Social Work Legislative Day Social Policy Form Analysis Des Moines, Iowa February 2014 Professor Michelle Bechen Social Work Code of Ethics Social Action Social Work Policy Course “Social workers should engage in social and political action… Social workers should be aware of the impact of the political arena on practice and should advocate for changes in policy and legislation to improve social conditions in order to meet basic human needs and promote social justice” (NASW Code of Ethics) A major part of understanding policy practice and advocacy is learning how to impact legislators. Our class spent several weeks identifying policy priorities, legislators, and issues. We then traveled to Des Moines to lobby on behalf of these populations. Each group chose a topic at the state level and became experts before Legislative Day on February 26, 2014. We identified state legislators, their committees, and where they might stand on issues important to social workers. At the Capitol, our class met with legislators from both parties to discuss our issues. Prepared with facts, statistics, handouts, and logical arguments, we advocated for vulnerable populations. We are especially grateful to the Duhawk alumni in the legislature who welcomed us and introduced us to their colleagues. The goal of this course is for social work students to develop skills as policy advocates who address social problems in the agency, public, and organizational sectors. Students focus on social policies that affect services and vulnerable populations. After studying various aspects of the topics, students present to legislators, community members, and the college communities to advocate and raise awareness of these issues. Foster Care Respite Katie Koetz, Colleen Morrall, Jenna Pozzi Bullying Elle Daley, Meghann Hinkle, Rebecca Stubblefield Social Work Reinvestment Jacklyn Lake, Mary McClure, Marcey McKitterick Description: A respite care program for the state would allow for the foster parents to gain assistance from respite care providers. The respite providers would be trained to care for the foster children. Trained respite caregivers would come into the foster homes to help care for the children and provide constructive activities in order to give the foster parents’ personal time for themselves. This allows the foster parents to continue caring for the foster children to the best of their abilities. Action: Advocate for service to legislatures. Description: Focused in on bills in the legislature that was addressing bullying at a state level to ensure children are being protected in schools while getting parents involved in the prevention process Action: Creating Awareness of the Loras College Campus that bullying is prevalent everywhere and what we can do as a student body to address this issue on our campus #duhakwssupportingduhawks #duwork Description: The Reinvestment Act is a national initiative, influencing state and federal policy to maximize the ability of America’s social workers to serve their clients with expertise and care. In Iowa, specific bills aim to create a licensed social worker loan repayment program and revolving fund. Action: Advocate at the legislative, local, and college populations to inform people the need for the social work profession in general; encourage students to contact local legislators on the issue. Service ● Social Justice ● Dignity and Worth of the Person ● Importance of Human Relationships ● Integrity ● Competence