Gulf Coast Disaster Policy Contest - 2006

Entry Instructions

Since the devastation caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the Gulf Coast area in 2005, many states are reviewing their preparedness status and developing policies to address future disasters. Among examples are: early warning systems, evacuation plans for vulnerable populations like the elderly and disabled, establishment of key sites for distribution of resources, immigrants or undocumented workers, and training of more first responders. There are many opportunities to “influence” these proposals at the state and local levels, and contest participants are encouraged to submit their efforts to the Gulf Coast Disaster Policy Contest-2006.

Each email entry will have two (2) attachments titled “Attachment One” and “Attachment Two.” For instructions regarding each of these attachments, see below.

#1 Attachment One

This attachment will describe a project in which you are actually participating or planning to impact disaster legislation, regulations, or policy at the state or local level. Your project must benefit a community or a group particularly vulnerable to disaster. This document must have a running head. The running head on this document will be your unique code. (See below for instructions on how to formulate the unique code.)

Your entry must address the following issues:

The Vulnerable Community

Why is this community more vulnerable to disasters than most? Why do you think this vulnerability exists? How would you assess the level of their vulnerability? How many members of this vulnerable group are in your community or state? What kinds of diversity are present within this community?

The Purpose

What is the purpose of your plan or some piece of legislation? How will your project improve social work practice before, during, or after a disaster? How does your project fulfill the NASW code of ethics with regards to social and economic justice?

The Outcome(s)

How can you measure the success of your project? Consider process measures as well as outcome measures. What are potential obstacles or barriers to success? What are factors improving your chances for success?

Your Own Professional Learning

What is your relationship to the vulnerable community? What was your personal experience during the 2005 hurricane season? What did you learn about the connection between policy and social work practice? What connections did you make between your personal experience and your social work education? If your project was done with a group, feel free to share this aspect of your experience.

#2 Attachment Two

This attachment must contain your identifying information. Please include your full name and your faculty advisor’s full name, along with street addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers for each. Also include the name, location, and level (BSW or MSW) of your Social Work program. If a group completed your project, provide the full name of each student involved in the project. Identify a lead student who will serve as a liaison between your group and the contest organizers.

The Unique Code

The unique code is the first initial of the first name, the last initial of the last name and the two-digit month and day of birth. For example, Jane Addams’ unique identifier would be JA0906 because she was born on September 6. The lead student’s unique code will be the running head on the documents in Attachment One and Attachment Two.

Specifications

All entries must be submitted as an attachment to an email to influencinggulfcoast@yahoo.com. The attachment may be no longer than a 3 page Microsoft Word document, 12 pt. font, double spaced, and 8.5’’ by 11.” Both Attachment One and Two must have a running head with your unique code. [See above for instructions on how to formulate the unique code.]

A Final Word

Influencing State Policy understands that student projects will be in varying stages of development, implementation and evaluation due to the nature of this year’s hurricane season. No stage of project development will be favored over another in the judging of submissions.

FAQ

Who is eligible?

From June, 2005, any full time or part time BSW and MSW social work students and full time and part time/ adjunct faculty in accredited or in-candidacy social work educational programs in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida are eligible to submit entries.

What will the winning Student(s) get?

One award of $1,000 and an engraved plaque will be presented to a student as an individual or to a group of students. Group winners will share the award.

What will the winning Faculty Member get?

One award of $500 will be made to the faculty member advising the winning student(s).

Who will judge the contest?

A committee of social work professionals will review all entries and determine the winner. The committee will be composed of social work faculty. The decision of the committee will be final.

Where do I email my entry?

Submit your entry via email to influencinggulfcoast@yahoo.com. [Do NOT email or send via US postal mail your entry to Influencing State Policy.]

Deadline for entries:

All entries must be received via email by May 5, 2006. Send to influencinggulfcoast@yahoo.com.

When and where will awards be made?

An awards ceremony will take place during The Policy Conference in Washington DC in June 2006. Unfortunately, ISP cannot pay travel or lodging expenses.

What will happen to my entry?

All entries will be featured on the ISP website by fall, 2006. The ISP monthly electronic newsletter, UPDATE, will provide a direct link to these entries.