Mezzo Policy Basics
What is the definition of mezzo policy advocacy?
A. Helping a single client navigate policies
B. Changing state/federal laws for large groups
C. Creating internal policies only
D. Addressing individuals’ problems by changing organizations/communities
D. Addressing individuals’ problems by changing organizations/communities
When deciding whether to proceed (Challenge 1), what should be the primary consideration?
A. If the executive director requests it
B. If it will be easy and quick
C. If client problems link to agency deficits
D. If it only affects the social worker personally
C. If client problems link to agency deficits
What historical events contributed to the creation of WLCAC?
A. White flight to suburbs
B. Police brutality and Watts Riots of 1965
C. School desegregation orders
D. Federal funding for urban renewal
B. Police brutality and Watts Riots of 1965
Which of the following is not one of the five core skills of mezzo policy advocacy?
A. Negotiating and bargaining
B. Initiating
C. Budgeting
D. Communicating
C. Budgeting
What does Challenge 2, “deciding where to focus,” involve for advocates?
Identifying which areas to target, such as an agency’s mission, budget priorities, funding sources, or community-level institutions like zoning boards or councils.
Which of the following was an early success of WLCAC?
A. Building a hospital
B. Removing gang injunctions
C. Stopping all new construction
D. Establishing charter schools
B. Removing gang injunctions
(also acceptable: liquor store restrictions, park renovations, community farm)
Which is an example of an external policy that becomes internalized?
A. An agency mission statement
B. Staff values/preferences
C. Government funding requirements
D. Informal organizational culture
C. Government funding requirements
In Challenge 3, how can advocates get decision makers to recognize unresolved problems?
A. Wait until after a budget crisis ends
B. Place issues on the agenda at favorable times
C. Present only emotional appeals
D. Avoid using the media or coalitions
B. Place issues on the agenda at favorable times
How does an “aggressive/defensive” organizational culture affect advocacy approaches?
Such cultures emphasize competition, power, and perfectionism; advocates must appeal to leaders’ desire for control/status rather than collaboration.
How do informal policies differ from formal ones, and why do they matter for advocacy?
Formal policies are written rules (budgets, eligibility criteria, mission statements), while informal ones are cultural practices, relationships, and values that can shape daily operations and either support or hinder advocacy.
After analyzing why a problem exists (Challenge 4), what is the next logical step?
Develop a strategy or proposal to address the problem (Challenge 5).
What are the dual goals of WLCAC’s Zero Displacement Policy?
A. End all development and construction
B. Ensure development doesn’t displace residents + hire local workers
C. Limit business owners’ power in zoning boards
D. Expand liquor store licensing for revenue
B. Ensure development doesn’t displace residents + hire local workers
Why must advocates understand both agency and community contexts before intervening?
Because each context has different opportunities and constraints, successful advocacy requires ethical awareness, a realistic strategy, and alignment with stakeholders’ needs.
Name the last three challenges (6–8) and explain why they matter.
Building support, implementing the strategy, and assessing effectiveness — they ensure policies are backed by stakeholders, adopted effectively, and evaluated for improvement.
What barriers might WLCAC face in implementing the Zero Displacement Policy?
Gaining political support, building coalitions, countering developer resistance, navigating bureaucracy, and balancing community needs with economic pressures.