Submit a 2- to 3-page final report of your Social Change Project. The final report should include the following:
Provide a brief synopsis of the social problem and policy you identified.
Describe the steps of your project:
How did your experiences as a social work professional and your own goals for advocacy inform your selection of a social problem?
How did your knowledge of, or prior experiences with, the social problem inform your policy analyses?
What did you learn through each step, including your selection of a social problem, identification of a policy, proposal for advocacy, and recommendation for a policy alternative?
Reflecting on your experience, identify 2–3 opportunities for growth. What would you do differently based on your recent learnings?
For example, you might select a different policy alternative that would be better received by elected officials (or other decision makers in a position of power). Or you might use different strategies when speaking in front of a group to advocate for change.
Explain how policy relates to direct practice.
Describe how you will apply advocacy skills as a social worker.
Be sure to incorporate at least five scholarly articles you found using standard APA format.
_________________-
As a social work professional, I identified the social problem of lack of affordable housing in my community, which is affecting many families’ ability to secure a stable and safe living environment. In response to this social problem, I selected the policy of creating more affordable housing units through partnerships between local government and private developers. Through my social change project, I aimed to advocate for this policy and raise awareness about the need for affordable housing.
Steps of the Project
The first step in my project was to select the social problem of lack of affordable housing. I chose this problem based on my experiences as a social worker and my desire to advocate for those who are vulnerable and marginalized. Next, I conducted a thorough analysis of the policy options available to address the issue. I considered various policies, such as rent control, public housing, and inclusionary zoning. Based on my research, I determined that creating more affordable housing units through partnerships between local government and private developers would be the most feasible and effective solution.
The next step was to propose advocacy for the policy. I collaborated with local community organizations and stakeholders to raise awareness about the importance of affordable housing and the benefits of the proposed policy. I utilized various advocacy techniques, such as public speaking, writing op-eds, and meeting with elected officials.
Through each step of the project, I learned valuable lessons. For example, I learned that building partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders is crucial to the success of an advocacy campaign. Additionally, I learned that it is essential to tailor advocacy messages to specific audiences to increase the likelihood of policy adoption.
Opportunities for Growth
Reflecting on my experience, I identified several opportunities for growth. One area I would focus on is expanding my understanding of the policymaking process to develop more effective advocacy strategies. Additionally, I would work to build stronger partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders to increase the reach and impact of my advocacy efforts.
Policy and Direct Practice
Policies have a significant impact on social work practice, as they can either facilitate or hinder social work interventions. For example, a lack of affordable housing can negatively affect social work clients’ mental and physical health, as they may be forced to live in unsafe or overcrowded conditions. By advocating for policies that promote affordable housing, social workers can improve the well-being of their clients and the community as a whole.
Applying Advocacy Skills
As a social worker, I will continue to apply advocacy skills to promote policies that advance social justice and address social problems. I will use a variety of techniques, such as community organizing, public speaking, and coalition building, to raise awareness about important issues and influence policy decisions. Additionally, I will continue to seek out opportunities for professional development and growth to enhance my advocacy skills and effectiveness.
Conclusion
My social change project focused on the social problem of lack of affordable housing and proposed the policy of creating more affordable housing units through partnerships between local government and private developers. Through this project, I learned valuable lessons about advocacy and the policymaking process. I identified several opportunities for growth and plan to continue to apply advocacy skills as a social worker to promote social justice and positive change in my community.
