Abstract
Social workers are not born advocates. They must be educated and trained for this prominent professional role that will be expected of them. Advocacy is integrally tied to leadership and leadership skills. This article addresses this connection and identifies relational leadership—a type of leadership that is appropriate for social work advocacy. The author presents how a BSSW program followed best practice principles in curricular development and created an educational environment both inside and outside the classroom to enhance relational leadership. The foundation of this environment is the belief that leadership can be learned and it is everybody's business. Evaluation results from multiple outcomes measures are encouraging. Evidence is provided that students in this program have become involved as leaders and advocates. The author argues that students in social work programs have untapped leadership potential. To tap the potential for future leadership and advocacy, students need to be offered a comprehensive educational experience that fosters empowerment and confidence.
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