Where are the Social Workers? A Practicum Model to Engage Social Workers in Political Advocacy for Social Justice

ABSTRACT The Policy Field Unit (PFU) is an independently designed practicum placement for School of Social Work (SSW) students at a large, urban Midwestern university. The placement provides students an opportunity to engage with the policy process as macro social work practitioners in a variety of settings. Increasing social work students’ efficacy in policy advocacy is based on the fundamental understanding that social work is a political activity. Experiential learning opportunities focused on public policy equip social work graduates for professions in policy or policy adjacent fields. The authors describe the PFU’s origin, leadership, activities, and overall practicum model completed by social work students in its inaugural year. Furthermore, the authors chronicle student experiences, report practicum benefits and encountered challenges, culminating with recommendations for future directions for the program.