Teaching Note—Illuminating Policy Practice Close to Home: The Syracuse University Experience

Abstract

ABSTRACT Appreciation of policy practice and its rudiments can be achieved beyond the walls of a university classroom, an understanding exemplified by Syracuse University School of Social Work’s annual James L. Stone Legislative Policy Day (LPD). This article describes the school’s approach and its creative use of the Onondaga County Legislative Chambers as venue of choice. Students, faculty, government officials, local and national presenters, and community members all come together to explore the development and implementation of policy change through the lens of social and economic justice. Seven key components of LPD are explicated. Dignity and worth of humankind, one of social work’s professional values, remains at the center of LPD’s efforts. In addition, strengths associated with people and causes are interwoven in the presentations associated with the day. This is coupled with showcasing how the legislative process works and highlighting salient social activist tactics that may be used, given the area of focus.