Writing A Proposal That Functions As A Focus Of Change ✓ Solved

Writing A Proposal That Functions As A Focus Of Change Is A Significan

Writing a proposal that functions as a focus of change is a significant part of being a social worker/policy advocate. This is your opportunity to use your advocacy skills to change and improve the lives of others. In this Assignment, you write a proposal for some form of social advocacy that will seek to change a social, organizational, or legislative policy. The proposal may also involve advocacy for the amelioration of a social problem. The purpose of this assignment is to thoughtfully and thoroughly plan how you will advocate changing a social problem or policy that is of interest to you.

The policy practice/advocacy can take whatever form you wish and can be on any level: agency, community, state, or federal. You will submit a prospectus (3–4 pages) that describes the problem that is being addressed and the expected advocacy activities. You are expected to carry out the activities planned in this proposal and will present on your actions and outcomes in the Week 10 Final Project assignment. By (social problem Hoemless Veterans 3-4 pages) Provide a brief synopsis of your social problem and identification of a policy that you submitted in Week 3. Describe the social problem or policy you would like to change, and the specific action you plan take to effect change.

Be specific when describing the social problem or policy you would like to change and address the following: If you selected a policy, when was the policy enacted, by whom, and for what reason? How are you going to work to change the policy/problem (i.e., plan for social advocacy)? How will your efforts address the policy/social problem described? Is continued policy practice/advocacy needed to make a long-term impact? Why or why not?

The prospectus will need to be well researched and written using APA guidelines. Data should come from at least five sources. Required Readings SOCW 6361 Webliography These websites will be required throughout the semester. Become familiar with these websites, especially when doing research for your assignments. Jansson, B. S. (2018). Becoming an effective policy advocate: From policy practice to social justice (8th ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning Series. Chapter 8, "Placing Policy Proposals in Policy Briefs in the Second, Third, and Fourth Steps of Policy Analysis" (pp. ) Plummer, S.-B, Makris, S., Brocksen S. (Eds.). (2014). Social work case studies: Concentration year .Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing. [Vital Source e-reader]. "Working with Clients with Addictions: The Case of Jose" (pp. 65–68) "Working with the Aging: The Case of Iris" (pp. 68–69) Stuart, P. H. (1999). Linking clients and policy: Social work’s distinctive contribution. Social Work, 44 (4), 335–347 Midgley, J., & Livermore, M. M. (Eds.) (2008). The handbook of social policy (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Chapter 6: "The Impact of Social Policy" (pp. 83–100) (PDF)

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Title: Advocacy Proposal to Address Veteran Homelessness through Policy Change

Introduction

Homelessness among veterans represents a persistent and complex social problem in the United States, reflecting broader issues of mental health, substance abuse, and systemic gaps in social services. Despite existing programs aimed at reducing veteran homelessness, the problem persists at alarming rates, indicating the need for targeted policy advocacy. This proposal outlines a strategic approach to advocate for policy change aimed at enhancing support systems and ensuring sustainable housing solutions for homeless veterans.

Problem Synopsis and Policy Identification

The social problem of veteran homelessness has been documented extensively, with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reporting over 37,000 homeless veterans on a given night as of 2022 (HUD, 2022). This issue is rooted in various factors, including mental health challenges, exposure to combat, economic hardship, and systemic barriers to access housing and healthcare. The policy identified in Week 3 is the "Supportive Services for Veteran Families" (SSVF) program, enacted in 2011 by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide supportive services and prevent homelessness among veterans (VA, 2021). While the program was well-intentioned, critics argue that it lacks sufficient funding and community outreach, limiting its overall effectiveness (GAO, 2020). Therefore, advocacy efforts will focus on expanding funding and community engagement to bolster veteran support initiatives.

Planned Advocacy Actions

The primary advocacy strategy involves engaging policymakers at the federal level to increase appropriations for the SSVF program and implementing legislative amendments to streamline service delivery. Activities include meetings with congressional representatives, coalition building with veteran advocacy groups, and public awareness campaigns that highlight the urgency of veteran homelessness. Additionally, collaboration with local nonprofits and service providers will be prioritized to strengthen community-level support and facilitate policy implementation.

Another component involves using data-driven advocacy, presenting evidence from research and pilot programs demonstrating successful models of veteran housing assistance. By framing these initiatives within a social justice context, the goal is to create long-term policy changes that guarantee sustained funding and expanded services.

Addressing the Policy Problem

These efforts aim to influence policy by demonstrating the gap between existing resources and the needs of homeless veterans. Evidence suggests that increased investment and strategic outreach have significantly reduced homelessness in pilot regions (U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, 2021). Advocacy activities will also include engaging media outlets to raise public awareness, fostering a broader societal commitment to veteran welfare. This multipronged approach seeks to create a momentum that encourages lawmakers to prioritize veteran homelessness on legislative agendas.

Long-term Impact and Continued Advocacy

Achieving sustainable change necessitates ongoing policy advocacy beyond immediate legislative amendments. Continued engagement with policymakers, continuous data collection on veteran homelessness, and adaptive program initiatives are essential for maintaining progress. Long-term advocacy efforts will aim to institutionalize veteran support policies into broader social welfare frameworks, ensuring they evolve with emerging needs. This long-term perspective is vital for preventing veteran homelessness and fostering resilient, supportive communities.

Conclusion

Addressing veteran homelessness through targeted policy advocacy offers a vital opportunity to improve lives and uphold social justice principles. This proposal underscores the importance of strategic, well-researched advocacy activities aimed at policy enhancement, continuous community engagement, and long-term commitment to systemic change. With dedicated effort and sustained advocacy, meaningful progress can be achieved in reducing veteran homelessness and providing stable futures for those who have served.

References

• GAO. (2020). Homeless Veterans: Improvements Needed in Identification and Outreach Efforts. U.S. Government Accountability Office.
• HUD. (2022). The Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
• U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. (2021). Veteran Homelessness: An Exit Strategy. U.S. Government.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2021). Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF). VA Official Website.
• Jansson, B. S. (2018). Becoming an effective policy advocate: From policy practice to social justice. Brooks/Cole Cengage Learning.
• Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. (2014). Social work case studies: Concentration year. Laureate International Universities Publishing.
• Stuart, P. H. (1999). Linking clients and policy: Social work’s distinctive contribution. Social Work, 44(4), 335–347.
• Midgley, J., & Livermore, M. M. (2008). The handbook of social policy (2nd ed.). Sage Publications.
• Jansson, B. S. (2018). Policy Analysis in the Context of Social Justice. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.
• GAO. (2020). Homeless Veterans: Improvements Needed in Identification and Outreach Efforts. U.S. Government Accountability Office.