Article Title

Voices from the ‘Holler’: Implementation and Analysis of an Advanced Advocacy Practice Course in Rural Appalachia

Authors

Leah Hamilton, Appalachian State UniversityFollow
Rachel L. Wright, Appalachian State UniversityFollow
Kellie Reed-Ashcraft, Appalachian State UniversityFollow

Abstract

The availability of quality macro education is a critical determinant to policy engagement among social workers, especially for those in geographically isolated areas. This mixed methods, pilot study compares self-assessed CSWE policy competencies of graduating MSW students who completed an Advanced Advocacy Practice course with a comparison group. Student course reflections were also analyzed for common themes. Results indicate that students who completed the course rated themselves higher across policy competencies than graduating MSW students who had not completed the course. They were also more likely to see policy advocacy as a “primary skill” for social workers. Qualitative analysis suggests that participants gained greater confidence in their macro practice skills. This pilot study provides an important contribution to the limited existent research on best practices for social work policy education, especially for those in rural areas.

Recommended Citation

Hamilton, Leah; Wright, Rachel L.; and Reed-Ashcraft, Kellie (2019) "Voices from the ‘Holler’: Implementation and Analysis of an Advanced Advocacy Practice Course in Rural Appalachia," Contemporary Rural Social Work Journal: Vol. 11: No. 1, Article 12.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.61611/2165-4611.1174
Available at: https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/crsw/vol11/iss1/12