Many social work students are understandably overwhelmed when thinking about becoming a public face for social policy. Fears of not knowing enough, not understanding the political systems, and the idea that their primary role is working with clients has often meant that social workers’ voices are not heard when laws and policies are written. Policy Affects Practice is a six-part series that demystifies the legislative process and the many ways social workers can engage with it.

From a student’s perspective, the videos explore budgets, the legislative process, and the importance of coalitions.

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.