Discussion Problem 1:
How does public opinion influence political approaches to the problem? Explain.
Public opinion relies heavily on influencing approaching problems. Legislatures often try to implement programs in ways that will please their constituents (Jansson, 2018); the advocacy groups put pressure on decision-makers in the government and work diligently with other organizations to seek change in policies. Several studies have concluded that social workers, as a group, are more politically active than the general population (Parker & Sherraden, 1991; Ritter, 2007; Wolk, 1981, as cited in Rome et al., 2010).
What policy advocacy approaches and skills can you use to address the problem with political leaders?
Social workers should do research and gather appropriate data, share their ideas and opinions with friends and neighbors, become active in NASW's efforts or affiliate with other community groups that engage in advocacy, attend a march or rally, donate to a political action committee, a political campaign, or a cause of their choice; or sport a bumper sticker, button, or yard sign at election time (Rome et al., 2010).
What are the social justice implications of your approach?
My approach focuses on advocating for the elderly and has significant social justice implications, as the focus would be equity, dignity, and inclusion for this vulnerable population. One of the many challenges the elderly face includes disparities in healthcare, economic security, and access to essential services, often due to ageism, poverty, and marginalization. When we conducted a study of high utilizers in my county, in collaboration with Rutgers University, the utilizers were a marginalized population facing health determinants and aging issues. Because they lacked advocacy or a proper understanding of their health, they often ran to the hospital for almost everything. In doing so, many encountered barriers such as income-driven housing challenges, disabilities, and more. Of all the programs I have worked with, the senior population touches my heart the most. Advocacy for the elderly helps protect their human rights, allowing them to age with dignity and participate fully in society. This aligns with our core principles of social justice, promoting equality, and reducing discrimination. Social workers should become leaders in the current national movement for increased civic engagement. After all, our Code of Ethics encourages us not only to engage in social and political action ourselves but to facilitate the political action of the broader society. We must continue to expand our role as visible, credible, and practical agents of social change (Rome et al., 2010).
Discussion Problem 2:
How does public opinion influence political approaches to the problem? Explain.
The societal issue I have chosen to address is mental health. Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It impacts our thoughts, feelings, and actions and our ability to manage stress, interact with others, and make decisions (mentalhealth.govLinks to an external site.). Numerous challenges must be addressed regarding mental health, including the scarcity of mental health services, the high cost of mental health treatment, and the subpar quality of care in mental hospitals and other psychiatric facilities. Public opinion plays a crucial role in ensuring that individuals suffering from mental health issues receive appropriate and affordable treatment. According to Mental Health America (2016), mental health policies should prioritize providing individuals with the resources they need to live fulfilling lives and supporting them in achieving their goals.
What policy advocacy approaches and skills can you use to address the problem with political leaders?
The policy advocacy approach I propose to address this issue with political leaders is advocacy through Photovoice. Photovoice is an advocacy and research method that aims to influence systems and policies (Becker et al., 2014). It involves individuals with limited resources or power using photography to highlight community needs, empower themselves, and inform policymakers about community strengths and weaknesses.
Advocating through Photovoice enables individuals to share their stories despite the challenges they face due to illness. The objectives of Photovoice are threefold: (a) to empower participants to document and reveal the strengths and challenges within their communities; (b) to engage participants in critical discussions about community issues that matter to them; and (c) to educate and influence policymakers at various levels by sharing participants' photographs and narratives (Becker et al., 2014).
What are the social justice implications of your approach?
The social justice implications of this approach lie in its ability to bring together individuals with mental health needs, natural support systems, mental health professionals, and researchers as equal partners to address the need for appropriate care. This collaborative approach can help identify effective and cost-effective mental health interventions. Furthermore, it can inform program modifications, community awareness initiatives, and local and state mental health policies (Becker et al., 2014).
Respond to at least two of your colleagues. Address at least one of the following in your response:
Explain how public opinion can be influenced or shaped to help address the problems identified by your colleagues.
Please respond to each one separately and use in text citations and references.
Jansson, B. S. (2018). Becoming an effective policy advocate: From policy practice to social justice (8th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Chapter 4, "Understanding the Ecology of Policy in Governmental, Electoral, Community, and Agency Settings" (pp. 100-140)
Rome, S., Harris, S., & Hoechstetter, S. (2010). Social work and civic engagement: The political participation of professional social workers. Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare, 37(3), 107-129.
Council on Social Work Education. (2018). Specialized practice curricular guide for macro social work practice
Review Appendix 5N, "Legislative Proposal Assessment" (pp. 117-119)