Advocacy in Human Services
· Discuss an issue you strongly believe should be advocated for in your field, discipline, or community.
· Describe how you would present data or evidence to your congressperson, senator, or community representative if you were to lobby or advocate on behalf of that issue.
· Analyze a human services provider’s role in influencing federal, state, and local policy decisions.
Cite and reference your sources in APA Style Links to an external site. as outlined in the Writing Center resource.
Required Resources
Text
Advocacy in Human Services
Karger, H. J., & Stoesz, D. (2023). American social welfare policy: A pluralist approach (9th ed). Pearson.
· Chapter 1: Social Policy and the American Welfare State
· Chapter 3: Social Welfare Policy Research
· Chapter 8: The Making of Governmental Policy
· The full-text version of this ebook is available through the RedShelf platform. This text provides the information necessary for understanding social welfare policy nationally and internationally. It covers the basic concepts, policies, and programs of the American welfare state and includes information on the voluntary nonprofit sector, the for-profit corporate sector, and the new strategy in social policy. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the American welfare state. Chapter 3 discusses social welfare policy research through a systematic and structured framework. Chapter 8 discusses the technical aspects of public policies and processes. These chapters will assist with your Lobbying and Advocacy discussion forum and Creating a Plan to Advocate and Lobby: Case Scenario journal this week.
· Read the article Final Lines of Defense: Explaining Policy Advocacy by Immigrant-Serving OrganizationsLinks to an external site. .
· Read the article Expanding Nonprofit AdvocacyLinks to an external site.
Advocacy in Human Services
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What is an issue you strongly believe should be advocated for in your field, discipline or community?
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How would you present data or evidence to a congressperson senator or community representative to advocate for this issue?,
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What is the role of a human services provider in influencing federal policy decisions?,
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What is the role of a human services provider in influencing state policy decisions?,
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What is the role of a human services provider in influencing local policy decisions?
Comprehensive Answers
1. Issue for advocacy
A critical issue in the human services field that warrants strong advocacy is affordable mental health care access. Despite growing public awareness, many individuals—particularly in underserved communities—face financial, geographic, and systemic barriers to receiving timely and effective mental health services. Addressing this issue would reduce the burden on emergency services, improve workforce productivity, and enhance overall community well-being.
2. Presenting evidence to policymakers
To lobby effectively, I would prepare a concise, evidence-based briefing that includes both quantitative data and personal narratives. For example, I could present local statistics on the shortage of mental health providers per capita, hospitalization rates due to untreated mental illness, and the economic costs of mental health-related absenteeism. I would combine this with brief case studies or anonymized testimonials illustrating the human impact of inaccessible care. Data visualizations—such as infographics showing service gaps by county—would help convey urgency. The goal is to connect facts with emotional resonance while proposing specific, actionable policy changes (e.g., increased Medicaid reimbursement rates for mental health services).
3. Role in influencing federal policy
At the federal level, human services providers influence policy by advocating for legislative reforms, funding allocations, and regulatory changes that support vulnerable populations. They often collaborate with national advocacy organizations to lobby Congress, participate in federal advisory committees, and provide expert testimony at hearings. By sharing frontline experiences, they ensure that federal policy proposals are grounded in the realities of service delivery.
4. Role in influencing state policy
In state policy, providers work closely with state legislators, agency directors, and professional associations to shape laws and budgets affecting social programs. They might contribute to the drafting of state-level bills, participate in state advisory boards, or organize advocacy days at the state capitol. Since states control Medicaid administration and licensing requirements, providers can influence how these systems are designed and implemented to better meet local needs.
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