What is Civic Health Month?
Civic Health Month, observed each August, is a national initiative that emphasizes the essential connection between civic participation and community well-being. It seeks to promote equitable access to democratic processes, including voting and policy engagement, particularly among historically marginalized communities.
For social workers, Civic Health Month is more than a celebration—it is a call to action. It aligns directly with our NASW Code of Ethics, reinforcing our responsibility to promote social justice, dismantle systemic barriers, and empower our clients and communities to participate meaningfully in the decisions that impact their lives. Civic health is the current capacity of a community to address issues that impact the well-being of its members. Research shows better overall community health occurs when civic health is high—when every citizen has a voice in the public policy decisions that affect their well-being.
The Perfect Pairing of Civic Engagement and Civic Health
This August, especially, as we move into the 2025 New Jersey Gubernatorial Elections, our NJ chapter recognizes the importance of civic engagement. Coming together around the state and right here on this page, we hope to reach communities working together or individuals working alone in both political and non-political actions to protect public values or make a change in a community.
Learn more about important dates for the upcoming election, but visiting here.
Voting is Social Work
Voter registration and electoral participation are especially relevant to our community of social workers. Improving civic health by increasing the number of engaged voters expands representation in shaping the policies that affect individual and community health and well-being. Empowering community members to register to vote and participate in elections is a critical action social workers and other health/mental health providers can take to improve not only community-level civic health, but also physical and mental health at the individual level. By checking in on these civic vital signs when talking to clients and colleagues, social workers can help promote better civic health in their communities and throughout our country.
From the settlement house movement in the 1920s to Human SERVE (Human Service Employees Voter Registration and Education Campaign) in the 1980s and to Voting is Social Work (National Social Work Voter Mobilization Campaign) today, social workers have encouraged people to vote. The profession has long understood that voter engagement increases individual well-being, promotes civic participation, and is essential to a robust democracy. Please join us as we continue this century-long tradition of our profession during Civic Health Month and throughout the year.
Our Legacy of Empowerment
The social work profession, intrinsically linked to the pursuit of social change, has historically been committed to ensuring equal access to resources and opportunities for all individuals to meet their basic needs. This commitment is embodied in the profession's advocacy efforts both within Congress and various state legislatures, as well as through regulatory agencies which hold significant policy influence.
This month, we are proud to honor individuals past and present, who laid the framework and continue to advocate for and empower our communities.
View Our Congressional Spotlight