that focuses on defusing violent and harmful reactions of people in distress or anguish.
Field Team
The Field team will ensure the most vulnerable and oppressed protesters receive community resources,issues-based education, and immediate basic needs for meaningful participation.
Operations Team
The Operations team is in charge of receiving in kind donations, purchasing supplies, and ensuring that the activist community has what they need on the front line.
Requirements for Deescalation Volunteers:
- LCSW-C
- LMSW-holders are encouraged to serve in a crisis responder
One-hour volunteer training
Emotional CPR Training
Requirements for Field Volunteers:
- BSW or MSW
- Students are encouraged to apply as trainers
- One-hour volunteer training
- Orientation required
- Knowledge of case management is preferable
- 4-hour availability per shift required
Requirements for Operations Volunteers:
- BSW or MSW
- Transportation (if necessary)
Social Workers 4 Justice DMV first commenced activities in Washington, DC on June 5-6.
Read our impact statement and financial statement to learn more about our work in Washington, DC.
