Social Workers’ Role in Advocating for Policy Change

For those just starting to research the social work field, the profession’s widespread impact can come as a surprise. Although it is the cornerstone of the job, social work goes beyond supporting individuals. It also involves transforming the systems that directly impact their clients’ lives.

From the classroom to the community, social workers learn foundational skills in direct practice, including interviewing, assessment, and case management. Another equally vital dimension of the profession is social work advocacy. This practice empowers professionals to identify systemic problems, such as unequal access to services, insufficient mental health funding, or discriminatory policies, and take organized action to address them.

For those considering a career in social work, understanding the principles of social work advocacy is essential. It enables social workers to shape policy, influence legislation, and contribute to a more equitable society. Social workers can challenge institutional barriers and work toward sustainable, positive change.

What Is Social Work Advocacy and Why Does It Matter?

Social work advocacy refers to the active support and representation of individuals and communities at the policy level. It extends the profession’s mission, outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics, to promote social justice, human dignity, and equitable access to resources. Instead of only responding to crises at the individual level, social workers engage legislators, community organizations, and the public to address the root causes of social problems.

Policy-level change is what leads to large-scale, lasting impact. As a study published in the Journal of Contemporary Social Services notes, “Policy advocacy plays a vital role in social work, as it allows professionals to address systemic issues and effect meaningful change.” Through these efforts, social workers can accomplish goals such as expanding mental health services and reforming child welfare systems.

Forms of Policy-Level Engagement

Early-career social workers may feel overwhelmed by policy work, but it often builds naturally from practice. Common forms of social work advocacy include the following.

Direct advocacy for clients and communities. Even micro-level work can inform policy change. For instance, when social workers assist undocumented families and document systemic barriers, they can bring these findings to lawmakers or local agencies.

Coalition-building and community organizing. Working with grassroots organizations enables students to amplify voices and collaborate on campaigns, such as advocating for increased housing assistance or safer school environments.

Policy briefs and legislative testimony. Social workers are trained to distill complex issues and data into compelling policy briefs or testimony for legislative hearings—an effective way to influence decision-makers.

Public education and media engagement. Advocacy also includes writing op-eds, facilitating community forums, and using social media to raise awareness about systemic issues such as poverty, mental health stigma, or educational inequities.

Two key organizations help aspiring social workers develop policy advocacy skills:

• National Association of Social Workers (NASW): Offers policy agendas, toolkits, lobbying support, and legislative updates through its online Advocacy portal.
• Council on Social Work Education (CSWE): Provides resources on advocacy and policy to support students and educators.

Learning from these organizations helps students develop essential capabilities like performing policy scans, drafting effective briefing papers, and engaging stakeholders.

Building a Career That Makes an Impact

For those early in their social work journey, integrating social work advocacy into coursework and field placements is invaluable. Whether drafting a policy memo, mentoring grassroots leaders, or testifying before local councils, these experiences offer fundamental training in policy practice. Ultimately, advocacy helps move from helping one person at a time to strengthening families, communities, and systems.

By embracing social work advocacy, you position yourself as a caring professional and a powerful agent of change equipped to promote human dignity and create a more just world.
For those interested in becoming a social worker, Touro University Worldwide’s Bachelor of Social Work program can provide the first step toward a career in this field. The program equips culturally competent entry-level social workers with the skills they need to support individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations. The coursework emphasizes community advocacy and social policy, with students developing skills to offer counseling, make referrals, and deliver essential human services.