Definition of Macro Practice
The macro practice is a multidimensional concept in social work defined as a set of activities effected in organizational, community and policy domains ( Netting et al., 2016) . In numerous social work entities, the macro elements of social work practice entailing policy advocacy, strategy analysis, and community mobilization are utilized. In the past, there has been a disinvestment in macro social work practice in the realms of social justice and community development among vulnerable populations ( Reisch, 2016) . However, significant attention is now focusing on macro-level social work in various settings.
In analyzing macro practice in the context of social work, the conflict theory examines the various ways social and economic disparities are perpetuated because of social status stratification in society. According to Netting et al., (2016) , this model typically conjectures that all societies are divided into the privileged and the underprivileged. Because those in power often exercise authority over the disadvantaged, the limited resources become concentrated among a few influential individuals. A neo-Marxist viewpoint of the conflict theory portrays social workers as enablers of this unfair social control (Netting et al., 2016).
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Skills Related to Macro Practice
Community Organizing
Community organizing skills involves the ability of macro practice social workers to create consensus on shared community issues. According to Reisch (2016) , this is a vital skill for these professionals as it allows them to generate public consciousness regarding a specific topical concern as well as mobilizing people to work towards a mutual objective. Netting et al. (2016) assert that the community organizing capability galvanizes individuals to take part in community-driven initiatives.
Program Development
Program development skills are those dexterities that enable macro practice social workers to plan effectively, design intervention parameters, test the program and successfully roll out the program to address a specific social issue ( Reisch, 2016) . Social workers are obligated to understand the principles of logic as well as culturally acceptable and ethical strategies to institute social change. As Reisch (2016) affirms, this skill utilizes both analytical and political expertise in seeking to alleviate the various social challenges affecting the community.
Leadership
Leadership skills are those competencies that individuals utilize when influencing other people to accomplish a shared goal ( Reisch, 2016). Leadership in social work is an important skill that should be nurtured by all professionals seeking to excel in this career. At the macro level, this skill aids social workers to pursue social justice by influencing policy and advocating for the rights of others. According to Reisch (2016) , the capacity to effectively lead and assist others is what defines the social work profession.
How each of the Skills could be used to help a Population
Community Organizing
Because this skill involves leading social change through building public awareness on particular broad community issues, social workers can use community organizing to reduce child poverty in communities. As Stern and Axinn (2017) state, this can be achieved by holding public education campaigns where the public gets informed of various ways of eliminating the stigma on families experiencing child poverty. Social workers create consciousness among individuals regarding the barriers that low-income households face and how they can be dealt with.
Program Development
The program development skill uses a basic set of planning principles and focuses on creating a problem-solving framework to address community issues ( Reisch, 2016) . Macro-level social workers can use this capability to alleviate homelessness. They can achieve this by developing strong partnerships with governmental agencies to co-design a policy that compels local and state governments to build affordable housing units and institutions for the homeless.
Leadership
Leadership is an essential skill that can be used in numerous contexts to bring about social transformation ( Reisch, 2016) . For example, social workers in leadership positions can use this skill to advance the welfare of minority groups in their organizations. Because most people of color are often discriminated against during hiring, the manager could take deliberate actions such as setting aside a portion of the vacancies specifically for candidates from minority communities.
NASW Values that are Most Associated with Macro Social Work Practice
Service
Service is among the NASW values that are most pertinent to macro-level social work. According to Netting et al. (2016) , this principle is fundamental in macro practice because it supports all other social work values. Furthermore, social workers typically advance the needs and interests of others over their own. Because this domain of social work operates under broader settings, this value brings the optimal benefits to the maximum amount of people within communities and agencies.
Social Justice
Social justice is most associated with macro practice because the profession seeks to advocate for the rights of disadvantaged groups rather than individuals. Stern and Axinn (2017) assert that macro-level social work represent an inherent desire to enrich the lives of as many people as possible, especially those that are not in a position to advocate for their rights. Because the NASW states that addressing social ills in communities is their vocation, this value is of the essence in macro practice social work.
Importance of Human Relationships
The prominence afforded on human relationships in macro social work stems from the fact that connecting people in need of assistance to entities that can offer appropriate aid is among the major roles of social workers ( Reisch, 2016) . For this to be achieved at a macro level, these workers must value human relationships as facilitators of social change.
References
Netting, F. E., Kettner, P. M., McMurtry, S. L., & Thomas, M. L. (2016). Social work macro practice . Pearson.
Reisch, M. (2016). Why macro practice matters. Journal of Social Work Education , 52 (3), 258-268.
Stern, M. J., & Axinn, J. (2017). Social welfare: A history of the American response to need . Pearson.
