Web Activities

Click on the following links. Please note these will open in a new window.

Activity 1: Video Interviews

Watch these video interviews, where Professor Samuel Mistrano answers two questions:

  1. In what ways have you attempted to challenge the status quo?
  2. In regard to our safety-net sector, what are some of the underlying values that Americans have about the working poor? What policy would you propose to reduce income inequality?

After watching the videos, consider these questions:

  • Identify one way in which Professor Mistrano has challenged the status quo. How might you use some of his strategies or tactics to address a problem in your own community?
  • Do you agree with his policy suggestions to reduce income inequality? Why or why not?
  • What are some ways that you can address the status quo or issues of social injustice in your community?

Activity 2: Political Typologies

The Pew Research Center has identified eight specific political typologies, sorting voters into cohesive groups based on their attitudes and values. Of the eight groups, three are strongly ideological, two on the right and one on the left, while the other typology groups are less partisan and less predictable.

  • Select Take the Typology Quiz to find out which Political Typology group is your best match compared with a national survey of over 10,000 U.S. adults. Was it hard to answer some of the questions? How did you decide which response to choose?
  • Do you think this quiz provided an accurate reflection of your political typology? Why or why not?
  • How can the knowledge of the various political typologies be helpful when advocating for policy change?

Activity 3: Advocacy and Organizing

The National Association of Social Workers produces media toolkits to help members learn what the media wants and how to write effective letters, press releases, and other public documents. Review the media toolkits provided.

  • How might you use one of the Toolkits in your advocacy work?
  • Is there a topic that is not represented in the Toolkits that you would like to see? What might be some helpful resources related to this topic?
  • NASW says that “Social workers help educate the public by writing letters to the editor and op-ed pieces that clarify misinformation about social programs and point out social injustices that may otherwise escape public attention.” Write a sample letter to the editor about a topic of importance to you.