Social advocacy technologies through the eyes of higher education students

Third-year part-time students of the educational and professional programme “Social Work and Practical Psychology” (Specialty 231 “Social Work”) successfully passed the assessment in the course “Social Advocacy Technologies” and shared their impressions of a course that combines theoretical training with practical tools for influencing social processes.

The aim of the course is to develop the professional competence of future social workers, ensure the acquisition of theoretical foundations of social advocacy, and foster practical skills in designing and implementing advocacy campaigns.

Students emphasize that the course became not only an educational component within their individual educational trajectory but also an important experience of personal and professional development.

Students’ feedback:

“The course ‘Social Advocacy Technologies’ turned out to be really useful and interesting for me. At first, it seemed quite complicated, but in reality, it was very practical and closely connected to real life. There were many real-life examples, which helped to better understand how advocacy works not only ‘on paper’. We didn’t just listen — we analyzed problems and learned how to formulate our ideas in a way that could influence decision-making. This develops not only knowledge but also self-confidence. The course left a very positive impression and will definitely be useful for those who want to influence society” (Liliia).

“Choose this course if you want not just to study, but to make a real impact. It is about turning a problem into action: identifying stakeholders, finding allies, building a campaign, and achieving results. It offers clear tools without unnecessary theory, but with a strong focus on practice. The learning process resembles real advocacy: you argue, plan, and persuade. It is an opportunity to be heard already now” (Nataliia).

Students also highlight the applied nature of the discipline and its relevance in contemporary society.

“This is not just a course, but a real tool for influence. It teaches you not to be indifferent, but to act: to defend your rights, support others, and change the environment around you. What is especially valuable is that the knowledge can be applied immediately. For example, the issue of children’s road safety: through advocacy, it is possible to initiate information campaigns, promote the installation of traffic lights or road signs near schools. The course teaches not only to talk about problems but also how to act effectively. This is a discipline for those who want not just to learn, but to create real change” (Viktoriia).

“I would like to share my impressions of the course. I am grateful to the lecturers for such informative and accessible teaching. Each class was engaging and emotionally impactful. It is important to understand that advocacy campaigns concern not only specific individuals but all of us. In life, situations may arise where this knowledge can help find solutions – both for yourself and for your loved ones” (Daria).

“This discipline goes beyond theory and provides real tools for impact. It develops communication and persuasion skills, the ability to work with audiences and media, as well as critical thinking. Through real cases, we begin to understand how social processes function and how they can be changed for the better. It fosters an active civic position” (Liubov).

The course “Social Advocacy Technologies” is taught by Anastasiia Popova and Alla Melnychuk –— lecturers who combine strong theoretical expertise with practical experience in social work.

Students particularly appreciate the clarity of instruction, continuous support in the educational process, and a strong focus on practical application. Classes are structured as an interactive environment where not only knowledge matters, but also the ability to argue, analyze social problems, and find effective solutions.

According to the students, studying with these lecturers is not just about acquiring theoretical knowledge but about full immersion in advocacy practice – from idea to implementation. This approach fosters confidence, an active civic stance, and readiness for professional activity.

The course convincingly demonstrates that modern training of social workers involves not only understanding social issues but also the ability to effectively influence their resolution. Such educational components prepare specialists who are ready not only to observe but to transform society.

The course “Social Advocacy Technologies,” implemented within the educational programmes “Social Work and Practical Psychology” and “Social Work and Social Pedagogy,” contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

Based on materials prepared by: Alla Melnychuk,
Assistant of the Department of Social Work and Inclusive Education,
Coordinator of the Leadership School