Social workers engaging in advocacy generally aim to:

Advocacy in social work is fundamentally focused on influencing policy changes at systemic levels. This aligns with the core values of the profession, which emphasize social justice, equity, and the empowerment of individuals and communities. Social workers recognize that many issues affecting individuals and communities—such as poverty, discrimination, and access to healthcare—are rooted in larger systemic structures. Therefore, engaging in advocacy allows social workers to address the underlying policies that contribute to these issues.

By targeting systemic change, social workers can help create a more just society. This can include lobbying for new legislation, promoting awareness of social issues, and mobilizing communities to take collective action. Such efforts aim to bring about long-lasting improvements that benefit large groups rather than focusing solely on individual cases. This systemic perspective is vital for making meaningful progress in social work practice.