Using the Decision Case Method to Teach Legislative Policy Advocacy

Abstract

Social work educators have long struggled with making policy practice real “more”, especially to micro-oriented students (Sundet & Kelly, 2002). The decision case method can generate excitement about social policy advocacy while educating students about current advocacy work, particularly if the case involves state or local efforts to influence policy. Such state/local cases make policy advocacy more accessible and engaging. Wanting to introduce our students to important efforts in our state to influence policy and encourage them to get involved, we wrote our own case, included in this article.

Key Words:

• Decision case method
• teaching policy advocacy