Let's talk Politics with Dr. Victor Manalo

Are you happy with the systems you work in as a social worker? Are you satisfied with how the political system is serving your clients? Not sure what to do or where to start? Then this episode is for you! Dr. Victor Manalo is all about macro work! He shares the best way social workers can begin to get involved in a career in policy and what we can do TODAY to advocate for the changes needed in our world. He shares his personal story of how he utilized his relationships and approached his local city council members to create a mentorship program for foster youth. If you want to see change this is how to do it in 3 steps: 1. Get started, do SOMETHING today. 2. Find and use your resources 3. Connect with someone already doing it and learn from them. This is how can a social worker gets started in political advocacy 1. Create a relationship with your city council officials 2. Don’t go to a city council meeting and expect results 3. Do research on city council members, find commonality and reach out 4. Offer your help, assistance, or ways you can collaborate with them Take it a step further and get started in politics, these are his tips: 1. Connect with elected officials 2. Volunteer with a campaign, phone banking, register to vote (Election year is the perfect time!) 3. Work for your local office 4. Get involved with advocacy organizations 5. Network with others doing the work you want to do, connect with them. Victor Manalo also shares about his leadership role with NASW. The powerful part of NASW is it’s is a membership organization and is as responsive as its members. Meaning, if you want to get involved and create change, there is a space for you! There are opportunities to create the NASW that we need going forward. Show Links: Connect with Victor: www.Victormanalo.com Clinical Essentials for the Future Therapist: https://www.socialworkersrise.com/essentials Connect with me! Instagram @SocialWorkersRise Email: [email protected] https://www.socialworkersrise.com/ Learn more about Dr. Victor Manalo and read below… Dr. Victor Manalo is a retired university professor, former councilman, and consultant. From 2002-2015, he was Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at California State University, Los Angeles, and he continues as a lecturer there. In 2007, he was elected to the Artesia City Council and served for over 11 years.  Currently, he is a Planning Commissioner for Artesia, a Board Member for a local nonprofit, and a local government consultant, advising his clients on pedestrian safety issues and on children and families in the foster care system.  He earned a Ph.D. in Social Work from the University of Southern California and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from California State University, Long Beach.  He has been an active member of NASW, and he is the President-Elect of the Board of Directors of the NASW California Chapter.