1. The seven variables related to getting involved with advocacy are the person’s educa- tional level, values, sense of professional responsibility, interest, skills, level of participation in other organizations, and amount of free time. Give yourself a grade from A to F on each variable. Discuss why you think this is so. Create a plan to improve each area where you have a grade of B or less.
2. Choose a human services issue that is of interest to you. Write a one- to two-page letter that you can send to a legislator that presents your ideas on this issue. Review your letter in light of the information on persuasion discussed in an earlier chapter. Send it.
3. Select an existing human services program. Find information on how its budget has changed over the past five years. Relate this to the change in need for the program. Write a short paper summarizing the information and whether you believe the budget has been adequate or not. If you feel particularly passionate about this topic, schedule an appoint- ment with an appropriate target to explain why you believe the budget needs to be increased, decreased, or remain the same.