Social Work Policy Practice in Action

Social Work Policy Practice in Action: Views from the Field bridges the gap between the classroom and real-world practice by providing social work students with video modules that expose them to clients and social workers in a safe and simple, but no less real, environment. The video modules are supplemented by written material and discussion questions that further apply social work concepts to practice and inspire in-depth analysis and critical thinking.

The first video module serves as an introduction, inspiring social work students to explore advocacy opportunities and discover their individual passions. Later video modules focus on specific populations or issues, such as poverty, mental illness, the criminal justice system, and more. The videos provide students with concrete depictions of marginalized populations and the complex systems of society and government that can either serve or oppress those individuals.

Supplementary written material and discussion questions build upon what students have viewed in the videos, challenging them to think critically about marginalization and oppression, and encouraging them to thoughtfully analyze and advocate for policies that best serve both marginalized individuals and society as a whole.

Designed to offer instructors and students an interactive and engaging way to approach social work policy, Social Work Policy Practice in Action is ideal for courses in social work policy, social work, human diversity, sociology, and criminal justice.

Dawn Broers teaches in higher education and works in private practice. She holds a Ph.D. in social work policy practice and began her social work career over 20 years ago working with severely and persistently mentally ill adults. She then transitioned to serve as a school social worker before joining the faculty at Olivet Nazarene University. Professor Broers currently runs a part-time private practice and advocates for the homeless, as well as families personally affected by epilepsy.

Phil Gioja, who produced the online video companion modules of the text, is a documentary filmmaker with a passion for helping nonprofit and charitable groups share their stories. He has produced several notable documentaries including "The Phoenix: Hope Is Rising," "The Old Courthouse Museum," and "From Chains to Freedom." He is the owner of Center Street Productions, which has provided video production services for companies including Caterpillar, Danfoss Drives, and CSL Behring. He earned his bachelor's degree in cinema and photography from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.