Policy Advocacy Letter

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 write a letter to a policymaker who determines policy related to the social issue you identified in Week 2.Consider the results of your policy analysis in Week 3. Identify a change to one of the current policies or propose a new policy to address the social issue you selected in Week 2.Write a 525- to 625-word letter as a Word document to a policy decision-maker proposing and advocating for the new policy or the proposed change in current policy. In your letter:Briefly describe the social issue as it exists in your area.Summarize the parts of current policies that are helpful in addressing the selected social issue.Describe what is missing from the current policies.Propose a new policy or changes to a current policy that would address what is missing. Explain why these changes are necessary and how they will be helpful in addressing the social issue.Explain how the policy decision-maker can assist in this policy change, and make a specific ask of the individual.Cite at least 2 scholarly peer-reviewed sources to support the content of your letter.Format your assignment, including citations and references according to APA 7 guidelines.

Full Answer Section

       

Sample Letter

To: [Policymaker's Name] Title: [Policymaker's Title] Organization: [Policymaker's Organization]

Dear [Policymaker's Name],

I am writing to you as a concerned citizen and social worker advocating for a change in [State or Community Name]'s policy regarding [Social Issue].

[Briefly describe the social issue as it exists in your area, citing relevant statistics or data.]

While current policies [mention specific policies that are helpful], they fall short in addressing [specific shortcomings of the current policies]. For example, [explain how the current policies are inadequate].

To effectively address this pressing issue, I propose [state the proposed policy change or new policy]. This change would [explain the benefits of the proposed change]. By implementing this policy, we can [describe the expected positive outcomes].

[Provide evidence to support your proposal, citing at least 2 scholarly peer-reviewed sources.]

I believe that your [policymaker's title] is uniquely positioned to champion this policy change. Your leadership and influence can significantly impact the lives of [target population]. I urge you to [specific ask, such as introducing legislation, allocating funding, or advocating for the change].

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response and the opportunity to collaborate on this important issue.

Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Title/Affiliation]

Note: Replace the bracketed information with specific details about your chosen social issue, the policymaker, and your proposed change. Ensure your letter is well-structured, persuasive, and supported by evidence.

Sample Answer

     

Task: Write a letter to a policymaker advocating for a change to a policy related to a social issue.

Key Elements:

  • Social issue identification: Refer to the issue selected in Week 2.
  • Policy analysis: Consider the strengths and weaknesses of current policies.
  • Policy proposal: Propose a new policy or change to an existing policy.
  • Justification: Explain the necessity and benefits of the proposed change.
  • Call to action: Request specific assistance from the policymaker.