Many social work students enter the field with one thought in their mind: how can I help people? But even students whose focus isn’t direct practice often feel powerless or anxious when it comes to calling their congressperson or testifying at a committee meeting.
This video, the third in the series, Policy Affects Practice, is intended to educate and inspire students (as well as faculty and other practitioners) to participate in their state legislative and decision-making processes. Featuring students, BSWs, MSWs, and PhDs, this video shows how inspiring policy making can be, and why it is required by the National Association of Social Worker’s Code of Ethics.
Ready to affect your practice through policy? Included in the video are concrete steps students at any level can begin to take right away. The fear is real, but not a sufficient reason to stay on the sidelines—let these students show you the way.
After watching this series you’ll be able to:
- Describe how a budget is formed.
- Understand the legislative process and describe the steps for enacting legislation.
- Understand the importance of building coalitions with other social workers and learn how to do this effectively.
- Explain how direct practice experience can be an effective tool when advocating on the macro level.
- Illustrate the ethical dimensions of lobbying Congress for social workers using the National Association of Social Worker’s Code of Ethics.
This video is part of the 6-video series, Policy Affects Practice. Other self-study videos in this series include:
- Creating Change: Building a Legislative Coalition
- Social Workers Effecting Change: Legislative Advocacy
- Making a Difference: Influencing State Policy
- Social Work Advocacy: The State Budget
- Policy Affects Practice & Students/Practitioners Affect Policy
- Social Work: Practicing in a Century of Change
