This textbook on palliative social work is a companion volume to the Oxford Textbook of Palliative Medicine and the Oxford Textbook of Palliative Nursing. To that end, this chapter will accomplish the following:

♦ Advocacy is not optional; it is one of our profession's ethical obligations and a cornerstone of social work practice.

♦ All social workers have the responsibility to cultivate and role-model leadership skills whatever their job title may be.

♦ Social workers at all levels of practice need to seek leadership opportunities in order to ensure that we are part of the decision-making process shaping palliative care.

♦ Elevating the professionalism of social work requires individual self-awareness and ongoing professional development and integrity.