8. Policy Advocacy In Practice: Creating An Action Plan For Change
Develop a policy change advocacy brief with associated action plan to advance social justice. [EPAS 3, 5]
Describe the purpose and potential benefits of formative and summative evaluation study or set of studies focused.
Advocate for human rights and social justice at individual and system levels. [EPAS 3]
Questions 1
At the end of this program, you will be taking an exam for certification. It is important that you continually prepare for the ASWB exam throughout your coursework. Refer to the ASWB exam materials often to ensure you are prepared by the time you complete this program. One of the components of the exam addresses the relationship between policy and program evaluation approaches. Address the following prompts to investigate this aspect of social work:
Describe the relationship between policy and program evaluation approaches such as needs assessment, formative and summative evaluation, cost-benefit analysis, and outcome assessment.
Questions 2
What strategies and techniques can social workers use to inform and influence organizational and social policy? What are advantages and disadvantages of various policy change strategies and techniques?
Questions 3
Benchmark – Policy Brief
Use the attached “Topic 8 Benchmark Assignment” document to complete this assignment.
Refer to Social Work Disposition #12: Standard: Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities to the Broader Society when completing the Propose Policy Change section of your Policy Brief.
SWK-520: Topic 8 Benchmark Assignment
Topic 8 Assignment: Develop a Policy Brief
What is a Policy Brief? Within the context of this course, a Policy Brief is defined as a concise
summary of a particular social welfare policy, programmatic or service delivery issue. Policy
Briefs vary in purpose, scope and length, and are typically aimed at government policymakers or
others interested in reformulating or influencing a policy, program, or service delivery system.
Instructions:
Using a template approved by your instructor, create a single-spaced, 2-page (double-sided)
Policy Brief. Before preparing the brief, read the ICPA “Essential Guide to Writing a Policy
Brief,” located in Class Resources.
The Policy Brief is to be based on a concise, systematic analysis of a social welfare
policy/program issue, covering eight analytic areas:
(1) Identify an important social welfare problem or policy issue in a local context
(2) Articulate a vision of social change and states aims/objectives to achieve the vision of
change
(3) Summarize historical context, current conditions, and key stakeholder needs/interests
(4) Summarize relevant policy or research trends on what has/hasn’t worked
(5) Critique current policy/program and projects future developments
(6) Propose a policy or program alternative (or strategic direction) to achieve the envisioned
change. Explain why this is the best of available options. Explain how the policy change
can advocate for human rights and advance social, economic or environmental justice on
behalf of individuals and communities affected by the policy/program.
(7) Explain the purpose and potential benefits of conducting a formative and/or summative
evaluation study or set of studies focused on the proposed policy alternative/option
(8) Provide recommendations for moving forward and a call for action
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The Policy Brief is to include three main components:
(1) Executive summary
(2) Main analytic content (as noted above)
(3) Citations and list of references in APA format
The Policy Brief should be designed for a specific audience and call attention to the importance
of addressing the identified social problem or policy issue. It should provide enough relevant
material for the reader to understand the issue and feel compelled to take productive and
meaningful action to achieve outcomes intended to benefit the specified target service
population.
The Policy Brief is to be written in clear, concise, audience-friendly language, with no
grammatical, word choice, or spelling errors.
The Policy Brief is to be engaging, visually appealing, and include relevant photos or visual
images, cases or illustrative examples, data tables or charts, graphics, and/or sidebar summaries.
2
No