Finding Focus and Taking Action

1 day ago3 min read

A Guide for School Social Workers in Turbulent Times

As school social workers, we navigate the intersection of education, policy, and the well-being of our students. In an era of rapid political change, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of new policies and their implications for the communities we serve. Anxiety is peaking, our emotions are raw, and we are all struggling. However, recognizing this overwhelm as a strategy used to disengage and disempower us is the first step in reclaiming our agency. Action is an antidote to anxiety.

The Social Change Wheel: A Framework for Action

The Social Change Wheel provides a guide for how we can engage in meaningful resistance and advocacy. Whether through direct service, grassroots organizing, policy advocacy, or socially responsible daily actions, every school social worker has a role to play in fostering systemic change. We understand that action looks different for everyone, so we encourage you to review this Social Change Wheel and see what areas resonate most with you. You are less likely to burnout quickly if you are taking actions in ways that are familiar or comfortable to you.

Understanding the Overwhelm: Why It’s Happening and How to Resist

Sociologist Naomi Klein’s shock doctrine theory explains how chaos is leveraged to push through sweeping political changes before the public can react. Media theorist Marshall McLuhan predicted that information overload would lead to disengagement, and agenda-setting theory tells us that when too many critical policies demand attention at once, public discourse becomes fragmented and ineffective. The result? A weakened democracy where our students—especially those in marginalized communities—face increased barriers to success.

Five Ways School Social Workers Can Resist

Set Boundaries and Focus Your Energy You cannot track every policy or issue, and that’s intentional. Instead, choose two to three key issues that directly impact your students—whether it’s education funding, mental health services, or immigration policy. Focus your efforts where you can have the most sustained impact.
Seek Trusted Sources and Synthesize Information Instead of drowning in a sea of headlines, find reliable aggregators and experts who break down patterns and trends. Follow professional organizations, policy analysts, and advocacy groups that align with your values. Learn from us – SSWAA does not have the capacity to address the myriad of issues that our youth face, and that is why we partner with amazing Coalitions and Partnerships.
Prioritize Self-Care as a Form of Resistance Remember, your burnout is not an accident—it’s a byproduct of systemic dysfunction. Prioritizing your mental health and well-being is an act of defiance. Take breaks, process information slowly, and lean into practices that restore your energy.
Take Measured Action: Delay the Urgent to Focus on the Important Avoid reacting impulsively to new developments. Instead, wait 48 hours before responding to major policy changes. This allows time for context to emerge and for strategic advocacy to be more impactful.
Build Community and Share the Load Resistance is not a solo endeavor. Connect with colleagues, professional networks, and advocacy groups. Divide the cognitive load by tracking different issues and sharing insights with each other. Together, our collective intelligence and coordinated action become a powerful force.

Moving Forward: Using Our Privilege for Change

As school social workers, we hold a unique position of influence and privilege. We can shape policies at the school, district, and state levels while also empowering students and families. We call on all School Social Workers with not only professional privilege, but social privilege to lean into this work. Let’s use our privilege not just to survive this moment, but to ignite meaningful change. Whether it’s engaging in policy advocacy, educating stakeholders, mobilizing communities, or practicing direct action, our work is essential to ensuring that students have the resources, rights, and opportunities they deserve.

Call to Action:

The goal of political chaos is to keep us scattered and reactive. By recognizing this strategy, reclaiming our focus, and taking intentional action, we strengthen not just our own resilience, but also the resilience of the students and families we serve. Let’s continue to unite, ignite, and celebrate the power of school social work as a force for justice.