LibGuides: School of Social Work: Social Policy: Policy Practice

Advocacy 101

Advocacy Organizations -- Local

Progressive Action for the Common Good Quad Cities activist organization that strives to "empower people to take action for positive change and social justice by coordinating a network of community forums and events aimed at educating and engaging citizens to work for the common good of all. Our core values are: Social Justice, Empowerment, Diversity, Sustainability and Community."
Democratic Socialists of America: Quad Cities Chapter "Democratic Socialists believe that both the economy and society should be run democratically to meet human needs, not to make profits for a few. We are a political and activist organization, not a party; through campus and community-based chapters DSA members use a variety of tactics, from legislative to direct action, to fight for reforms that empower working people."
Sage Sisters of Solidarity Quad Cities environmental activists focusing on protecting waterways from oil pipelines.
Iowa Green Party Committed to environmentalism, non-violence, social justice and grassroots organizing, the Green Party and its affiliates seek to speak truth to corporate power about alternative energy, corporate globalization, universal health care, election reform and decent wages for workers.
People Organizing to Win and Engage for Reform (POWER)
National Nurses United "NNU affiliate members are renown as leading advocates of guaranteed healthcare by expanding and updating Medicare to cover all Americans, for negotiating many of the best collective bargaining contracts for RNs in the nation, and for sponsorship of innovative legislation and regulatory protections for patients and nurses."

Civic Engagement

American Government 2e-Ch. 1.3 Engagement in Democracy
By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Explain the importance of citizen engagement in a democracy
Describe the main ways Americans can influence and become engaged in government
Discuss factors that may affect people’s willingness to become engaged in government

Politics of Public Opinion

American Government 2e-Ch. 6 The politics of public opinion
Chapter Outline
6.1 The Nature of Public Opinion
6.2 How Is Public Opinion Measured?
6.3 What Does the Public Think?
6.4 The Effects of Public Opinion
Summary
Critical Thinking Questions