Engage in Policy Practice

As social workers, we know that policies and laws have unintended consequences on the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. With this knowledge, it is our job to make sure that policies that are put in place are not causing harm to anyone. I will continue to advocate for change at the local, state, and federal levels for policies that need to be changed or amended. I will also actively serve as an educator by sharing the impact that policies have or could have for stakeholders and the community.

5.1 – Advocate with and inform stakeholders to impact policy change

Field Evidence: A key element that I was able to learn during my Networking and Career Development class (SOCW-413) during my undergraduate degree was the importance of being able to conduct yourself as a professional. In this regard, I was able to meet with Judge Gerald Webb II, the first African-American to hold this position in Hamilton County General Sessions Court, and speak with him about the work that Commissioner Geter and I were working on. Part of the goal that our project was looking into how criminal justice functioned in our county, and so meeting with Judge Webb was a way in which we could learn more from him as well as share what we had already accomplished. To see my field journal entry about this meeting, please click here.

5.2 – Develop and implement a policy and/or advocacy plan

Course Evidence: The course that helped to solidify my understanding of how to develop and implement a policy proposal plan was with the help of Dr. Nelson’s Advanced Policy class (SOCW-609). During this semester, I was able to work with my group to create a policy proposal to address the SB 0589 bill in the Tennessee General Assembly. The SB 0589 bill focused on making it easier for former felons to be able to restore their voting rights after their prison sentence was served. The proposal covers the description of the policy, some of the key issues related to the topic, the marketing plan, and the advocacy plan to help get the bill passed. To see the complete policy proposal, please click here.