Professional Applications of Social Policy Planning
This week, discuss how what you’ve learned in this course might be applied in present or future professional contexts.
Here are some ideas to get you started. Choose one to respond to for the discussion this week.
Discuss the problem you identified and the solution you developed to address it. Were you able to present your recommendations to an actual stakeholder audience? If you did, describe the outcome. If you didn’t, what prevented you?
Discuss what you learned about advocacy as you worked on your presentation assignment in Week 9. How can you use advocacy in your ongoing professional career?
How does your culture, background, and/or experience impact your thinking about applying social policy planning in professional contexts?
Explain what about this week’s concepts, resources, or activities is of most interest to you and your professional development. Offer some specific examples.
Please Respond to PEER FRANK?
How does your culture, background, and/or experience impact your thinking about applying social policy planning in professional contexts?
My culture and experiences as an African American woman, particularly one familiar with the struggles of Black farmers, sharecroppers, migrant farmers, and other marginalized communities, profoundly shapes my approach to social policy planning in professional context. Having a deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities, I approach social policy planning with a heightened sense of cultural sensitivity. I recognize the unique needs and experiences of migrant farmers, drawing parallels between their struggles and those of the communities I am familiar with. Since I began pursuing the MSW, I have become well-versed in the concept of intersectionality, understanding how various forms of oppression, including race, gender, and socioeconomic status, intersect to shape individuals’ experiences. I incorporate this understanding into her presentation, recognizing the diverse identities and experiences within the migrant farmer community. Given my familiarity with the history of Black sharecroppers and poor farmers, I contextualize present-day issues faced by migrant farmers within a historical framework. This involves discussing the legacy of systemic racism and economic exploitation in agriculture and how it continues to impact marginalized communities today.
Drawing from my own experiences and the resilience of the communities I am familiar with; I emphasize empowerment and advocacy in presentations. I highlight strategies for collective action and community organizing among migrant farmers, leveraging their strengths and resources to advocate for policy changes that address their needs. My experience with farmers in Germany (migrant farmers from Africa), in Korea (from rest of Asia) and in the state of Washington. (Thurston County) has taught me about the value of having allies, developing relationships and being consistent.
In my policy change presentation for migrant farmers, I prioritize clear and culturally competent communication. This might involve using culturally relevant examples, language, and communication styles to ensure that her message resonates with the audience and fosters trust and understanding. My cultural background and experiences deeply inform my approach to social policy planning. I bring a nuanced understanding of intersectionality, historical context, and advocacy to my presentation for migrant farmers, with the goal to empower and uplift voices within the policy-making process.
