Thursday, July 5, 2018

A Historical Look At 5 Important People In Social Work And Politics

By Christopher Meyer


For long, human beings had to resort to seeking help from close family and relatives when faced with distress. Over the past two centuries, the concept of social work and politics was slowly birthed. This article examines the lives of a few highly prominent pioneers of this concept.

It is no secret that Harry Hopkins is among the most famed in the history of charity work. A large portion of his adult life was centered on assisting the less privileged live a stress free life. His political life included playing an advisory role in the administration of President Franklin Roosevelt. He is credited with establishing American social work institutions that still stand tall to date. These institutions include FEMA and the Works Progress Administration.

Besides serving in the aforementioned capacities, he also worked for the Bureau of Child Welfare in New York as a secretary. After his stint there, he relocated to New Orleans. While in New Orleans, he ran the Gulf division of the American Red Cross. Hopkins is also renowned for being the author of the charter of the American Social Workers Union. In 1923, he was chosen to serve the union as its president.

Another crucial figure is Clara Burton. Her story goes as far back as the American Civil War. During the war, she served as a recording clerk. As is the case during all wars, she was horrified by the poor conditions in which wounded soldiers were treated. The lady then chose to play an active role in helping the wounded and was fondly referred to as the Angel of the Battlefield by the soldiers.

She sacrificed the opportunity to raise a family by heading abroad to learn about charity work at the Swiss Red Cross. After her return in 1881, she established the American Red Cross. During its founding, she had attained the age of 60 years.

Another great pioneer and a Nobel Peace Prize winner is Jane Addams. Her intense dedication to the cause was manifested by her decision to reside in the poorest neighborhoods in the United States. She was incredibly moved by the horrors she saw and opted to open the Hull House, a charity that was located in Chicago. At the height of its operations, the agency helped over two thousand individuals weekly. Addams did not shy away from voicing her objection to the First World War.

Another American, Edward Devine, is also worthy of a mention. His core efforts were focused on accommodation for the poor and child welfare. During the course of his life, he recruited countless volunteers to help him in his endeavors. Besides his interaction with people from all walks of life, Devine also had a doctorate degree in economics, attained in the year 1919. The term case worker was coined during his tenure in charity service.

Finalizing the list is one highly adored charity worker in the history of America, Jeanette Rankin. She won an elective seat in congress in 1916, attaining the status of being the first woman to do so in America. As a congresswoman, she was the only legislator to oppose the 1st and 2nd World Wars. Besides charity work, she also advocated for women rights.




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