Political Social Work for Advocacy and Social Change

Catalog description

Section 6.04 of the NASW Code of Ethics states that social workers should engage in social and political action that seeks to ensure all people have access to the resources, employment, services, and opportunities they require to meet their basic human needs. It also states that social workers should be aware of the impact of the political arena on practice and should advocate for social justice. This one-credit elective serves as introduction to political social work and offers an overview on the role of social workers in the political sphere. Taught by one of the very few social workers currently serving in the New York State Legislature, the course will cover multiple aspects of the political process including running for office, crafting legislation, and utilizing public policy for social change.