Too often, social work advocates make the mistake of ignoring local politics and policymaking. We often don’t even think about our city councils, county commissions, and assorted boards, commissions, and other local policymaking entities when considering our advocacy strategies or the different layers of government that impact our work and the lives of our clients. When I reorganized the Advanced Policies and Programs course I teach, and when I consult with nonprofit organizations looking to enhance their advocacy activity, I make sure to emphasize all of the policymaking that, particularly in today’s devolved policymaking context, happens at these most local (and, often, most responsive) levels of government. Here is the lecture that I give on local policymaking, and I’ll continue to add examples and strategies for nonprofit organizations seeking to make a difference on the local level.
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Melinda Lewis
social policy, social work, advocacy, and community organizing analysis and commentary
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Melinda Lewis takes full responsibility for the content featured directly on this blog. This site is in no way affiliated with the University of Kansas or its School of Social Welfare. The opinions and commentary contained here are those of the author alone, who makes no claim to speak on behalf of other students, faculty, or administration at the School.
Classroom to Capitol 
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