Advocacy and Communication in Social Work (SWK556)

SWK556 Advocacy and Communication in Social Work equips students with the critical skills and knowledge necessary to effectively advocate for individuals, communities, and systemic change within diverse social contexts. Focused on leadership in social impact, the course explores advocacy as both a strategic process and ethical practice central to social work’s commitment to social justice and human rights. Students will learn to navigate complex communication environments, engage diverse stakeholders, and develop compelling messages that influence policy, public opinion, and institutional practices. The course combines theoretical frameworks with practical tools in persuasive communication, media engagement and management, policy advocacy, and community mobilization. Through case studies, role-plays, and project work, students will cultivate their capacity to lead advocacy initiatives that advance equity, inclusion, and social transformation.

• Introduction to advocacy in social work
• Models and approaches to advocacy in social work
• Understanding policy and political context
• Policy advocacy: influencing social policy and services
• Effective communication strategies in social work advocacy
• Media management and digital advocacy
• Writing for social changes: reports, briefs, and submissions
• Public speaking and oral advocacy in social work
• Building coalitions and networks for collective impact
• Ethics, power, and representation in social work advocacy
• Measuring the impact of advocacy initiatives
• Designing an advocacy or communication campaign

• Analyse the role of advocacy in social work.
• Apply ethical framework and cultural competence in advocacy work.
• Critically evaluate advocacy strategies and campaigns.
• Demonstrate skills in persuasive oral and written communication tailored to advocacy context.
• Develop strategic communication plan.
• Design and lead an advocacy initiative or communication campaign addressing social justice issue.