What is a fundamental principle of social work related to social and political action?

The fundamental principle of social work is centered around the idea of promoting social justice and advocating for the needs of individuals and communities. Encouraging community engagement and activism aligns perfectly with this principle, as social workers are trained to empower individuals and groups to actively participate in societal change. This can involve rallying for policy reform, engaging in advocacy for marginalized populations, and fostering a sense of collective action that addresses systemic injustices.

In essence, social workers are tasked with facilitating movements that not only support individuals' rights but also encourage them to take part in broader societal efforts that improve the community as a whole. This principle stands in opposition to concepts such as supporting only the elite, fostering individual competition, or rejecting social responsibility, which do not align with the foundational goals of social work to improve lives through collective efforts and advocacy for social justice.