Purpose
The NASW Code of Ethics mandates that all social workers, even those working in direct-practice settings, engage in macro-level systemic advocacy on behalf of their clients. One example of this could be talking with elected officials about a policy or issue impacting your clients. Some students feel intimidated by this idea, but have no fear! This class will equip you with strategies and tips for working with elected officials, and you’ll have a chance to apply your new knowledge and skills with a video-recorded oral testimony that would mimic a presentation social workers give at city council meetings, HHS committee hearings, etc.
Each student will select a social issue relevant to social work clients and a policy, bill, or program that seeks to address that issue (yes- it CAN be the same one you pick for your policy analysis
Provide a brief overview of the issue, so that someone unfamiliar with this issue has appropriate background information. For example, a lack of Medicaid beds in assisted living facilities, environmental toxins that are causing health problems in a low-income neighborhood, childhood hunger, mental health parity, the opioid crisis, etc.
Include facts, data and/or statistics to support your claims. How do you know it’s a problem? What evidence do you have? Be specific!
Give compelling case example to illustrate the problem. Data is important, but giving a personal story is very impactful. Do you have a family member, friend, or client who has been negatively impacted by this issue? If not, find a case example from the news or by asking an expert.
“The ask”- recommendations. Imagine that your audience is a panel of elected officials. Provide specific recommendations for these leaders to act on. This part must include reference to a specific policy, bill, or program. For example, you could ask for increased funding for a program, revisions to an existing policy, and urge them to vote a certain way on a current bill.
YOU CAN JUST USE THE ATTACHED AS IT STATES THE one you pick for your policy analysis (WHICH IS THE ASSIGNMENT YOU JUST COMPLETED )
