In this chapter, you will learn how to:

1. Analyze how the American safety-net sector evolved over time
2. Analyze how economic inequalities are powerfully linked to defects in American safety-net programs
3. Analyze the political economy of the safety-net sector, including powerful players and interests as well as underrepresented ones—and identify key advocacy groups
4. Use safety-net programs, as well as information you obtain from advocacy groups, as resources for your clients
5. Engage in policy advocacy to address seven core problems in the safety-net sector by recognizing Red Flag Alerts and connecting micro policy advocacy, mezzo policy advocacy, and macro policy advocacy
6. Discuss major proposals for reforming the safety-net sector