Discussion: Comparing Change and Advocacy

Although related, social change and advocacy differ in important ways. Each brings with it a particular perspective that has implications for the actions you might take toward resolving professional and societal issues and, therefore, the results that would ensue from these actions. 

To prepare: Review this week’s Learning Resources. Think about the  distinction between social change and advocacy perspectives related to the  professional or societal issue you selected for your Capstone Project. Consider the implications of these differences on actions that you might take, as well as the potential results.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post your perspective on the distinctions between social change and advocacy regarding the United Nations Environmental Protection (. Discuss the implications of these distinctions and differences. Then, explain the actions that you might take from both social change and advocacy perspectives to address the primary issues related to the strategic plan you will develop, as well as the potential results.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the Learning Resources.

Learning Resources 

Note: To access this week’s required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.

Required Readings

Homan, M. S. (2016). Promoting community change: Making it happen in the real world (6th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage.

· Chapter 4, “Putting Yourself in the Picture” (pp. 96–112) 

· Chapter 5, “Knowing Your Community” (pp. 131–172)

· Chapter 12, “Taking Action—Strategies and Tactics” (pp. 379–417) 

Schutz, A. (2011). Power and trust in the public realm: John Dewey, Saul Alinsky, and the limits of progressive democratic education. Educational Theory, 61(4), 491–512. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Snow, K. C. (2013). The importance of advocacy and advocacy competencies in human service professions. Journal of Human Services, 33(1), 5–16. Retrieved from the Walden Library databases.

Laureate Education (Producer). (2009a). Advocacy [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.