Stephanie Boys, School of Social Work
Principal Investigators: Stephanie Boys, associate professor, School of Social Work
Co-Principal Investigators: Stephanie Lyons, director of field education, and Renee Betts, BSW field coordinator, School of Social Work
Project Title: Policy Field Unit: Preparing Social Work Students for Careers in Politics and Advancing Social Justice
Funding Level: $5,000
Abstract:
The Indiana University School of Social Work proposes to create a new Policy Field Unit within our School. The Field Unit will immerse five BSW and Community and Organizational Leadership MSW students in an academic year of policy development and advocacy. The Policy Field Unit will focus on the state legislative process and deepening the students’ understanding of the connection between race/ethnicity and poverty. Students will be tasked with researching, proposing, tracking, and influencing legislation, as well as networking and collaborating with community organizations and alliances. In the fall semester, students will focus on policy development and coalition building. Students will be required to research several issues of personal interest within parameters that they impact social and economic justice. After developing and analyzing competing policy solutions, students will draft proposed legislation, assemble a legislative sponsor for the legislation and work with Indiana Legislative Services to draft a bill for introduction at the start of the Indiana General Assembly session in January. During the spring semester, students will track and advocate for their legislation, as well as other relevant legislation, by lobbying, testifying, writing position statements, and organizing community partners. The end of each Indiana General Assembly session closely coincides with the end of the semester, providing timely closure for projects. Longitudinal data will be collected on career paths of students who participate in the Policy Field Unit.
