Teaching Note—Illuminating Policy Practice Close to Home: The Syracuse University Experience

ABSTRACT

Appreciation of policy practice and its rudiments can be achieved beyond the walls of a university classroom, an understanding exemplified by Syracuse University School of Social Work’s annual James L. Stone Legislative Policy Day (LPD). This article describes the school’s approach and its creative use of the Onondaga County Legislative Chambers as venue of choice. Students, faculty, government officials, local and national presenters, and community members all come together to explore the development and implementation of policy change through the lens of social and economic justice. Seven key components of LPD are explicated. Dignity and worth of humankind, one of social work’s professional values, remains at the center of LPD’s efforts. In addition, strengths associated with people and causes are interwoven in the presentations associated with the day. This is coupled with showcasing how the legislative process works and highlighting salient social activist tactics that may be used, given the area of focus.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Eric R. Kingson

Eric R. Kingson, PhD, MPA, is professor of social work at Syracuse University’s and Falk College’s School of Social Work in Syracuse, NY.

Keith A. Alford

Keith A. Alford, PhD, ACSW, is Syracuse University’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, and professor of social work.

Alexandra Leigh Kerr

Alexandra Leigh Kerr, BSSW, MSW, is a social worker with Helio Health in Syracuse, NY.

Hannah Meryl Berner

Hannah Meryl Berner, BSSW, MSW, is a member of the Professional Staff of the United States Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in Washington, DC.

Jenna Lahmann Gillespie

Jenna Lahmann Gillespie, MA, CPhil, MSW, is Coordinator, Boston Immigrant Justice Action in Boston, Massachusetts.

Jessica Elizabeth Mohn

Jessica Elizabeth Mohn, BSSW, MSW, is a Social Worker II at Crouse Health in Syracuse, NY.

Ellan Sophia Ryan

Ellan Sophia Ryan, BSSW, MSW Candidate, is a recent graduate of the Syracuse University School of Social Work.

Eric B. Simmons

Eric B. Simmons, MSW, is a social worker with Bronx Community Solutions of the Center for Court Innovations in New York City.