ABSTRACT
Although social work does not stand as the sole proprietor of the welfare state, arguably few other professions have as much of an interest in it as do we. Since the inception of the profession, social workers have been pivotal in articulating how our social contract will be realized in relation to those who are most vulnerable within society. The policy innovations for which the profession has fought have not only become the foundation of the welfare state but also the bread and butter for most social workers today. As Hoefer (2010, p. 161) states, “. . . social workers have not only an ethical duty to know how to advocate well, but also a strong self-interest in being able to persuade decision makers.” Our willingness and ability to engage civically and to advocate politically is pivotal not only to ensuring the well-being of all in our society, but also to the profession’s own survival.
