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    • Board of Directors
    • Committees
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  • Membership
    • Member Portal
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    • Advocacy Alert!
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KSCSW Blog

How to Be an Effective Advocate

2/17/2023

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Happy Children’s Advocacy Week, social workers! This week, social workers from all over the tri-state will meet in Frankfort to advocate on behalf of children’s safety, health, education, and economic well-being. With this going on and Lobby Day coming up in less than 2 weeks, I think it is crucial that we take the time to understand not only what it takes to be a good advocate, but an effective advocate.

  • BE PREPARED. Identify the issues you’re passionate about and do your research.  Look at all sides of the potential argument and make sure you have concrete information. Below, I will attach the proposed KMHC Legislative Priorities, courtesy of Brenda Rosen. This document will give you concise information about some legislature that social workers will be advocating for (or against) during Lobby Day 2023. I have also attached the Social Work Lobby Day Toolkit. This tool kit will help you engage with the legislative process and give tips on how to make your advocacy more effective. 
  • ENGAGE WITH THE COMMUNITY. Engaging with the community that is being impacted by the legislation you were advocating for will further educate you on the topic. Listen to people who may be personally impacted by the issue for what you were advocating. Bring their stories (with consent) or your personal stories to the legislators you are speaking to. Engaging with the community will also create traction, which will hopefully inspire others to support the issue and create a movement. Social media is a great way to do this!
  • STAY MOTIVATED. Remember — change takes time. This can be very discouraging, but don’t get frustrated with yourself or the lawmakers. Be patient and consistent.


Whether you use this information in person this February 22 for Lobby Day, or you use it to contact your legislator via email or letter, it is valuable as a social worker to understand how to be an effective advocate. Advocacy is an important part of social work, as we promote equality, inclusion, and social justice.

Have any more tips on how to become a more effective advocate? Leave a comment!



Sources: https://kyyouth.org/childrens-advocacy-week/
https://nbacl.nb.ca/module-pages/tips-for-being-an-effective-advocate/

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Black History Month

2/2/2023

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This week, we celebrate the beginning of Black History Month. Black History Month was founded by Carter G. Woodson in 1926, however it was not officially adopted as a federal holiday until 1976. 

Since becoming a federal holiday, The Association for the Study of African American Life and History assigns a new theme each year that is endorsed by the US Government. This year's theme is resistance. This theme recognizes the resistance of brutality, oppression, and injustice demonstrated by the Black community. 

This theme seems fitting, as the world witnessed another public display of police brutality on a Black man last month. Nature photographer and father to a 4-year old son, Tyre Nichols, was tased, punched, kicked, and beaten with a baton by three police officers in Memphis, TN. Shortly after the public release of the body camera footage, the officers were arrested. Mostly peaceful protests of police brutality have ensued across the country. This incident serves as a reminder that the Black community still faces unfair oppression, violence, and  prejudice. 

Black History Month is a time to spotlight Black achievement, celebrate triumphs, and honor the struggles of African Americans. Here are some ways to support Black communities this month:

  • Support Black-owned businesses
  • Fundraise for Black causes
  • Purchase and read books by Black authors
  • Educate yourself on Black figures and their contributions to society

Have more ideas on how to support Black communities during Black History Month? Leave a comment!


Sources: https://www.npr.org/2023/01/28/1151504967/tyre-nichols-memphis-police-body-cam-video
https://www.salesforce.org/blog/8-ways-to-honor-black-history-month/


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