PRACTICING POLICY, PURSUING CHANGE, AND PROMOTING SOCIAL JUSTICE: A POLICY INSTRUCTIONAL APPROACH

Abstract

Schools of social work are mandated to train students for policy practice. A new instructional approach is needed so that social workers skillfully engage in policy change to address the growing economic, social, and cultural problems that affect our clients. This article presents the Practicing Policy, Pursuing Change, and Promoting Social Justice (3P) approach, which brings social work students from multiple course sections together for unified policy advocacy on a target issue. The 8 stages of the 3P approach are presented, along with a case study. Suggestions for replication and implications for social work education are discussed.