| SWRK 292 |
Dr. Hardina |
Instructions: For each question,
1) Organize responses into categories.
2) Calculate the percentage of responses in each of the categories you have created.
3) Select three quotes that seem representative of the responses.
4) Write a brief paragraph (2-6 sentences plus quotes) to describe your responses.
Question 1: What are the most positive aspects of your previous advocacy experiences?
Responses:
A sense of accomplishment when signs of empowerment are seen in clients.
Clients developing skills for self advocacy has become a positive aspect. The confidence in my professional skills and abilities has increased as a result of advocacy. Advocacy in a true sense is a positive tool to ensure need fulfillment for all.
Being able to work a cumbersome closed system to client's advantage: client empowerment and independence.
Enabling other people to realize that the system can change to suit them and increasing a sense of hopefulness.
Educating/empowering clients on how to use skills and resources to advocate for themselves - agency contacts, elected officials, etc.
Being able to help clients who are unable to work through all the bureaucratic red tape to get the benefits that they are entitled
Some clients received improved services. Some policies developed or modified. Some legislation implemented; amended or quashed.
Bringing about agency practice changes that will benefit large numbers of people over time. Empowering the disadvantaged.
Feeling involved and committed.
Question 2: Describe the most negative aspects of your previous advocacy experiences.
Responses:
Lack of government funds and gaps in community services are stifling advocacy for clients.
Despite rigorous advocacy, no success, no change in one instance. Heavy time commitment - usually out of office or employment hours. Accepting that change can be slow and then move very quickly.
Social workers have limited perspective on advocacy. Social workers are more interested in job than in service
It takes so long to get new resources in place that the original clients who spurred you to action, aren't able to benefit. However, other similar individuals can. In addition, it's frustrating sometimes that people aren't receiving what they should. It seems ludicrous that clients have to struggle so hard to deal with some situations, but that one simple phone call from me can make all the difference. The clients shouldn't be getting such treatment to begin with.
Overcoming the inertia of agency and social workers' set notions and ways. Social workers can be obstinate bureaucrats.
Comments from supervisory staff and other non social work staff.
Negative feedback from some co-workers, management, and resistant agencies.
The negative reactions of agency personnel who insist that policy is primary and who cannot see that policy and advocacy can be compatible. They see issues in either/or terms when the issues often run on a continuum.
Rigidity of government and agencies to written rules without considering individual life situations.
Feeling at risk personally for supporting the need for change.
Social workers in primary settings are the most resistant to challenge and change.
All the people who work against you and make advocating more difficult and the ambiguous policies that leave too much up to individual discretion.