Identify a policy decision-maker who has some influence over the social problem you have identified.

Assignment Content
Policy advocacy is a key part of being a social worker. To get involved with policy advocacy, it is important to know who influences and determines the policies in your state or community. In this assignment you will prepare a communication to a policy-maker who determines policy related the social problem you identified in Week 2 to begin the policy advocacy process.

Research the social issue in your community, as well as related policies. Gather data to include in your communication.

Part 1: Policy Advocacy Communication
Identify a policy decision-maker who has some influence over the social problem you have identified. This person can be a decision-maker at the local, state, or national level. For example, a social problem that is related to the local educational system might be discussed with a school board member. A concern about funding for education might be addressed to a state representative.

If you had an opportunity to speak with this leader (in person or via email/phone/letter), what message would you share? What concerns do you have about the social issue, and do you have any proposed solutions to this problem? Time spent with this leader would likely be brief, so being concise will be important.

Determine the best way to communicate with this individual. Some examples include writing an email or a formal letter, or drafting a short speech that would be delivered in person.

Write a 700- to 1,050-word communication to the policy decision-maker in which you:
Identify the policy decision-maker. Include their name, title, contact information (email or phone number). Describe the level of influence they have over the social issue and what impact they have to make changes.
Introduce the social problem by discussing data from your community, and include the related policy (or policies). Use scholarly resources for this section of the paper.
Describe the potential solutions you would recommend to facilitate change in this area. What might this cost – either monetary or workforce power – be to the policy-maker or other stakeholders? Who would benefit most if this investment was made?

Part 2: Reflection
Write a 175- to 350-word reflection on your experience writing this communication in which you:
Summarize the response you would anticipate if you had the opportunity to share this message with the decision-maker.
How does communicating with decision-makers in this way contribute to the social work profession?

You can include Parts 1 and 2 in the same document.

Format your assignment according to APA guidelines.

*****please see the uploaded file on the social issue from week 2 assignment ******

Last Completed Projects