Session: Leading Interdisciplinary Teams for Health Equity Policy Change in Polarized Environments (Society for Social Work and Research 30th Annual Conference Anniversary)

I aim to organize the session around four interconnected activities that encourage shared learning and practical application, all within an inclusive, supportive atmosphere. First, Case Study Showcase & Strategic Analysis will set the stage. Selected speakers will offer concise presentations (“lightning talks”) illustrating how interdisciplinary teams tackle policy advocacy for health equity in polarized environments. As participants listen, they will be prompted to note common threads in team dynamics, conflict resolution tactics, and any ethical dilemmas that shaped the trajectory of the work. A brief facilitated discussion follows, allowing the group to reflect on the successes, challenges, and transferable lessons. Next, we will transition to the Interactive Mini-Workshop: Translating Research for Advocacy. Here, I will give a short overview of key communication and framing principles. Participants will then split into small groups to adapt a real or hypothetical research finding into an advocacy message that resonates with a politically diverse or potentially skeptical audience. This hands-on segment will illuminate the value of strategic framing, relatable data presentation, and the importance of identifying trusted messengers—all crucial for motivating stakeholders and moving policies forward in polarized contexts. Building on that, the Facilitated Dialogue: Ethical Navigation and Strategic Engagement brings the ethical dimension to the forefront. I will present one or two realistic scenarios involving politically contentious situations—such as internal disagreements about policy directions or external pressures that compromise core social work values. Participants will analyze these scenarios in small groups or pairs, discussing how to balance social justice commitments with the reality of negotiating and building coalitions. We will reconvene to share thoughts and potential strategies, ensuring we explore a range of viewpoints while maintaining a collaborative, respectful environment. Finally, the session concludes with Collaborative Brainstorming: Identifying Priority Research Gaps. Participants will have a moment to reflect on the unresolved questions, new insights, or methodological needs that arose during prior segments. Using sticky notes or a digital board, they will briefly offer research ideas or questions. I will then guide a rapid process to cluster similar suggestions and collectively vote on which deserve the most attention. This step ensures we leave with clearly defined research priorities that can inform ongoing or future projects, all aligned with advancing health equity advocacy in challenging political landscapes. Throughout the session, I will stay mindful of time, use facilitation techniques that invite broad participation, and model an inclusive approach that values each attendee’s expertise. My intention is for participants to depart not only with new ideas, but also with concrete strategies, ethical frameworks, and collaborative connections that can shape meaningful work well beyond the conference setting.