Advocacy Practice for Social Justice

Since the publication of its first edition in 2005, Advocacy Practice for Social Justice has served as a clear, comprehensive, and practical resource for social work courses in advocacy, community practice, and macro practice. Now in its fourth edition, this text provides extensive information on the value base for advocacy; an examination of why people get involved in advocacy; and step-by-step instructions for social workers and others who want to impact laws, regulations, and policies at any level. Bearing in mind the National Association of Social Workers' Code of Ethics' requirements to advocate on behalf of vulnerable populations, readers learn that advocacy is a problem-solving technique similar to that used in social work practice of all types. The book moves through the stages of advocacy: getting involved; understanding the issue; planning; advocating through education, persuasion, and negotiation; presenting information effectively; monitoring and evaluating results; and integrating advocacy into a social worker's everyday practice.

In addition to including extensive updates with new source material, the author provides information on how to handle the dangers of being a social justice advocate in the age of increased partisan divisions, greater numbers of hate groups, and vehement social media harassment. The fourth edition's inclusion of new topics and solid foundation in social work values makes it a must-read as social work students and practitioners work diligently to maintain the profession's focus on successful advocacy for social justice.

Richard Hoefer, PhD, MA, MSSW, is Roy E. Dulak Professor for Community Practice Research at the University of Texas at Arlington's School of Social Work, where students have twice voted him to receive the Fernando Torgerson Teaching Award (most recently in April of 2018). He has authored, co-authored, and edited ten books and over 80 journal articles and conference papers. He also is a frequent conference keynoter on the topics on advocacy, social policy, and persuasiveness. Dr. Hoefer is the founding editor of The Journal of Policy Practice, which he has led for the past 16 years.