This Week You Read About The Start Of The Formal US Welfare

This Week You Read About The Start Of The Formal Us Welfare System

This week, you read about the start of the formal U.S. welfare system in the post-Civil War era, as the U.S. government took on more and more responsibility for aid. That government responsibility continues today in current public welfare programs, and it is often debated at public meetings. As a social work student, you can learn a great deal from how these meetings are conducted, specifically: What kinds of policy issues are being discussed today, and how do governmental bodies resolve these issues? How are these issues presented and advocated by the populace? For this Assignment, you will be a “fly on the wall”—observing the proceedings of a meeting in your area.

Attend a public meeting that addresses a social welfare-related issue. Examples include school boards, local government council meetings, Congressional hearings, or public hearings. If you are unsure if your choice is appropriate, check with your instructor.

Provide the following:

- The title of the meeting, along with its date, time, and location.

- Attach the agenda of the meeting.

- Explain the purpose of the meeting, and describe the attendees (for example, a school board meeting on bullying policies with parents, teachers, and counselors in attendance).

- Describe the policy or policies discussed at the meeting.

- Identify any social injustices or discrimination observed.

- Discuss the problems raised and the solutions proposed.

- Summarize the overall discussion during the meeting.

- Analyze whether the leaders were willing to collaborate with attendees to resolve issues and if attendees felt heard.

- Describe the communication styles of both leaders and attendees.

- Explain how the meeting concluded and whether attendees appeared satisfied.

- Identify the advocacy needs of the group.

- Note if attendees stayed after the meeting to discuss issues among themselves.