Engage in Policy Practice

It is understood by social workers that human rights and social justice, as well as social welfare and services, are impacted and affected by policy at the federal, state, and local levels. Social workers strive to understand the history of policy, the role it plays in the services offered to clients, and how it is developed. Ways to stay engaged include advocating for policy change, running for office, as well as staying up-to-date on current changes in policy. Social workers understand their role in policy at the micro, mezzo, and macro-level and seek to stay engaged in it. Social workers recognize and understand the historical, social, cultural, economic, organizational, environmental, and global influences that affect social policy. Social workers understand and are knowledgeable about policy formation, analysis, implementation, as well as evaluation. Policy and advocacy is a core part of social work and is highly valued in this profession.

PRACTICE BEHAVIORS: 

5A – Advocate with and inform stakeholders to impact policy change.

Academic Evidence: During my Advanced Policy class, I had the opportunity to advocate for a topic I am very passionate about, comprehensive sexual education. During this semester-long project, I created an  infographic informing stakeholders on why Tennessee needs to change its sex education laws.

Field Evidence: At the Chattanooga Autism Center, I was able to work on many policies and give my professional opinion. Two in particular that I helped create and edit were the Discretionary Fund Policy and the clinic’s Telehealth Policy. I was also able to attend one board meeting where a policy that I assisted with was discussed and proposed to board members.

5B – Develop and implement a policy and/or advocacy plan.

Academic Evidence: While working in my group for my policy class, we developed and wrote an advocacy plan to change Tennessee’s policies on sexual health education. This paper includes our plan to advocate for this change and how to inform stakeholders and the community on this much-needed change.

Other Evidence: Here is another brochure I created to advocate for Tennesee’s sexual health education policy change.