ABSTRACT
Social and political change often requires a wide constituency, as well as the efforts of influential people, legislators, and national organizations. The coalition-building model is effective in widening the base of support to address a specific problem or concern. Once the coalition has formed, set goals, and developed a plan of action, the change process begins. In working with challenges and issues related to disability, an effective coalition can include major disability organizations, human service agencies, and community groups. Through knowledge of the community organization, the social worker can act as spokesperson for the organization as needed in the broader coalition arena. Political advocacy social workers may choose from a variety of models. In order to effect change at the broader level, several practice models have been developed for social work professionals. Similar to the coalition model, the group theory model suggests that groups can work together to achieve change goals.
