“The policy context includes aspects such as the distribution of power, the range of organizations involved and their interests, and the formal and informal rules that govern interactions between the different actors. The political context shapes the way political processes work” (Nash, R., Hudson, A. and Luttrell, C., 2006). It is important to understand the political context in which a social policy issue occurs. When I think of context, I think of action. An advocate attempting to influence policy would be concerned with political contexts, as they would determine the likelihood, appropriateness, and capabilities of one's behavior (action) and conduct while seeking to enact change. By understanding the political context in which a social policy issue occurs, a person's strategy and approach can be described to understand how changes can be made. Progress can be slow without understanding the political context. An advocate may understand what needs to be changed, but not understand why the change has not happened. The advocate may also be able to enact change in social policy issues if he or she has a strong understanding of the political context. The advocate must be able to align with those who can be recruited to change the context of a policy. The attorney can also determine the severity of instituting the change and the likelihood of achieving the change. “The appropriate level of action and type of advocacy strategy will depend on the political, social and economic situation prevailing at any given time” (Rietbergen,-McCracken, J., nd). It is important to include and identify stakeholders in the policy-making process. In doing so, the stakeholder can...... middle of document ......on-files/186.pdfNational Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare (2014). How the Affordable CareAct Helps Seniors. Retrieved from http://www.ncpssm.org/PublicPolicy/Medicare/Documents/ArticleID/216/How-the-Affordable-Care-Act-Helps-SeniorsRietbergen,-McCracken, J. (nd) PG Exchange. People-centered advocacy. Civicus. Retrieved from http://www.pgexchange.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=135&Ite mid=125Snow, J. (2014). Metroweekly. Senators decide to extend full Social Security benefits to same-sex couples. Retrieved from http://www.metroweekly.com/2014/05/senators-move-to-extend-same-sex-couples-full-social-security-benefits/Social Security Administration (2013). Press release. Social Security announces 1.5 percent benefit increase for 2014. Retrieved from http://www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/pr/2014cola-pr.html