Influencing State Legislators: A Framework for Developing Effective Social Work Interest Groups

Social workers can affect current and future state legislation through membership and involvement in effective interest groups. Although prior studies examine traits and characteristics of effective interest groups, the data are gathered from interest group self-reports or case studies and many fail to solicit the perspectives of political decision makers. Qualitative data collection methods are used to gather the experiences and perspectives of nine state legislators on effective interest groups. The data analysis revealed five emerging themes and three subthemes, which together form a framework for developing effective interest groups. Implications for social work education, practice, and research are discussed.