Affecting Change: Social Workers in the Political Arena

Abstract

1. All Social Work is Political 2. Social Work Values versus Politics The Professional Code of Ethics Primary Principles: Social Justice and Empowerment Specialization versus Systemic Solutions Self-Determination versus Compromise Emotional Neutrality versus Client Self-Interest Impartiality versus Partisan Politics Conclusion Assignments Suggested Readings References 3. The Emergence of a Social Work Polity The Reform Period The New Deal and Beyond The War on Poverty Social Action Models Federalism The New Federalism The 1990s The George Dubya Bush Era Conclusion Assignments Suggested Readings References 4. The Debate Some Perspectives When Karen Met Harry: Unfaithful Angels Disputed Conclusion Assignments Suggested Readings References 5. Policy Models for Political Advocacy Models Defined Institutional Model Process Model Group Theory Model Elite Theory Model Rational Model Incremental Model A Proactive Approach to Policy Development Policy Analysis Policy Evaluation Effort Quality Effectiveness Efficiency Conclusion Assignments Suggested Readings References 6. The Practitioner's Influence on Policy Information Disseminiation Documentation Testimony Expert Witness Written Communication Client Empowerment Enabler/Advocate Role Evaluator/Consultant Role Voter Registration Hatch Act The Executive's Role in Influencing Policy Influencing Policy: An Illustration Conclusion Assignments Suggested Readings References 7. Influence Through Lobbying Social Work Skills in the Political Process The Political Process The Politician The Informal Political Process Lobbying Groundwork Goal Setting Strategy Setting Lobbying Methods Letter Writing Telephoning Face-to-Face Lobbying Testifying Lobbying and Nonprofits Conclusion Assignments Suggested Readings References 8. Tools to Influence and Organize Others Ten Phases of a Social Movement Strategy Coalition Building Technology Gimmicks Using the Media Newspapers Radio Television Examples of Organizing Others Conclusion Assignments Suggested Readings References 9. Monitoring the Bureaucracy Promulgating the Rules Rule Implementation and Agency Compliance Budget Allocations Administrative Changes or Executive Orders Social Work Skills Conclusion Assignments Suggested Readings References 10. Political Action Committees Why is a PAC Organized? Process of Selection Candidate Endorsements Targeting Fallout Idealism versus Winning Conclusion Assignments Suggested Readings References 11. The Campaign Components of the Campaign Time Money People Campaign Management The Campaign Manager: Who Really Runs the Campaign? Voter Contact Targeting Issues Social Workers and Campaigns What to Expect When Volunteering How to Volunteer for a Campaign Conclusion Assignments Suggested Readings References 12. Social Workers as Politicians Respondent Characteristics Deciding to Run Building a Constituent Base Campaigning Realities of Office Recommendations Conclusion Assignments Suggested Readings References 13. Jump In Where to Start Just Do It Do It Early People Influence People You Can Make a Difference Advocacy is Not for Wimps Speak Out Just Say No Conclusion Assignments Suggested Reading References Glossary of Legislative Terms Web Sites Index

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